How long is Kawhi Leonard absent? Injury progress, return date, Clippers star latest updates

The Clippers reached the Western Conference final for the first time in franchise history last season. If they want to get back into that playoff round again, they’ll have to collectively substitute to produce their best player.

Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery in July to repair a partial ACL tear in his right knee. Leonard will likely rejoin the rotation at some point during the 2021-22 season, but Paul George and Co. will have to do the heavy lifting to start a new campaign.

What’s next for Leonard? Here’s everything we know about his injury and the latest news on when he could return to court.

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What is Kawhi Leonard’s injury?

Leonard injured his right knee in Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference semifinals. The two-time NBA Finals champion MVP limped off after a drive-thru swing with Jazz forward Joe Ingles. He ended up sitting for the final more than four minutes of that contest, but in a post-game interview with TNT’s Rebecca Haarlow, he said, “I’ll be fine.”

Unfortunately for Leonard, the knee problem was more serious than he thought and ended up in a spectacular playoff. The Clippers announced on July 13 that Leonard has undergone successful surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, adding that there are “There is no timetable for his return.”

In 52 games last season, Leonard averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals, earning a spot on the All-NBA Team of the Year.

How long will Kawhi Leonard be sidelined?

When asked about his recovery time at the Clippers media day, Leonard did not give a specific date, only telling reporters he was “working with the staff on a daily basis.”

“That’s the challenge of it, just seeing how quickly I can get stronger and stronger than I was when I was healthy,” says Leonard. “That’s where I pretty much redirected my thoughts.”

The 30-year-old added that he signed a long-term contract stayed in Los Angeles partly because he wanted to play this season.

“For one thing, I want to secure some money, and I want to be able to come back if I can this year,” Leonard said. “If I had taken one in one [deal], I probably wouldn’t play just to be cautious and opt out and lose five years [deal]. But I’m here. I’m here to be a Clipper. I won’t go to another team unless something serious happens. I’m here for a long time. “

While it’s impossible to know exactly when Leonard will be absent, trauma specialist Jeff Stotts believes his recovery will stretch into next year.

Statistics, highlights of Kawhi Leonard’s career

• 19.2 points per game
• 6.4 rebounds per game
• 2.9 assists per game
• 0.6 blocks per game
• 1.8 steals per game
• 1.6 revenue per game
• 31.3 minutes per game
• Shot 49.3 percent
• 38.4 percent 3-point shooting
• 85.8% free throws