Kawhi Leonard reports that his knee "feels good," even though he has been limited during training camp

The Los Angeles Clippers ace forward Kawhi Leonard provided an optimistic update about his recovery from his knee procedure this summer to alleviate the knee inflammation he suffered late last season. Speaking to reporters at the Stan Sheriff Center in Hawaii, the two-time NBA Finals MVP said he felt good and that he's checking all the boxes to ensure he's 100 percent when he takes the floor this coming season.

Kawhi's taking his time

Although the 6-foot-7 forward joined the Clippers' training camp on the island, he only did a little outside of knee-strengthening exercises. His availability for the team's season-opener against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns remains in serious doubt as he has yet to join the Clippers on the floor for practice.

Nevertheless, hearing Leonard talk about his knee's progress was good news for NBA fans and the Clippers' faithful.

"I feel good. Just been taking my time, getting stronger and getting ready," the two-time NBA champ stated .

The six-time All-Star averaged 23.7 points on 52 percent shooting last season, suiting up in 68 games, the most he's played since 2017.

Unsure of playing in back-to-backs

Leonard shared that he and the team's medical staff have not discussed whether he will play back-to-back games this season. The six-time All-NBA team member was set a new career-high mark for games played in a season until his knee swelled up, causing him to miss the last eight regular-season bouts.

He returned to play in Games 2 and 3 of their first-round clash against the Dallas Mavericks, but the knee inflammation returned, and the team erred on the side of caution, keeping him out for the remainder of their playoff run.

"We're just taking it slow, day by day, and trying to get me back on the floor. Once those conversations come, we'll see what they're talking about," Leonard said when asked about playing in back-to-back sets.

Kawhi emphasized that the goal is to help the Clippers win an NBA championship, not play 82 games. He's gallantly tried to play in as many regular-season games as possible, and he's already seen the price he had to pay for them.

"I strive to get a championship, and I'm not out there to try to play 82 games. I'm trying to win, even though that's obligated for me. I try to. But it hasn't worked out, so we'll see," the former San Diego State star added.

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