Los Angeles Clippers superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is still recovering from his right knee inflammation injury. Leonard has not practiced fully with his team during training camp, and as the season approaches, his status for opening night is uncertain.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times caught up with Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue who said that Leonard’s status for opening night is unclear.
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“He’s getting treatment,” Lue said. “He’s going through the process, rehabbing his right knee.”
Lue was asked whether Leonard had done anything in practice.
“No,” he said.
The Clippers open their regular season against the Phoenix Suns at home Oct. 23.
Will Leonard be ready for the opener, Lue was asked.
“I’m not sure,” Lue said.
The Clippers will open their season on Oct. 23 against their division rivals, the Phoenix Suns. Leonard, who last played in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, said last week that he has been feeling much better since late April.
“I feel good,” Leonard said at halftime of the Clippers 91-90 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. “Just been taking my time, getting stronger, and getting ready.
“… We’re just taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the floor. Once those conversations come, we’ll see what they’re talking about [on the best approach for back-to-backs].”
Last season, Leonard played in 68 regular season games, the most since the 2016-17 season, and averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from deep.
The Clippers may not have the similar star power they had just a season ago, but they will rely on their depth in addition to their two superstars, Leonard and James Harden. Los Angeles did a great job collecting depth on their roster after they had lost arguably the best free agent this past offseason, Paul George.
However, the page has turned, and the team will turn to Leonard, as they always have, to carry the load and, more importantly, remain available. Throughout his career, Leonard has struggled to stay healthy, especially during his Clipper tenure.
Knee injuries have been the issue for Leonard and the Clippers. It won’t get any easier as he gets older, but the hope is that is all behind Leonard and he will be available throughout the 82-game season and beyond.
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