Kawhi Leonard has been dealing with knee issues since April. He was suffering from inflammation in his right knee, the same knee that he previously suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn meniscus in 2023. As such, that knee has undergone significant amounts of surgery.
However, on Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that he had once again received surgery and will be limited to strengthening the knee during the Los Angeles Clippers training camp.
When speaking to the media, Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank avoided setting a time frame for Leonard’s return to basketball activities or whether he will be consistently available throughout the season.
“I think the timing is all going to depend on how his knee responds to each phase,” Frank said. “No one has a crystal ball. We’re trending in a really, really good direction. I know he’s super determined to have a great year, but the timing when it comes to your body and your health, I don’t think you put time frames on it. I think you just have to respond to how he responds.”
Leonard, 33, has struggled for availability during his five years with the Clippers. Last season saw him play his highest amount of single-season games for the franchise, culminating in 68 regular-season appearances and two postseason outings.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Law Murray contextualized Leonard’s current knee issues by postulating whether he could be sidelined for the majority of the regular season. He cited Leonard’s recovery between April and September as being similar to that of a full 82-game season.
“The latest knee issue that first popped up for Leonard in early April is still a factor almost six months later,” Murray wrote. “Do some basic math: Six months from now, the regular season will be winding down. Will this be a factor all year?”
Following the departure of Paul George this summer, who left Los Angeles to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, Leonard’s availability will likely make or break the Clippers’ chances of contending in the Western Conference next season. When healthy, he’s one of the best two-way wings in the NBA and is still capable of leading a contending team on both sides of the floor.
It’s unlikely that Leonard will be ready by the time the new NBA season gets underway. However, if he can remain healthy and available once returning to the rotation, the Clippers can still have a strong season. Still, judging by the length of time he’s been dealing with his latest knee ailment, there isn’t much reason for optimism from Clippers fans, especially with the new season rapidly approaching and a lack of healthy star talent on the roster.
