Clippers could tone down Kawhi's load management

Kawhi Leonard's load-management plan was a topic of discussion throughout last season, and now it appears the Los Angeles Clippers could take a more toned-down approach.

"That’ll be played out by smarter guys than me," Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told reporters on Friday, including The Athletic's Jovan Buha. "I think you forget with Kawhi that he hadn’t played in two years last year. That was his first time playing basketball in two years. So, obviously, it was a more aggressive load management plan."

Leonard appeared in 60 games last season for the Toronto Raptors, averaging career highs in points (26.6) and rebounds (7.3). He only played nine games during the 2017-18 campaign due to a quad injury.

Toronto was cautious in its approach, never playing the three-time All-Star in both games of back-to-back contests.

The Clippers' brass hasn't confirmed if the team will use a similar strategy. However, Rivers emphasized the importance of keeping his players healthy, even if it means dropping a spot or two in the competitive Western Conference.

"At the end of the day, there are going to be guys that will sit games or be rested, I’m sure," Rivers said. "We’ve never had a load management issue. We practice the proper amount. We do things the right way.

"I don’t anticipate that being an issue. I think when you look at our team, we’re pretty deep. That should help us be able to manage that well."