Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard faced a tumultuous offseason as he grappled with persistent inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. This ongoing issue has compelled the team to adopt various treatment methods since last season, as they attempt to get Leonard back to peak performance.
Leonard’s Playoff Woes
During the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, Leonard's knee inflammation flared up, restricting him to only two games in the series. The Clippers ultimately lost the series to the Mavericks, a significant blow that was exacerbated by Leonard's limited availability.
The Clippers' President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed cautious optimism about Leonard's progress. "I think the encouraging thing is we've seen progress. This was a real tricky thing in terms of the inflammation. We’re kind of searching for answers along the way, and with time we continue to learn more about what works, what hasn’t. It’s truly unfortunate that he’s had to deal with this, but I think we’re definitely trending in the right direction."
Managing the Offseason
In an effort to prevent any recurrence of knee issues, Leonard will be withheld from drills in the upcoming training camp. The team's focus remains on strengthening and loading his knee to ensure long-term stability.
"We're just really going to focus on strengthening and loading. I think we learned some lessons. Just if you think about it, he desperately wanted to come back and play in that Dallas series, and within a game and a half, the inflammation came where it wasn’t manageable, so we don’t want to put ourselves in that position," Frank added.
To ensure Leonard could concentrate on his rehabilitation, USA Basketball replaced him with Derrick White during training camp. Despite the persistent inflammation, Leonard initially participated in the camp before this strategic switch was made.
No Timeline for Return
Fans eagerly await Leonard's return to the court, though there remains no confirmed timeline for his comeback to regular-season action. Frank elaborated on the complexity of Leonard’s situation: "I think that the timing's all going to basically depend on how his knee responds to each phase. No one has a crystal ball."
Frank also highlighted the team's offseason dedication to Leonard's recovery, saying, "We got the knee in a really, really good place. [He came] back for Dallas [in the playoffs] and it has been manageable since. But we really, really spent the offseason trying to get this 100% and I think we’re getting closer and closer."
As the Clippers brace for the upcoming season, the priority remains ensuring Leonard's knee is fully prepared to handle the rigors of NBA play. The evolving strategies and treatments reflect a commitment to bringing their star player back to full strength, a move that could significantly impact their performance in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Clippers' meticulous approach in managing Leonard's knee showcases an organization attentive to the well-being of its players while striving for competitive success. Leonard's condition will undoubtedly be a focal point as the season progresses, with the team closely monitoring his rehabilitation process.
The hope among Clippers fans and the organization is that Leonard will soon return to the form that made him one of the most formidable players in the league. Until then, his health and readiness remain at the forefront of the Clippers' strategic planning.