Indefinitely absent Kawhi Leonard hasn't suffered a "setback" per Clippers insider: Report
LA Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard will reportedly be "sidelined indefinitely" as he rehabilitates from right knee inflammation. However, according to a Clippers insider, Leonard hasn't experienced any "setbacks" despite his extended recovery timeline.
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Leonard has been battling right knee inflammation since March 31. He missed LA's final eight games last season and appeared in only two contests during his squad's six-game 2024 first-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Last month, Charania reported that Leonard underwent offseason surgery to address his knee swelling. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank also noted during the beginning of training camp that his swelling had reduced significantly. However, Frank added that the franchise would be cautious about ramping up the six-time All-Star.
While Leonard has been limited in training camp and sidelined during preseason action, he expressed optimism about returning for the beginning of the 2024-25 season. However, on Thursday, Charania provided LA's fanbase with a disheartening update.
According to the ESPN insider, Leonard will be "sidelined indefinitely" to begin the campaign. He added that the Clippers "will be diligent and cautious to ensure his long-term fitness."
Leonard's injured knee is the same one he underwent ACL and meniscus surgeries on over the past few years. So, naturally, LA supporters have grown concerned about the possibility that the two-time NBA champion suffered a major setback in his recovery.
However, later Thursday, The Athletic's Law Murray reported an LA insider's more optimistic update regarding Leonard's "week-to-week status."
"Team source has confirmed that Kawhi Leonard has not suffered any kind of setback as he works to strengthen his surgically repaired right knee that was last operated on in May 2024," Murray reported.
Nevertheless, it appears Kawhi Leonard is set to miss a sizeable chunk of the start of this season.
Over 68 outings last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.1 3-pointers per game, shooting 52.5%. His 68 appearances marked his most since the 2016-17 campaign with the San Antonio Spurs.
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Clippers face uncertainty entering first season at $2 billion Intuit Dome with Kawhi Leonard sidelined
Kawhi Leonard's indefinite absence comes as the Clippers are gearing up for their first season at their newly opened $2 billion Intuit Dome.
On top of Leonard's injury, the franchise lost star wing Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. So, LA, which arguably had a Big 3 last season, enters the campaign with aging star guard James Harden and an assortment of role players.
Thus, the Clippers are projected to take a massive step back from last season's fourth-place Western Conference finish (51-31). They will tip off this season at Intuit Dome on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns. Time will tell whether the team can tread water in the stacked West until Leonard's eventual return.
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