Kawhi Leonard over the last couple of seasons has been hampered by knee injuries. The Los Angeles Clippers star believes he may finally be putting his issues behind him.
Leonard suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the Clippers’ 2021 playoff run. He played just two games in the 2023 playoffs before being diagnosed with a meniscus injury in the same knee that required surgery in the offseason.
The 5-time All-Star was asked by reporters about the state of his knee before the Clippers’ team practice on Tuesday. Leonard, who played 52 games last season, stated his belief that serious ACL injuries are a 2-year process — one he thinks he’s now been able to overcome.
“I think last year came off of ACL, so pretty much it’s like a 2-year process,” Leonard said, via ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “Talking to guys [who suffered ACL injuries] and seeing when they do start feeling good or just trusting your knee, it’s just something that you feel and I mean one day just turns around for you.”
Kawhi Leonard says in ACL recovery there’s a precise moment when a player feels they’re fully back.
He wasn’t at that point to start last season, but said he is now. pic.twitter.com/cBPmxMg0Uo
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 24, 2023
Leonard affirmed that he has since crossed the mark wherein an athlete would “one day” feel fully recovered.
Leonard, who is largely seen as the face of the load management movement in the NBA, has often remained cryptic when it comes to his injury status over the years.
Clippers fans are likely rejoicing Leonard’s official declaration that his knee injury appears to be a thing of the past.
Leonard has failed to play in more than 60 games since the 2016-17 season. He also missed the entire 2021-22 campaign due to his ACL injury.
