Leonard returned to play against the Hawks at home, and the Clippers' morale is high. Because the Hawks are not a weak team, but an Eastern powerhouse. They have already double-killed the league's first Cavaliers this season, and even the Celtics were defeated by the Hawks. But the Clippers relied on Harden's organization and Leonard's ability to attack on the front line, and they literally broke the Hawks apart. You can really say that Leonard's return is like parachuting in a superstar on the basis of the playoffs, and Leonard and the Clippers are separated.
Now the Clippers already have the ability to compete for the championship, and Cardi's body is indeed fine, at least there is no problem now. Today, Leonard has traveled with the team to the away game, and the Clippers will face strong teams like the Timberwolves and Nuggets next. Clippers reporter Tomer Azarly reported on social media today that Leonard was not included in the latest Clippers injury report. Except for Kai Jones, the entire Clippers squad can play in the next game against the Timberwolves. Leonard still has time restrictions, and should gradually return to a normal state as his condition improves later.
And this time Leonard came back with a feeling of indifference to everything. He no longer cares about injuries, nor does he have a specific schedule, just taking it step by step. Because you can't predict the future, it's obvious that when reporters asked Leonard today what kind of maintenance and recovery he would do for his knees in the future? Cardi said, he doesn't know, and no one brings it up. Just try to exercise, play games if there are games, and he no longer focuses on his knees because it's a bit random.
Leonard said, "What I mean is, I don't even know when I'll get injured. Last time I felt good before going to bed, but the next day I woke up with sudden knee inflammation, and then I couldn't move, so I have no plan, just take it day by day."
In the end, it all comes down to that sentence. If God could favor Leonard's body and let him stay healthy for a year, then Cardi can play games if he can, and it's not strange if he doesn't. Now Leonard is back to play ball and reduce the pressure on Harden to lead the team. Tyronn Lue once said that when Harden was leading the team alone before, Leonard couldn't play, and he almost cried when he threw the team to a 35-year-old veteran. It was Harden who kept comforting Leonard. Cardi once said he was afraid of delaying the team after returning, and Harden said it was okay. After defeating the Hawks, Leonard said Harden is a leader because Powell and Zubac have become better with Harden around them. I think Leonard now understands that he cannot become the core of the Clippers.
A team leader must at least stay healthy, but Leonard can't do that. Only by leading the team for a long time and forming chemistry with teammates can you win over the crowd. Now, it is indeed Harden who is doing the work of the boss in the Clippers, and the team's tactical status revolves around Harden to launch attacks. Leonard's return only affects Harden's shooting rights, but does not affect Harden's ball control rights, which can make Harden more relaxed. In terms of spiritual attributes, Harden is now the leader of the Clippers both on and off the court, constantly speaking out. Leonard sees all this, so he feels guilty for Harden's hard work in leading the team.
Leonard said, "Harden is the leader of the Clippers, and under his leadership, Zubac and Powell have grown a lot, and Powell has even shown the world that he can become an All-Star player."
From Harden's perspective, this year Leonard didn't play, giving him a stage to perform, and Harden proved himself again. For Ballmer, the biggest mistake might be signing Harden for only 2 years and 70 million last offseason, instead of 3 years and 120 million. With Harden's current performance, is a salary of 40 million expensive? Has Harden ever asked for an extra penny from beginning to end?