Los Angeles Clippers’ star forward Kawhi Leonard has been grappling with significant knee issues this offseason. The persistent inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee has been an ongoing concern for Leonard and the team, with implications that have already influenced their past and could affect their near future.
Leonard’s Struggle with Knee Inflammation
Leonard’s inflammation issue first came to prominence during last season when it forced him to miss key games. His condition became particularly problematic during the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, limiting him to just two games. This limitation proved significant as the Clippers were ultimately unable to advance, losing the series to the Mavericks.
Managing the Injury
Since then, the Clippers have been diligently working to manage Leonard’s knee issues. "I think the encouraging thing is we've seen progress. This was a real tricky thing in terms of the inflammation," said Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ President of Basketball Operations. The team has employed various treatments in an attempt to get Leonard back on court without risking further injury. According to Frank, "We're kind of searching for answers along the way, and with time we continue to learn more about what works, what hasn't. It's truly unfortunate that he's had to deal with this, but I think we're definitely trending in the right direction."
In preparation for the upcoming season, Leonard will be held out of drills during training camp. This decision is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the knee inflammation. Frank emphasized the team’s approach, stating, "We're just really going to focus on strengthening and loading. I think we learned some lessons. Just if you think about it, he desperately wanted to come back and play in that Dallas series, and within a game and a half, the inflammation came where it wasn't manageable, so we don't want to put ourselves in that position."
USA Basketball and Rehabilitation
Despite the ongoing issues, Leonard participated in the training camp with USA Basketball. His involvement here underlines his desire to return to peak performance. However, recognizing the need for focused rehabilitation, USA Basketball replaced Leonard with Derrick White, allowing Leonard to concentrate on his recovery with the Clippers.
Frank provided a positive update on Leonard’s progress: "We got the knee in a really, really good place. [He came] back for Dallas [in the playoffs] and it has been manageable since. But we really, really spent the offseason trying to get this 100% and I think we're getting closer and closer." Nonetheless, there remains no confirmed timeline for Leonard’s return to regular-season action, as Frank cautions, "I think that the timing's all going to basically depend on how his knee responds to each phase. No one has a crystal ball."
Uncertain Future
Leonard’s contribution to the Clippers is invaluable, underscored by his performances when fit and healthy. His absence and partial appearances have already had significant impacts on the team’s performance in crucial moments. The Clippers’ medical and coaching staff are understandably cautious, focusing on Leonard’s long-term health over any short-term gains.
As Leonard continues his rehabilitation, the team’s eyes are on a future where he can participate fully without the specter of knee inflammation. The Clippers’ painstaking approach to his recovery reflects their understanding of his importance to their ambitions and the necessity of ensuring his fitness for the demands of an entire NBA season. For now, the focus remains on Leonard’s knee responding positively to each step of his carefully managed recovery pathway.
While the timeline for Leonard's return is uncertain, the commitment to his health and careful management of his condition offer a glimmer of hope. The Clippers and their fans alike will eagerly await Kawhi Leonard's return to full fitness, hopeful that the measures taken this offseason will prove successful.