Kawhi Leonard was expected to miss most or all of this season after undergoing surgery in July to repair a partially torn ACL. According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, there’s increasing optimism that Leonard will be in uniform this season.
The Clippers’ superstar is ahead of schedule in his rehab and a return this season is a strong possibility, sources told Haynes. Leonard has ramped up his workload in recent weeks and is gaining strength.
The Clippers entered Thursday as a .500 team (19-19) and it stands to reason Leonard wouldn’t come back unless they remain in the playoff hunt. He’d certainly make them a dangerous lower seed should he be healthy enough to play.
Otherwise, the team might be wise to wait until next year, since its franchise player made a multi-year commitment after undergoing the surgery. Leonard signed a four-year, maximum salary contract worth approximately $176.3MM. He holds a player option on the final year of the deal.
Surgery date is July 14, 2021
Minimum heal date 10 months
May 14 2022
4-6 months
sooner than Bum Simmons
Lol but we all know Kawhi isn’t gonna rush back for anybody
I’m not so sure. With Kawhi back the Warriors and Suns look like the biggest road block in the West. Once Murray comes back I’d add Denver to that last but the West is certainly a lot easier than it was the last 2 years. With how good PG has looked I could definitely see Klaw coming back this year
So are “sources” lying?— or just hoping relly hard… Kawhi should be rested by now.
Maybe it’s to prevent the Clippers from trading for a 3?— The Clips already have Paul George, Batum, Ennis, Mann, Winslow, and several tall guard prospects for the 3. Could be “sources” think some should be moved before the trade deadline ’cause da prodigal plans to return.
Bledsoe we know is on the block. Prob Kennard and Winslow are too. They overpaid Morris but with Kawhi out he is producing starter level stats. I can see them keeping Batum and Mann and trying to find an upgrade at PG.
If they are saying he could return sooner, it does probably mean they are more open to make a deal that impacts just this season and not necessarily next season ie a rental.
Let’s not forget it’s partially torn ACL. Partially. Standard recovery time of it is four-to-six months. He is on schedule of that. The real question are when will he return this season, and will he lift them out of the play-in status.
Partial or full tear, you are still getting operated so there’s no difference to the recovery & rehabilitation!
Only need him for end of season. And be ready for playoffs. Both LA teams get healthy for playoffs. They could have a good run. But I don’t see either winning a ring. I’d like to see Kawhi play this yr.
We will see him next season
When was the last time Leonard played when cleared to do so? The guy milks his injuries like a farmer with one cow during the Depression.
That legit made me laugh.
Kawhi got his extension in the offseason, so he wont hesitate to come back. He is the difference maker for the Clippers who have finally developed some continuity and chemistry. They are the dark horse this year that noboby talks about.