Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely with Knee Inflammation, Clippers Face Uncertainty
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is once again sidelined due to lingering issues with his right knee. Reports from ESPN indicate that Leonard, who has not participated in preseason activities, will miss the start of the 2024-25 NBA season and is out indefinitely. The ongoing inflammation in his right knee is the result of multiple injuries Leonard has sustained over recent seasons, most notably a torn ACL in 2021 and a meniscus tear in 2023.
Leonard's absence raises significant concerns for the Clippers as they begin their regular season campaign. The two-time NBA champion was pulled from Team USA over the summer to continue rehabbing, signaling the severity of his condition. Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw emphasized that the team is being cautious, allowing Leonard to work closely with the medical staff to regain strength and hopefully manage his knee issue long-term. However, there is no clear timeline for his return, which creates uncertainty about when the team’s star will be back on the court.
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This isn’t the first time Leonard’s injuries have disrupted his playing time. Since joining the Clippers in 2019, he has dealt with recurring knee issues, which have sidelined him for crucial moments, particularly in the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, Leonard played in 68 games last season, the most since 2017, while averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. However, knee inflammation forced him to miss the final stretch of the regular season and the team’s first-round playoff exit. The Clippers are aiming to avoid a repeat of last year’s scenario, where Leonard’s injury resurfaced at a critical juncture.
With Leonard’s future uncertain, the Clippers face a challenging start to the season. For the first time since joining the team, Leonard will not have Paul George as his running mate, as George departed for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. The void left by Leonard and George will place added pressure on other key players like James Harden and Norman Powell to step up offensively, while Derrick Jones Jr. and Terance Mann will likely handle more defensive responsibilities.
The Clippers' focus now is on preserving Leonard's long-term health, a move they hope will pay off throughout the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in Leonard’s absence and whether he can eventually make a full recovery. Until then, the Clippers are bracing for a tough start to their season without their star player.
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