“HE HAS RISEN”- Kawhi Leonard’s hype post has fans abuzz ahead of impending return 

LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard surprised NBA fans on Friday afternoon by posting a video on X. The post has captured the attention of basketball fans on social media who are excited about his imminent return.

Leonard's post was an ad for the second edition in his line of signature shoes for New Balance. While his post sounded cryptic, its message gave a clearer picture of his mindset in the midst of his injury woes.

Nonetheless, a fan on social media responded with an excited comment about his imminent comeback.

"HE HAS RISEN"

Other fans were equally excited about his return. Kawhi hasn't played for the LA Clippers since suffering a knee injury during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

"My goat back," a fan tweeted.

"KLAWWWWW OH MY GODDDDDD," another fan wrote.

"I love you, comeback big bro," another fan commented.

Other fans also shared their excitement about his return to the social media platform, X.

"Kawhi back on Twitter before GTA VI #ok," a fan added.

"Kawhi back on Twitter never thought this would happen man. welcome back King‬," a fan wrote.

The video which also doubles as an ad for New Balance sees Kawhi speaking to a fishing version of himself. The fishing version of him then gives an emotional reply that most fans would be excited about. During the ad, a message also appears on the radio stating that Leonard would be back in action "pretty soon."

"There's been good days, there's been bad days. But I keep coming back. It's the nature of the game."

LA Clippers coach Ty Lue recently gave details about his injury status, with Kawhi not expected to return this year or travel with the Clippers for their upcoming road trip games.

---

Kawhi Leonard injury blamed on load management by NBA legend

Kawhi Leonard has been criticized by NBA legend Julius Erving. The former Philadelphia 76ers star made his opinion known when he spoke on the "Come and Talk 2 Me" podcast on Dec. 23.

“Load management has messed me up because Kawhi Leonard was my guy," Julius Erving said. "San Antonio, Toronto, I’m in Kawhi’s corner... And then this load management stuff happened, and he’s playing like every fourth game. I’m like, what the hell happened to my guy? What happened to 82 games?”

In Kawhi Leonard’s absence, the Clippers have been led by James Harden in the West to seventh place with a record of 17-13.