Clippers get concerning injury update on Kawhi Leonard
Feb 26, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers fans can’t catch a break when it comes to Kawhi Leonard’s health.
Leonard had surgery on his injured right knee this offseason, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The procedure will reportedly limit Leonard to knee strengthening exercises to begin training camp.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard underwent a procedure on his knee in the offseason, sources tell me and @LawMurrayTheNU. The franchise said today Leonard will be limited to strengthening his knee to start Clippers training camp, but team officials are optimistic about his progress. pic.twitter.com/VtCvlBEhPf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 25, 2024
Leonard is coming off his healthiest regular season campaign in years. The six-time All-Star played in 68 games, which is the most since his penultimate year with the San Antonio Spurs back in the 2016-17 campaign.
But Leonard’s knee issues reappeared during the Clippers’ postseason run. The 33-year-old played just two games in LAC’s first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. He looked like a shell of himself, averaging just 12.0 points on 45.8% shooting. Leonard also missed all five of his three-point attempts.
The same knee injury forced Leonard off the Team USA men’s basketball roster for the Paris Olympics.
For what it’s worth, Clippers officials are said to be “optimistic” about Leonard’s progress. But head coach Tyronn Lue sounded much more positive about Leonard’s injury status last month.
