The Los Angeles Clippers have announced that star forward Kawhi Leonard underwent a knee procedure during the offseason. This development comes as Leonard continues to battle persistent knee issues that have plagued his career in recent years.
Leonard, who missed the final games of the Clippers’ playoff run last season due to knee problems, had a procedure on his right knee. The specifics of the procedure have not been disclosed, but it is believed to be aimed at addressing the ongoing inflammation and discomfort that Leonard has experienced.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard underwent a procedure on his knee in the offseason, sources tell me and @LawMurrayTheNU. The franchise said today Leonard will be limited to strengthening his knee to start Clippers training camp, but team officials are optimistic about his progress. pic.twitter.com/VtCvlBEhPf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 25, 2024
As the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season, team officials have stated that Leonard will be limited to knee-strengthening exercises at the start of training camp. Clippers President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed optimism about Leonard’s progress, noting that the swelling in his knee has significantly decreased.
“His right knee, the swelling has significantly gone down. It’s almost gone,” Frank said. “He wants to participate in everything in training camp, but we’re going to hold him back from drill work and really focus on strengthening because the goal is to get him 100% so he can have a great season not just this year but for many years”.
Despite the cautious approach, the Clippers remain hopeful that Leonard will be ready for the regular season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 23. The team has a detailed plan in place to monitor his progress and ensure he is fully prepared for the rigors of the NBA season.
Leonard’s health is crucial for the Clippers, who have high aspirations for the upcoming season. With a new arena set to open and a roster that includes stars like Paul George and the recently acquired James Harden, the Clippers are aiming to make a deep playoff run. Leonard’s ability to stay healthy and perform at his best will be a key factor in their success.
