Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
None of the performances from Kawhi Leonard’s teammates have caught his eye at the start of training camp.
The Los Angeles Clippers star told reporters on Saturday that “nobody stood out to me so far.”
The Clippers’ 2024-25 rotation will feature several new faces following the offseason departure of Paul George. The Philadelphia 76ers handed George a new four-year, $212 million contract in free agency after he spent the past five seasons in Los Angeles.
Leonard will still have an All-Star teammate in the Clippers’ starting lineup, as the team re-signed James Harden on a new two-year, $70 million contract.
Los Angeles also added several free agents that are expected to be part of head coach Tyronn Lue’s rotation including forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum as well as defensive-minded guard Kris Dunn.
With George gone, the Clippers will heavily rely on Leonard to carry their offense as they attempt to secure a third straight playoff appearance.
The six-time All-Star has dealt with inflammation in his right knee throughout the offseason that resulted in his exit from the United States men’s national team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics and ultimately required surgery.
Although he didn’t suit up during the Clippers’ 91-90 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, he revealed that he’s feeling better as he takes a cautious approach to his recovery.
“I feel good,” Leonard said at halftime of the game, per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “Just been taking my time, getting stronger, and getting ready.”
“We’re just taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the floor,” he added.
While his new teammates haven’t stood out to him just yet, they’ll still be hoping that he’s able to return ahead of the Clippers’ regular-season opener on Oct. 23.