Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is facing uncertainty heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. After dealing with knee inflammation last season, Leonard underwent a procedure on his surgically repaired right knee during the offseason, according to The Athletic.
With the season opener against the Phoenix Suns looming on Oct. 23, Leonard’s availability is in question. Clippers president Lawrence Frank offered an update on Leonard’s status, stating that the 33-year-old forward will be limited during training camp.
The 33-year-old’s status for the start of the season is still up in the air, as Clippers president Lawrence Frank revealed that Leonard will be limited to knee-strengthening exercises during training camp. Frank acknowledged the uncertainty around Leonard’s return, saying, “I don’t have a crystal ball on when he’ll be ready.”
Kawhi Leonard has had a series of injury setbacks in recent years, significantly impacting his availability. Last season, Leonard missed the final eight regular-season games and several playoff matchups against the Dallas Mavericks due to swelling in his right knee. His absence in crucial games contributed to the Clippers’ early exit in the first round of the playoffs.
This isn’t the first time Leonard has faced extended time off the court. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, including a torn ACL that kept him out of the entire 2021-22 season. Prior to that, a right quad injury limited him to just nine games in 2017-18. Leonard has consistently missed 14 or more games each season since then.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers Updates
Despite these challenges, Leonard remains a crucial part of the Clippers’ roster. Last season, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His accolades include being a six-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a two-time NBA champion.
Kawhi Leonard was expected to play for Team USA in the Summer Olympics but was replaced by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. The decision came as a surprise to many, including Clippers president Lawrence Frank, who expressed disappointment with the move.
According to Frank, Leonard participated fully in Team USA’s first two practices and looked ready to compete, only for the organization to ultimately decide otherwise. “We wanted him to play. Kawhi wanted to play,” Frank said about Leonard’s status this offseason. “I was quite frankly very disappointed with the decision.”
Team USA executive director Grant Hill praised Leonard for his commitment to the program, but health concerns surrounding his right knee led to the decision.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers Updates
“I think he wanted to be here, like all these guys want to be here, and we don’t take that lightly at all,” Hill said, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “It speaks to the program and the opportunity, and so, personally speaking, I know what it’s like to want to do something and your body’s just not right.”
Frank, on the other hand, voiced his frustration with Team USA’s decision to replace Leonard, believing that Leonard could have competed. “I was there the first two practices, he looked very good,” Frank said. “He was a full participant in everything that they did. I wasn’t there for the third practice where ultimately that was the point where they decided to go in a different direction.”
Frank added, “I really wish that they would’ve given Kawhi more time.”
Hill noted that it was ultimately the organization’s call to prioritize Leonard’s long-term health, citing the potential risk of aggravating his injury. “I think he wanted to be here, like all these guys want to be here, and we don’t take that lightly at all,” Hill said.
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