Report reveals concerning timeline for Kawhi Leonard injury

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

The Los Angeles Clippers may be without Kawhi Leonard for some time to come as he continues to deal with another knee injury.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Shams Charania reported that the Clippers expect Leonard to miss “weeks” as he continues his rehab.

“I’m told Kawhi Leonard will be missing weeks,” Charania said. “This is not an injury that’s going to be measured by a week, two weeks, potentially. Not days, obviously. This will be an extended period of time that the Clippers are starting this season without him.

“I’m told they feel that they have a plan and a protocol in place that will allow him, when he is ready to return, to actually sustain his play on the court.”

"I'm told Kawhi Leonard will be missing weeks."@ShamsCharania with the latest on Kawhi Leonard being out indefinitely to start the Clippers' season. pic.twitter.com/XpKYC5st0c

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2024

Leonard was given an indefinite timetable last week, when the injury news came to light. It sounds like the Clippers are hopeful of having him back at some point in November, and that they will aim to avoid another extended absence after that.

Regardless of the Clippers’ long-term plan, there have to be major concerns about Leonard’s durability at this stage of his career. While he played in 68 games last season, the 33-year-old has been plagued by knee issues for years, and this latest setback is not necessarily anything new. Coach Tyronn Lue’s comments from August certainly suggest the Clippers did not necessarily foresee this, either.

Leonard played in 68 games last year, averaging 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during the regular season. His knee issues flared up again during the playoffs, and he was limited to only two postseason appearances.