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LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue announced on Monday that he has finalized the team's starting lineup in the absence of superstar Kawhi Leonard. Lue revealed that the Clippers will begin the regular season with a starting five consisting of James Harden, Terance Mann, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac as Kawhi is expected to miss the first few games of the new season.
The confirmation came after the Clippers’ 110-96 preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to the game, Lue had also confirmed that Kawhi Leonard would miss the remainder of the preseason as he continues to recover from his knee injury.
Fans responded strongly to Coach Lue's announcement, which confirmed the extended absence of two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard.
"Oh dear heavens," a fan commented.
One fan suggested that Kawhi Leonard should consider retiring from the NBA, given his ongoing struggles with injuries.
"He should retire, he cashed out enough from clippers now."
"Starting 5 for the opener? So kawhi confirmed out of fu*king course," commented another fan.
"He’s cooked," opined another X user.
A couple of fans also voiced their agreement with coach Lue's choice of players in the starting lineup.
"I like it. DJJ is fun to watch fr. He can attack the paint and bring spacing on the floor," said a fan.
"Dunn-KPJ is a phenomenal bench backcourt," wrote another fan.
Kawhi Leonard not keen on playing 82 regular season games
Kawhi Leonard’s career has been plagued by injuries and he recognizes that at this stage, his primary focus is staying healthy for the most critical part of the season: the playoffs.
"As I get older, guys aren’t doing what I’m doing pretty much," Kawhi told media ahead of the Clippers' first preseason game against the Warriors. "You don’t see it around the league. Even when I was young… This is what I work for.
"I strive to get a championship. I’m not out there to try to play 82 games. I’m trying to win. Even tho that’s obligated for me. I try to, but it hasn’t worked out."
During the Clippers' media day, Kawhi expressed optimism about being ready for the team's regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23. However, with coach Tyronn Lue ruling that out, Clippers fans are now hoping for Kawhi's return sooner rather than later.
