Los Angeles Clippers fans received disappointing news as the team announced that Kawhi Leonard is set to miss the beginning of the NBA regular season. The star forward is currently rehabilitating his right knee, which is experiencing inflammation, and his return is indefinite. This marks another chapter in Leonard's ongoing battle with knee injuries, as he has not yet rejoined the team's daily activities.
Leonard's struggles with knee issues began during the 2021 playoffs when he tore the ACL in his right knee. This injury sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. More recently, Leonard suffered a torn meniscus in the same knee during the 2023 playoffs. In May, he underwent a procedure to address this injury, and since then, the Clippers have been cautiously monitoring his rehabilitation process.
The team is taking a deliberate approach in handling Leonard's recovery. As of late September, reports indicated that the swelling in his knee was "almost gone," providing a glimmer of hope for Clippers fans. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers' team president, expressed optimism about Leonard's progress, stating, "We're trending in a really, really good direction." However, he emphasized that no specific timeline has been set for Leonard's return, adding, "I know he's super determined to have a really, really great year, but the timing -- I think, when it comes to your body and your health, I don't think you put timeframes on it."
Meanwhile, the Clippers are reconfiguring their lineup to start the season without their star player. Paul George, a key player in recent seasons, has departed the team in free agency. As a result, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are being tasked with taking over defensive responsibilities, while the offensive onus will fall on James Harden and Norman Powell. Last season, Leonard made an impactful return by earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, despite his injury struggles. As the new season approaches, the question remains whether the Clippers can maintain their competitiveness without their talismanic player on the court.
The team's coaching staff and management are committed to ensuring Leonard's complete recovery. "He has not been a part of what we've been doing on a daily basis," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue confirmed, as shared by Brian Shaw, assistant coach. Shaw also noted, "He’s doing everything he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own, with our medical staff." This collaborative effort is part of the Clippers' strategic approach to safeguard Leonard's long-term performance, both for the upcoming season and beyond. Lawrence Frank emphasized, "The goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season, not just this year but for many years."
As the Clippers navigate their season opener without Leonard, the organization remains focused on keeping his rehabilitation on track. "We're in a really good place, but we want to keep it in a good place," Frank asserted, underscoring the importance of patience and perseverance in Leonard's recovery journey. While the timeline for his return remains unclear, the Clippers and their fan base are hopeful for a successful comeback that could propel the team toward greater accomplishments.