"Baddest point guard in the league" - Clippers coach compares Kawhi Leonard's impending return to 2x All-Star's career

Kawhi Leonard is yet to feature for the LA Clippers this season after suffering a knee injury last season. With his impending return near, Clippers coach Ty Lue compared Leonard's attitude to former player Baron Davis on Monday's episode of The Draymond Green Show.

"I'm very excited," Lue said. "BD (Baron Davis), you were one of the baddest point guards in the league, and people don't get a chance to feel your full career because you got injured. But that doesn't mean you weren't putting in any work. Like you don't wanna be hurt. ...

"When I know I see him every day grinding every day in the weight room. Grinding on the court every single day. He can't control what he has going on. Like he just can't control it. If he could, he would. He's not a guy that doesn't care. He does care and that's what people don't understand."

Leonard's impending return received a boost after his cryptic ad for New Balance surfaced on X. Earlier, Lue told the press that the two-time NBA champion was stepping up his recovery by taking part in training sessions with their G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers.

Last season, the "Klaw" averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 68 games.

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What's next for Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers?

Kawhi Leonard has not played a competitive game since April. His impending return has given the Clippers fan base optimism after starting season 18-13.

Kawhi Leonard looks on from the bench in street clothes during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

In his absence, James Harden has led the Clippers to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. He is averaging 21.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 8.1 apg.

They are on a two-game winning streak and will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night at Smoothie King Center.