Will Kawhi Leonard ever be fully healthy? Right now, that question cannot be answered as the Los Angeles Clippers are dealing with him trying to suit up for a preseason game.
The 33-year-old has not played in a preseason game yet, and now, Leonard will be out for the final game before heading into the regular season.
In addition to him being out of this game, Leonard may be missing the season opener on October 23rd against the Phoenix Suns.
“Continue to keep rehabbing,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said when asked about the plan for Leonard this week. “Keep getting better. Keep checking the boxes.”
Right knee inflammation has been the culprit in Leonard’s long road to recovery, as it is attacking his surgically repaired knee.
Since last season, Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season and only appeared in two playoff games due to inflammation and, in general, knee injuries.
“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].” Kawhi Leonard lets people have a peek at what’s happening.
Leonard is entering the first year of his new max veteran contract. For reminder, he is making $149.5 million over the next three seasons.