Los Angeles Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard will not play in the team's preseason matchup against Melbourne United in Australia, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic:

Leonard has made just one appearance for his new team during the preseason, scoring seven points and recording six assists in just over 10 minutes against the Denver Nuggets on Friday.

The Clippers are likely going to employ the “load management” strategy with Leonard throughout the course of the regular season. Leonard missed a number of games with that designation as a member of the Toronto Raptors last year, a method that seemed to pay dividends when he played nearly 40 minutes per game during Toronto's march to the NBA title.

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Los Angeles is at the epicenter of the NBA. The Clippers stunned executives around the league by swinging a deal for Paul George and signing Leonard practically in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, the Lakers traded for superstar forward Anthony Davis and surrounded Davis and LeBron James with a host of quality veterans as they ramp up their quest for a championship.

Leonard is sure to be a focal point of this Clippers team. He can guard multiple positions, and should have more freedom playing off the ball with George in the rotation. Leonard and George will also anchor a Clippers defense that is sure to be one of the stingiest units in the NBA.

The L.A. native has always expressed a desire to return home, and he will undoubtedly have the chance to win another championship. But his status will also be something to monitor throughout the season.