In a setback for Los Angeles Clippers, forward Kawhi Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee, per ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31659364/los-angeles-clippers-forward-kawhi-leonard-diagnosed-torn-meniscus), as confirmed by sources. Leonard missed the final three games of the Clippers’ first-round series loss to the Phoenix Suns, and the injury will keep him out for the rest of the playoffs. The news will be a huge blow for the Clippers who were hoping that Leonard would be fit and ready for the all-important postseason games.
The injury is in the same knee in which Leonard had previously suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. CBS Sports (https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kawhi-leonard-injury-clippers-star-tore-meniscus-in-troubled-right-knee-during-playoffs-per-report/) reported that Leonard has torn the meniscus in his right knee and is currently weighing his rehab options heading into the offseason. Despite the injury, there is no definitive timeline for the superstar’s return, and the Clippers are understandably cautious about rushing him back too early.
The Athletic’s (https://theathletic.com/2681636/2021/06/16/clippers-kawhi-leonard-diagnosed-with-torn-meniscus-whats-his-potential-recovery-timeline/) report highlights how serious the meniscus injury is for Leonard and how long it could take for him to recover. The team’s medical staff will have to assess the extent of the damage and come up with a strategy to get him back to full fitness. The injury is not career-ending, several reports suggest, but the Clippers must tread cautiously to ensure that Leonard is not rushed back too soon.
While the Clippers have dealt with injuries to key players all season, the loss of Leonard is especially severe. ESPN reported that the 30-year-old forward is likely to opt-out of his contract at the end of this season, which has further fuelled speculation over his future with the club. However, Leonard has yet to make any public comments on the injury or his future with the team.
The news has sparked discussions on whether the Clippers can go far in the post-season without Leonard, their stabilizing force. Sports Illustrated (https://www.si.com/nba/2021/06/16/kawhi-leonard-torn-meniscus-clippers-playoffs), ESPN, and other outlets have speculated on what the Clippers’ next steps would be in the playoffs without one of their best players.
In the absence of Leonard, the Clippers will need Paul George and the rest of the team to step up and fill the void. With their title hopes hanging in the balance, it’s now down to the team’s medical staff and players to make the best of a difficult situation.
