Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely with Knee Inflammation
Kawhi Leonard's Injury Setback
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard will be out indefinitely with right knee inflammation, as reported by ESPN. Leonard has not practiced with or played in any games during the preseason. The star athlete underwent surgery on his right knee in the offseason after limited appearances in last season's final games, including a first-round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Rehabilitation Details
In July, Leonard was pulled from Team USA ahead of the Paris Olympics to focus on his rehabilitation. Clippers assistant coach Brian Shaw stated, "He has not been a part of what we’ve been doing on a daily basis," emphasizing the team's patience with Leonard's recovery process.
Previous Season Breakdown
During the 2023-24 season, Leonard played in 68 games, marking his highest regular season participation since 2017, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Despite his prolific skills, his career has been severely impacted by injuries, including sprained ankles and ACL tears.
Future Outlook for the Clippers
The Clippers are faced with the challenge of commencing the regular season on October 23 against the Suns without one of their key players. Leonard's absence is compounded by the departure of All-Star forward Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers.
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