Kawhi Leonard has yet to make his first appearance this season as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. However, fans might not have to wait much longer. The Los Angeles Clippers star dropped a powerful hint about his return in a recently released New Balance commercial on Instagram.
In the ad, fans can see Leonard cruising through scenic roads in a vintage car. He listens to a voice message on his phone from a contact labeled “The Game” as the voice reminds Leonard to focus on his packed schedule.
“Hey Kawhi, I know you’re super busy now, but we really need you to get back with me. We really got to go over this upcoming schedule. And I get it. You’ve got a lot on the plate right now. You got recovery, the family, all the different media expectations,” the voice read.
As Leonard’s car pulls up near a serene fishing spot, viewers are introduced to a fisherman, who turns out to be another version of Leonard himself. The fisherman switches on the radio, where a sports announcer declares Leonard’s potential comeback on the court.
Then the viewers can see the first version of Leonard sitting beside the second version of him to have a chit chat about being cool and determined on hard days.
“Yo, I knew I could find you here.Catch anything?” asked Leonard’s first version.
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“Nah, not yet. There’ve been good days, there’ve been bad days. But I keep coming back. It’s the nature of the game,” replied his second version as a fisherman.
Kawhi Leonard’s Return Looms as Clippers Prepare for Star’s Impact
Kawhi Leonard’s long-awaited return to the Los Angeles Clippers’ lineup appears to be nearing reality. The star forward has taken significant steps toward his comeback, fully participating in the team’s most recent practice session, according to NBA analyst Tom Azarly.
Reportedly, Leonard is targeting Saturday, January 4, for his season debut in a home game against the Atlanta Hawks, per Law Murray of The Athletic. While the Clippers have managed without Leonard so far this season, his return could provide the boost they need to establish themselves as contenders in the Western Conference.
The Clippers head coach, Tyronn Lue, revealed that the team has been refining plays specifically tailored to maximize Leonard’s strengths. Lue also shared the importance of integrating the team’s new players, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Nicolas Batum, into the dynamic alongside Leonard. The adjustments go beyond just technical plays, as building on-court chemistry is crucial for the Clippers’ success moving forward.
