The L.A. Clippers will be without Kawhi Leonard for an undetermined period of time, but his involvement with the team won't be limited on the court.
Leonard leads by example, letting his actions do the talking for himself. However, his recent injury has forced him to become more vocal as he tries to help his teammates prepare for the 2021-22 grind. As far as Nicolas Batum is concerned, the Clippers forward is doing a fine job moonlighting as a coach, so to speak.
Via Mirjam Swanson of The Orange County Register:
“He’s a good coach, and he’s like that actually. So that’s good to have around because, you know, we miss him, but he can still have an impact on the team anyway.”
“He’s not like the loudest one, but no, he knows what to say, what to do. When he has (something) to say, especially on the side when we play five-on-five … he’ll take guys on the side and tell you what he sees, what he just saw the last previous play.”
To recall, Leonard was sidelined in the recent NBA Playoffs after partially tearing his right ACL. He underwent surgery in July, but his return timetable to the Clippers remains uncertain.
Sans the two-time NBA Finals MVP, the onus is on Paul George to lead the way for the Clippers. Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann, who both proved to be revelations in the playoffs, are expected to play more meaningful roles this season in Leonard's stead.
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