Leonard Out for the Season? Clippers Poised to Tank for 2025 Top Prospect

There’s speculation that bad news could be coming for the Los Angeles Clippers, with a potential update about Kawhi Leonard's health situation. This rumor comes from a source close to Leonard in China, leading fans to wonder if the star forward is dealing with another injury setback. While nothing official has been confirmed yet, Clippers fans are on edge, fearing the worst for Leonard’s availability for the upcoming season.

Leonard’s history with injuries is no secret. Although he played a career-high 68 regular-season games last year, his body once again betrayed him in the playoffs. Leonard played in only two postseason games before being sidelined with a knee injury, and the Clippers were eliminated shortly after. Leonard also withdrew from Team USA’s preparation for the Paris Olympics, the only player to do so, citing injury recovery as the reason.

However, according to Clippers beat writer Law Murray, those close to Leonard have stated that he’s in good health at the moment. Further adding to this, recent social media posts showed Leonard in high spirits while watching a skateboarding event, even filming the action himself. His teammate Bones Hyland chimed in on the post, commenting that Leonard’s humor comes effortlessly. This contrasts with Leonard’s “cold” and “robotic” public persona, as his teammates on both the Clippers and Team USA describe him as one of the funniest guys on the team.

A Cloud of Uncertainty Surrounding Leonard’s Status

The conflicting reports on Leonard’s health have left fans unsure of what to believe. On one hand, we hear from sources close to Leonard saying that he’s fine. On the other hand, the lack of official updates from the Clippers has done little to dispel the fears of a possible long-term injury. Given Leonard’s injury history and the fact that Clippers media day is just around the corner, fans will have to wait until then to get more concrete information about his condition.

The Clippers kick off their preseason on October 6 against the Golden State Warriors and start their regular season on October 24 against the Phoenix Suns. But whether or not Leonard will be part of these games remains to be seen.

Clippers Roster Breakdown and Championship Aspirations

As it stands, the Clippers’ roster for the upcoming season is a far cry from the “superteam” that fans once dreamed of. Key players include Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, Nicolas Batum, and newcomer KJ Martin. However, the team’s championship window appears to be closing, and making the playoffs could even be a challenge if Leonard misses significant time this season.

If Leonard’s injury is serious enough to keep him out for the entire season, it could force the Clippers to make some difficult decisions about their future. One possible scenario is the team deciding to tank for a high draft pick, potentially even the number one overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Could the Clippers Tank for the 2025 Draft’s Top Prospect?

If Leonard is indeed out for the season, the Clippers might choose to focus on rebuilding rather than trying to contend. This would be a bitter pill for the team to swallow, but it could be their best option in the long run, especially considering the stakes of the 2025 draft. The player projected to be the top pick in that draft is Cooper Flagg, a highly touted forward from Montverde Academy.

Flagg led Montverde to a perfect 33-0 season and a national championship last year. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game, cementing his status as the top high school prospect in the country. His performance earned him the title of the nation’s number one high school player, and this summer, he was invited to practice with Team USA despite still being in high school. His showing against older, more experienced players left a strong impression on scouts, further fueling the hype around his future in the NBA.

NBA legend Kevin Garnett praised Flagg, calling him "the next great white superstar" and saying that his potential is off the charts. Flagg’s unique skill set, size, and basketball IQ have made him one of the most highly anticipated draft prospects in years. It’s no surprise that teams are already positioning themselves to have a shot at landing him in 2025.

What Happens if the Clippers Tank?

If the worst-case scenario unfolds and Leonard is out for the season, the Clippers could opt to tank in hopes of securing a top pick in the 2025 draft. For James Harden, who signed a two-year, $70 million deal with the Clippers this offseason, this would be a mixed bag. On the one hand, Harden could find himself in a situation where he is once again the focal point of the offense, giving him the chance to pad his stats and boost his value heading into next summer, when he can exercise his player option or test free agency. On the other hand, he would be stuck on a team that’s not competing for a title, which would be a disappointing turn for a player who’s been chasing a championship for most of his career.

Despite Harden’s presence, the Clippers without Leonard are not a team built to win big in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Tanking would give them the chance to land a franchise-altering talent like Flagg, who could be the cornerstone of their rebuild. In a year where teams like the Spurs, Pistons, and Rockets are already jockeying for position in the race for the top pick, the Clippers could join them if things go south with Leonard.

The Clippers' Recent History of Disappointments

The idea of tanking would be a hard sell for Clippers fans, who have watched their team fall short of expectations ever since Leonard and Paul George arrived in Los Angeles. Injuries, inconsistent play, and a general lack of chemistry have plagued the team since the superstar duo came together in 2019. They were expected to compete for multiple championships, but instead, they’ve struggled to stay healthy and make deep playoff runs.

Last season’s playoff disappointment was just the latest in a series of setbacks for the Clippers. Leonard’s injury derailed their hopes, and Paul George has also dealt with injuries that have limited his impact. The team’s window for winning a title with their current core is closing fast, and if Leonard is out for the season, that window may already be shut.

What’s Next for the Clippers?

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Clippers as they await clarity on Leonard’s status. If he’s healthy, the team will push forward, hoping that their roster can compete with the best in the West. But if Leonard is out or his health remains uncertain, the team may be forced to reevaluate their strategy for the season.

James Harden’s performance will also be a key factor. If Leonard is out, Harden will need to take on a larger role, much like he did in Houston when he was the focal point of the offense. However, the question remains whether Harden at this stage in his career can lead a team deep into the playoffs without a superstar teammate.

The possibility of tanking for Cooper Flagg will loom large over the team if things go wrong early in the season. If Leonard’s health doesn’t improve, and the team struggles to find its footing, the Clippers might decide that the best course of action is to focus on the future rather than trying to salvage a season that’s already lost.

The 2025 Draft and Cooper Flagg’s Rising Stardom

If the Clippers do end up tanking, they will have plenty of competition for the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Several teams are already eyeing Cooper Flagg as the prize of that draft class, and it’s easy to see why. Flagg has the potential to be a franchise player who can change the fortunes of any team lucky enough to land him.

For the Clippers, landing a player like Flagg could be the start of a new era. He’s drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a perfect fit for the modern NBA. While tanking is never an easy decision, the reward could be worth the risk if the Clippers can secure a player of Flagg’s caliber.

In the end, everything hinges on Leonard’s health. The Clippers' fate this season—and possibly beyond—depends on whether their star forward can return to form. Until then, fans and the organization alike will be anxiously awaiting updates, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.