Kawhi Leonard provides blunt assessment of Clippers' new recruits

Leonard is recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2023-24 season with no set timeframe for him return. President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank recently avoided putting a timeline on the star's return to the rotation. 

“The timing will depend on how his knee responds to each phase,” Frank said, via Anthony De Leon of The Lost Angeles Times. “No one has a crystal ball. … I know he’s super determined to have a great year, but when it comes to your body and health, I don’t think you put time frames on it.”

Without Leonard in the rotation, the Clippers will need their new additions to quickly find their footing and help support James Harden and the rest of his new teammates. The franchise is entering its maiden season in the Intuit Dome and hopes to end the campaign with a winning record. 

Just because the new recruits haven't "stood out" to Leonard doesn't mean they're not making an impact or becoming ingrained in Lue's system. A team of coaches evaluates each player's growth and how to get the best out of each individual and the overall collective. 

Leonard is right to have high standards. He knows what it takes to win a championship. Still, there's plenty of time for the Clippers' new additions to begin impressing. 

If Leonard can get healthy in the near future, this could be a big season for the franchise, and the new additions will have a legitimate role to play.