Kawhi Leonard Injury: Clippers Star Out Indefinitely

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be out indefinitely to begin the NBA with a right knee injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk reported on Thursday.

Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Knee Injury

Leonard is currently dealing with inflammation in his right knee. The six-time All-Star is in the middle of rehabbing the knee.

ESPN’s report said the extended rehab will hopefully bring “sustainability for him on the court through the season,” as the Clippers’ organization will be “diligent and cautious” to ensure his long-term health.

Leonard has not played in any preseason games nor practiced during training camp.

Leonard’s inflammation problems date back to March when the forward missed the final eight games of the regular season. The 33-year-old only played in two playoff games in the Clippers’ six-game opening-round series loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Leonard intended to play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics. However, Leonard was replaced by Derrick White in during Team USA’s training camp in July. USA Basketball said it was in Leonard’s “best interest” to focus on the upcoming NBA season despite the Clippers saying he could play in Paris.

Kawhi Leonard’s Injury Problems Continue

Leonard’s tenure in Los Angeles has been plagued by injuries.

Since joining the Clippers in 2019, Leonard has missed 179 of 435 games because of injuries, including the entirety of the 2021-2022 season.

Leonard played in 68 games last year, finishing with 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Leonard made second-team All-NBA for the third time in his career.

Without Leonard, the Clippers will rely on James Harden to carry the offensive load, especially with Paul George now with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Clippers open the season against the Phoenix Suns on October 23 in their brand-new Intuit Dome.