Kawhi Leonard to Miss Preseason and May Face Delays in Regular Season Return

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will not participate in the remainder of the preseason due to inflammation in his right knee, head coach Ty Lue announced on Monday. The two-time NBA champion has yet to play in any preseason games, and he will also miss the team’s final warm-up match against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Lue indicated that Leonard will continue his rehabilitation process throughout the week. “Keep getting better. Keep checking the boxes,” he stated following the Clippers’ 110-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. This latest setback raises concerns about Leonard’s availability for the start of the regular season.

The 33-year-old forward, a six-time All-Star, faced significant knee issues last season. He missed the last eight games of the 2023-24 regular season and sat out four of the Clippers’ six games during their first-round playoff exit against the Mavericks due to ongoing problems with his right knee. These issues stem from surgeries he underwent in 2021 to repair his ACL and meniscus, which sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season.

Leonard had been anticipated to play for Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics but was replaced by Derrick White due to these injury concerns. Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Leonard underwent a procedure on his right knee during the offseason, further complicating his recovery.

Prior to the preseason, Clippers executive Lawrence Frank had stated that Leonard would be kept out of team drills to focus on strengthening his troublesome knee. The franchise is cautious, especially given Leonard’s history of injuries, which have impacted his performance and availability over the last few seasons.

As the Clippers prepare for their regular-season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 23 at the newly constructed Intuit Dome, the uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s participation looms large. Last week, Lue expressed doubt about Leonard’s readiness for the season opener, saying he was “not sure” if the star player would be able to take the court against Phoenix.

The Clippers’ success heavily relies on Leonard’s contributions, given his reputation as one of the most skilled players in the league. His absence would not only affect the team’s performance but also the overall excitement surrounding their new season. The team, which is looking to make a deeper playoff run, is aware that Leonard’s health is pivotal to their aspirations.

As the situation develops, the Clippers and their fanbase will be closely monitoring Leonard’s progress. The franchise has invested significantly in him, particularly with the three-year, $153 million extension he signed in January. Leonard’s health is paramount not only for the team’s immediate success but also for the long-term vision they have for competing at the highest level.

The Clippers have assembled a talented roster and are hoping to build on their previous performances. However, they will need their star player to be healthy and fully fit to realize their potential. The organization has historically faced challenges related to injuries, making Leonard’s situation all the more critical as they prepare for the regular season.

In his absence, other players will need to step up and fill the void, but none can replicate the unique skill set and experience that Leonard brings to the court. As the team continues its preseason preparations, they will look to refine their strategies and chemistry, keeping an eye on Leonard’s rehabilitation progress.

Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the Clippers navigate this challenging situation. The season opener against the Suns is not only a chance to start strong but also a potential litmus test for how well the team can perform with or without their star player. As the countdown to the regular season begins, all eyes will be on Kawhi Leonard and his journey back to the court.