Kawhi Leonard Injury: Why Wing's Extended Absence Not a Concern for Clippers

Clippers’ superstar forward Kawhi Leonard missed his 10th straight game on Saturday with right knee soreness and “still has a ways to go” after taking part in advanced workouts this week according to head coach Tyronn Lue. 

Leonard hasn’t played since he suffered a torn right ACL on June 14, 2021, just over 15 months ago, and he is still on track to return and be an effective player this season, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

ACL injuries for basketball players – regardless of the grade of tear – normally require 18 months to two years to completely return from because of the dynamic movements that are essential to their game and Leonard, who is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, is no different. 

Derrick Rose, Klay Thompson, and Jamal Murray are each examples of the varied and extensive timeline to return to form. 

The 31-year-old, two-time champion has an SIC score of 58 that will gradually improve as the season progresses. 

Leonard’s previous injury history and exhaustively reported care that he takes on his body both contribute to his slow and purposeful recovery process. 

The go-go-gadget-armed wing’s San Antonio career reportedly ended due to disagreements with the team’s medical staff on how to treat his right quadriceps tendinopathy in the 2017-18 season and he has been a part-time player since, playing in 190 of 385 potential regular season games.

The tactic’s proof of concept has borne out in the playoffs, as Leonard has averaged 29.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and a .625 true shooting percentage in 48 of 56 postseason games and he led his team to an NBA championship in 2018-19 and the West Finals in 2020-21. 

Leonard has 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 21 minutes per game off the bench this season.