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Dating back to the tail end of his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard is a star who has regularly dealt with injuries. As the 2024-25 season gets ready to begin, some light has been shed on the LA Clippers star's status to open the year.
Earlier this summer, Leonard was set to compete in the Olympics for Team USA. However, just before they hit the road for their Showcase Games, he was replaced by Derrick White due to injury.
On Thursday's episode of "NBA Today," NBA insider Ohm Youngmisuk detailed the latest on Kawhi Leonard. Seeing that he's already been ruled out for the Clippers preseason finale, it's doubtful he's in the lineup for their regular-season opener.
"With the season opener a week away," Youngmisuk said, "I would say it's doubtful that we see Kawhi Leonard there. They're just going to err on the side of caution."
This injury caused Leonard to miss most of the Clippers' playoff matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, playing in just two of the six games. Based on this newest update, the issue seems to still be lingering months later.
Given their current situation, Leonard being out is a bigger blow for LA. With Paul George departing in free agency, the roster now has limited star power to lead the charge.
Clippers assistant speaks on Kawhi Leonard's rehab process
As he continues to rehab this knee injury, Kawhi Leonard has not suited up for the LA Clippers in the preseason. Based on some recent comments from an assistant coach, it appears that all the work he has been doing is individual.
Earlier this week, assistant Brian Shaw stepped in as head coach in the preseason for Ty Lue. While speaking with reporters, he was asked about the team's star forward. Shaw stated that Leonard hasn't done much with the team and they're more focused on the guys who are available right now.
"He has not been apart of what we've been doing on a daily basis," Shaw said. "He's doing everything that he can to rehab it and strengthen that knee on his own with our medical staff and we just dealing with the guys that we have.”
When healthy, Leonard is still one of the top two-way talents in the NBA. That said, most of his struggles stem from his inability to consistently stay in the lineup. In the 68 games he played last year, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals.
With Leonard out of the picture, the Clippers will have to rely on other key members of the roster to lead the charge. One person who is sure to have a lot fall on his shoulders is James Harden, now that he's the sole other All-Star for LA.
