Kawhi Leonard’s Road to Recovery: A Cautionary Tale
The LA Clippers are gearing up for the new NBA season, but they’ll be doing it without their star player, Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP will be sidelined indefinitely as he works to rehabilitate his right knee, which has been plagued by inflammation.
A Long and Winding Road
Leonard, 33, has yet to participate in any on-court activities during training camp, and his absence has been felt throughout the preseason. The Clippers’ medical staff has been working tirelessly to bring his knee back to full strength, but the process has been slow and cautious.
Shouldering the Load
In Leonard’s absence, James Harden will be tasked with carrying the team’s offensive load. Harden, who joined the Clippers last year, is feeling more comfortable this season after having a full training camp under his belt. He’ll be looking to lead the team alongside Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Terance Mann.
A History of Injuries
Leonard’s knee issues date back to March 31, when he experienced inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. He missed the final eight games of last season and was limited to just two games in the playoffs. The Clippers have tried various medical treatments to control the inflammation, but it’s clear that Leonard’s road to recovery will be a long one.
A Fragile Future
Leonard’s history of injuries is a concern for the Clippers. He’s missed 179 games since joining the team in 2019, including an entire season due to a torn ACL. While he played in 68 regular-season games last season, it’s clear that his knee issues are far from over.
The Wait Begins
The Clippers will face off against the Phoenix Suns on October 23 in their first regular-season game at the Intuit Dome. But for now, fans will have to wait and see when Leonard will return to the court. One thing is certain: the Clippers will be taking every precaution to ensure their star player is healthy and ready for the long haul.
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