Clippers Face Uncertainty Without Their Star
Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined indefinitely to begin the upcoming NBA season due to ongoing right knee inflammation, according to reports from ESPN. Leonard has not participated in any preseason activities or games for the Clippers as he continues his rehabilitation.
It was reported that Leonard underwent surgery on his right knee during the offseason, following a limited appearance in the Clippers’ final games of the previous season, which included their early playoff exit against the Dallas Mavericks. The surgery was intended to address persistent issues, including knee inflammation that had hindered him late in the season. In July, Leonard was also pulled from Team USA’s roster for the Paris Olympics to focus on his knee recovery.
Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw addressed Leonard’s absence from preseason practices, emphasizing that the team has been patient with his recovery. Shaw said Leonard has been working closely with the team’s medical staff but hasn’t been part of the daily practice sessions. Head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Leonard would not play in the preseason finale, leaving his availability for the start of the regular season uncertain.
Leonard’s knee issues have been a recurring theme throughout his career. After spraining his ankle in the 2017 Western Conference Finals, he played only nine games the following season. Since joining the Clippers in 2019, Leonard has played a full playoff run only once. In 2021, he tore the ACL in his right knee, which kept him out for the entire 2021-22 season. During the 2023 playoffs, he tore the meniscus in the same knee, further complicating his injury history.
Despite his injury struggles, Leonard remains one of the NBA’s elite players. Last season, he played in 68 regular-season games, his highest total since 2017. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 34.3 minutes per game. However, his knee inflammation flared up late in the season, forcing him to miss the Clippers’ final eight regular-season games. Leonard attempted to return for the playoffs but had to exit early due to the knee’s deteriorating condition.
The Clippers are focusing on Leonard’s long-term health, opting for a cautious approach this season. Team president Lawrence Frank recently stated that while Leonard is making progress in his recovery, the organization will not rush his return. The priority is to ensure that Leonard can remain healthy throughout the 2024-25 season and beyond, rather than risk another setback.
Frank acknowledged that Leonard’s knee was in a “really good place” for much of last season before the late-season inflammation. The hope is that by carefully managing his rehabilitation, the Clippers can avoid a repeat of the same situation this year.
As Leonard continues to rehab, the Clippers will have to make adjustments to their lineup. With All-Star forward Paul George now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Clippers face additional challenges in compensating for Leonard’s absence. Defensively, Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann are expected to take on more significant roles, while James Harden and Norman Powell will likely carry the bulk of the offensive load.
The Clippers open their season on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, but with Leonard’s timeline for return still unclear, they will need to rely on their depth to navigate the early weeks of the season.
