Clippers' Kawhi Leonard: Will be available for 2023-24
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Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said Thursday that Leonard (knee) "will be ready for next year. The ACL is firmly in tact," Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Leonard's postseason was cut short due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. The superstar forward has been plagued with injuries in recent years, failing to play over 60 games every season since 2016-17. While Leonard will reportedly be available for the start of the 2023-24 campaign, the veteran may be bound for load management again next season.
Clippers' Kawhi Leonard: Diagnosed with torn meniscus
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Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Leonard missed the Clippers' final three postseason games, and although he was recently considered day-to-day, he'll face a lengthy recovery process now that the team has been eliminated from the playoffs. The 31-year-old has battled several injuries in recent seasons and averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 33.6 minutes per game over 52 matchups during the 2022-23 campaign. Whether he'll be available for the start of the 2023-24 season remains to be seen.
Leonard (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 5 versus Phoenix, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
This isn't surprising as Leonard was unable to practice Monday, and with the Clippers down 1-3 in the series, it's possible we may have already seen the last of the star forward this season. Norman Powell, Eric Gordon and Nicolas Batum will continue to pick up the slack in his absence.
Leonard (knee) didn't participate in Monday's practice session, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.
Leonard has missed the last two games due to a right knee sprain, and he received treatment Monday instead of practicing. It's unclear whether he'll be available for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Suns, but coach Ty Lue said after Monday's practice that "there's always a possibility" that Leonard is able to suit up.
The Clippers are treating Leonard (knee) as day-to-day and aren't sure if he'll be available for the remainder of the first-round playoff series with Phoenix, Chris Haynes of TNT reports.
Leonard has already been ruled out for Game 4 on Saturday due to a right knee sprain unrelated to his ACL tear from two years ago. While there's a possibility the superstar forward can return this series, Haynes relays Leonard's chances of playing are "not looking good." More information on Leonard's situation will likely be released ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday.
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Clippers' Kawhi Leonard: Remains out for Game 4
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Leonard (knee) won't play in Game 4 on Saturday versus Phoenix, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.
Leonard will miss his second straight game Saturday due to a right knee sprain. Norman Powell figures to draw another start in the star forward's absence. Leonard's next chance to suit up will be Game 5 on Tuesday.
