Kawhi 'feeling way better,' hasn't talked load management with Clippers

Kawhi Leonard doesn't expect load management will sideline him as often as it did last season with the Toronto Raptors.

The Los Angeles Clippers' prized free-agent acquisition spoke Sunday during the team's media day and alleviated concerns that his notorious quad issue would continue to affect him in 2019-20.

"It's different this season," Leonard said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Last year, I was going in with an injury that I was dealing with the year before, still was lingering, and we knew that I had to be healthy going throughout the season and making it to the playoffs.

"This time, I'm feeling good. I'm feeling way better than I was at the start of last season. There really was no plan laid out to discuss with everyone."

Leonard was limited to 60 games during the regular season as part of a meticulously planned rehab schedule devised by the Raptors' medical staff. The forward also never played more than nine consecutive contests and was always rested for at least one game of a back-to-back.

The program was a success; Leonard was able to suit up for all 24 of Toronto's postseason games and lead the franchise to its first NBA title a year after playing just nine regular-season games with the San Antonio Spurs.

His new teammate in L.A., Paul George, may require more injury attention this season, however. After undergoing surgery on both shoulders this past offseason, George revealed Sunday that he expects to be out until around November.