As Clippers debut $3 billion arena, Kawhi Leonard brings terrible news with yet another injury

NBA and Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been dealt with another injury blow as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

As Clippers debut $3 billion arena, Kawhi Leonard brings terrible news with yet another injury

Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has gathered a lot of attention from the NBA community for unwanted reasons. Notably, Leonard has been one of the most crucial players for the Clippers when he is on the court. However, Leonard has been dealing with many injuries to his body. ESPN’s Shams Charania‘s recent update regarding Leonard’s injury is not a positive one.

ESPN’s Charania and Ohm Youngmisuk announced Thursday that Leonard would miss the start of the regular season and be sidelined ‘indefinitely.’ Leonard will allegedly resume his rehabilitation program while dealing with soreness in his right knee. It’s important to note that Leonard has not managed to stay fit since 2021, tearing his ACL in 2021 and his meniscus in 2023 (both knee issues).

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In addition, the Clippers will now be without two stars, Leonard (injury) and Paul George, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s a bit disappointing for their fans. This is because the Clippers move into their new $3 billion arena, the Intuit Dome.

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On the other hand, Leonard was also replaced by Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics because of injury. His recovery process has been dealt with several blows lately. Earlier, it was anticipated that Leonard would be fit in time for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. However, after Charania’s latest scoop, that does not seem to be the case anymore.

Interestingly, Leonard made the All-NBA Second Team last season. It looked like he would finish a whole season without any significant injury. However, that was not the case, as his knee issue rose in the 2023-24 Playoffs, keeping him on the sidelines till the present. Hence, it remains to be seen now how Leonard bounces back from this setback.

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Kawhi Leonard once said that he is ‘not out here to play 82 games’

In recent years, Kawhi Leonard received heavy criticism for missing games. However, he has reiterated that he does not intend to play all 82 games in a season. Leonard said he is focused on winning after a recent preseason game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers.

As I get older, guys aren’t doing what I’m doing pretty much. You don’t see it around the league. Even when I was young… This is what I work for. I strive to get a championship. I’m not out there to try to play 82 games. I’m trying to win. Even tho that’s obligated for me. I try to, but it hasn’t worked out.

Kawhi Leonard told the reporters

In the 2023–24 season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. As such, one can’t blame him for load management. The 33-year-old participated in 68 of the Clippers’ first 74 games of the season, missing four because of a hip injury.

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The two-time champion gives it his best for his side whenever he remains healthy. However, his body does not seem to take the load of recently, which results in major injuries. It will be interesting to watch when Leonard makes his return to the court possible in the upcoming NBA season.