2 min read • November 12, 2021
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Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is progressing well in his recovery from a torn right ACL, according to head coach Ty Lue. Lue told Allie LaForce on Nov. 10 that he was encouraged by Kawhi doing some “explosive box jumping just a couple of days ago,” and that the Clippers are “hopeful” to have him back before the end of the season.
We believe, however, that there is a distinct chance that Leonard will miss the entire 2021-22 season because of the nature of the ACL reconstruction and the difficulty of returning to NBA playing shape.
Leonard suffered a partially torn right ACL in game four of the conference semifinals, and underwent ACL reconstruction on July 13, 2021. The team did not release specifics on the surgery but we infer, based on the nature of the injury, he underwent a full ACL reconstruction.
Leonard missed all but nine games in the 2017-18 season with right quadricep tendinopathy. The absence was extended in part because of a reported rift between the two-time champ and the Spurs over the handling of the injury, so Leonard missing extended time in his recovery is not unforeseen.
Star forward Paul George has stepped up in Leonard’s absence. The 31-year-old is third in NBA with 26.7 points per game, adding 8.2 rebounds, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 steals for the 6-4 Clippers.
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