NBA Rumors: Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard Had Procedure on Knee Injury During Offseason.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, who dealt with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee last season, may not be ready in time for his team’s season opener against the Phoenix Suns at home on Oct. 23.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Law Murray, Leonard underwent a procedure on his knee during the offseason
Clippers president Lawrence Frank also revealed Tuesday that Leonard would be limited to strengthening his knee during training camp and that he doesn’t have a “crystal ball” on whether he’ll be ready for opening night, per NBA reporter Mark Medina.
Leonard dealt with swelling in the knee, and he missed the final eight regular-season games as well as Games 1, 4 and 5 of the Clips’ first-round playoff series loss to the Dallas Mavericks due to the ailment. However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.
The 33-year-old Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals last season.
Leonard is a six-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA player, seven-time All-NBA Defensive Team member, two-time NBA Finals MVP and two-time NBA champion.
He also made the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team.
Needless to say, Leonard is an invaluable member of the team, especially after nine-time All-Star forward Paul George left in free agency for the Los Angeles Clippers.
