Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, is once again navigating the complexities of knee issues as he prepares for the upcoming NBA season.
After missing four out of six games in the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks due to “knee inflammation,” Leonard’s performance was hampered, and the team fell to the eventual NBA Finals runners-up. This early playoff exit provided Leonard with extra time to rest and gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA. However, despite his hopes, he was unable to participate in the international competition due to ongoing knee discomfort.
While Leonard’s camp and the Clippers disputed Team USA’s claims about his knee, recent reports indicate that he is still experiencing some level of discomfort. So, will the two-time NBA Finals MVP be ready to hit the court when the 2024-25 season kicks off? Let’s delve into the latest updates.
Latest on Leonard’s Knee Injury
According to a report from The Athletic, Leonard underwent a knee procedure this offseason, which has led to mixed feelings about his readiness. Clippers president Lawrence Frank noted that the swelling in Leonard’s knee has significantly decreased and is “almost gone.” Nevertheless, the team plans to keep him out of drills at the start of training camp, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
The Clippers will kick off their training camp on October 1, with their first preseason matchup scheduled against the Golden State Warriors on October 5. Given the current situation, fans should not anticipate Leonard’s participation during the preseason as he gradually ramps up for a potential return to action at the beginning of the regular season.
What’s Next for Kawhi Leonard?
When asked about a timeline for Leonard’s return, Frank was cautious. “The timing is going to depend on how his knee responds at each stage of recovery,” he stated. “We’re trending in a positive direction, but with health, it’s essential not to rush or impose strict timelines.”
As of now, Leonard will have roughly a month to regain full strength before the Clippers open their season at the newly built Intuit Dome against the Phoenix Suns on October 23.
Last season, Leonard showed resilience, playing in 68 of 82 regular-season games—his highest participation rate since the 2016-17 season. Most of his absences occurred late in the season due to knee inflammation, but when healthy, Leonard remains a powerhouse on the court. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season, earning him a coveted spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
As the start of the season approaches, Clippers fans are hopeful that their star player will overcome these injury hurdles and contribute to the team’s success once again.
