USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 6, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This NBA season has started off in the grandest ways possible. With the league celebrating its 75th anniversary, this campaign has lived up to all the expectations so far. However, one of the league’s biggest stars is yet to play a single minute. Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been out so far with an injured ACL. However, it seems there is encouraging news as his recovery is looking better than ever.
The ‘Klaw’ has seen many injuries through his career that have kept him off the floor. This time around, suffering an ACL injury meant a much longer recovery time. Before the start of the season, the reports suggested he wouldn’t return at all. However, the scenario has changed now.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots against the Utah Jazz during the first half in game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
With the recent reports coming in, it seems Kawhi’s rehab is going great and there is a big chance he could return this season.
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Kawhi Leonard could be back this season
The Clippers took a big hit after Leonard suffered an ACL injury during the playoffs last season. Kawhi was on a roll putting up 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the playoffs for his LA side. However, with the injury slowing him down, it seemed like it would cost him a season. Now according to Chris Haynes, Leonard is progressing well in his recovery and we could see him return in the course of this campaign.
Leonard suffered a partial ACL tear and would likely have missed the season with the normal recovery time. Moreover, with his prior history of injuries, Leonard taking his time to heal was expected. However, the Clippers star has taken a forward approach and is now ahead of schedule in his recovery.
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Report: Kawhi Leonard is “ahead of schedule” on his rehab and a return this season is a “strong possibility,” via @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/gCCgiBJiwv
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 7, 2022
The Clippers have felt the absence of their stars. While Kawhi is yet to play, they suffered yet another blow, with Paul George picking up an injury. PG13 was playing at a high level before going down and carrying the load for the Clippers. However, since then, things have been tough and they have had to fight hard with every game. Hence, the news about Kawhi Leonard will be a big boost for their camp.
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With the season only halfway through, there is still enough time for Leonard to come in and make his impact at some point this season. Do you think Kawhi will pick up from where he left off or will the ‘Klaw’ take time to dig in? Let us know in the comments.
