NBA
When will Kawhi Leonard return for the Clippers? Injury update
The start of the 2024/25 season is just days away, and teams are hoping their top players will be fit and ready to go from the off.
Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing knee issues have Clippers fans wondering when their star will return to action. With the season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 23 looming, the LA team is playing it cautiously, and Leonard’s availability remains uncertain. He’s already been ruled out for the remainder of the preseason due to inflammation in his right knee – the same knee that sidelined him during last season’s playoffs and has plagued him since surgeries on his ACL and meniscus.
The 33-year-old has yet to take part in any of the Clippers’ warm-up games, missing the first three and skipping Monday’s 110-96 win over the Dallas Mavericks. While Clippers coach Tyronn Lue confirmed Leonard won’t suit up for the preseason finale against Sacramento, he remains optimistic about Leonard’s ongoing rehab, saying, “Continue to keep rehabbing, keep getting better, and keep checking the boxes.”
Will Kawhi Leonard play opening NBA night?
While Leonard has been sidelined from contact drills during training camp, he has been focused on strengthening his knee. But even with this diligent approach, his status for opening night remains up in the air. When asked during a preseason game if he needed to play in the preseason to be ready for the regular season, the forward hinted at the delicate balance of his situation, acknowledging the importance of “buildup” given his injury history.
That history has been extensive, as the Clippers have navigated Leonard’s knee problems with a mix of rest and various treatments since the end of last season.
Is Kawhi Leonard fully healthy?
Leonard himself has been upbeat about his progress, saying earlier this month, “I feel good. Just been taking my time, getting stronger and getting ready.”
However, both Leonard and the team know it’s not just about feeling good now, it’s about staying healthy when it matters most, especially as the Clippers eye a deep playoff run. Load management and sitting out back-to-backs could be key to Leonard’s long-term health.