Kawhi Leonard has blunt response to taking teammate’s spot: “Not like we’re No. 1 seed”

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was unbothered about any potential conflicts with teammates in light of his recent return.

Kawhi Leonard has blunt response to taking teammate’s spot: “Not like we’re No. 1 seed”

Kawhi Leonard is not bothered about return from injury

Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the league when healthy, but his availability on the court has been the biggest hurdle for him and the Los Angeles Clippers. After missing out for over 250 days due to injuries, returning to the starting lineup after a prolonged layoff is never easy, and Leonard is no exception.

The LA Clippers star has had a slow start since rejoining the team, struggling to find his rhythm. While expectations remain high for the 2x Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard knows that the best way forward is to focus on his own game rather than worry about disrupting team chemistry. Following the Clippers’ recent win over the Utah Jazz, Leonard addressed his performance and his role in the team’s offense.

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No. Not at all. Yeah, pretty much, I’m just out there playing, seeing when I can get my shots, seeing when I can get aggressive. I don’t feel no way about stepping on anybody’s toes. It’s not like we’re the No. 1 seed or something.

Kawhi Leonard told reporters

In the postgame interview, Leonard made it clear that his priority is regaining his form, which would see him stand amongst the best players in the league. As a 6x All-Star and 6x All-NBA star, it’s easy to understand why Leonard would have such high expectations of returning to his form when healthy. More importantly, the team chemistry within the Clippers’ locked room is making sure their star player is in no rush.

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Kawhi Leonard also brushed aside concerns about stepping on any teammates’ toes. The Clippers have seriously outperformed expectations for them coming into the season on the back of breakout seasons for players like Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac. Even so, he doesn’t feel that the Clippers are in a position where adjustments such as incorporating him back into the lineup would be an issue.

Kawhi Leonard is still working his way back from injury

The Clippers are undoubtedly glad to have Kawhi Leonard back on the floor, but they are also taking a cautious approach to his workload. Since his return, he has been on a minutes restriction to manage his injuries and conditioning after returning to the hardwood following a prolonged absence. While some would be peeved in a similar situation, this is a decision that Leonard fully supports.

I’m taking my time. I’ve done that in the past, and it led me on the bench, so I’m good where I’m at.

Kawhi Leonard recently told reporters after his return

The numbers suggest he is still far from peak form. Over his last four games, Leonard has averaged just 13.5 points per game while shooting an inefficient 39% from the field. While he has showcased a lot of the brilliance that cemented him as one of the best players in the NBA, the return to performing consistently on a nightly basis still evades the 33-year-old star.

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Through 14 games since his return, Leonard has been averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while playing 25.4 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency remains solid at 46.4% from the field, but the Clippers know that his impact will increase once he fully ramps up.