Kawhi Leonard’s absence from the latter half of the Western Conference Semis is likely what cost the Clippers their chance at a title.
And while optimism remains about their ability to bounce back next season, the most recent Kawhi news has put a bit of a damper on their spirits.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charnia, Leonard had surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, with no official timetable to return.
Kawhi Leonard had surgery to repair a partially torn right ACL.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 14, 2021
While there is no way to say for sure when Kawhi will be back at 100%, the best estimates right now predict a 9-month time frame before we see him back at full strength.
Typically surgery to repair a partially torn ACL is a full reconstruction, the same surgery as for a complete rupture (grade 3 tear). Looking at around 9 months to get back to the court and even longer to return to preinjury levels.
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) July 14, 2021
It’s a rather tough blow for the Clippers, who might have to wait another year before returning to title contention.
https://twitter.com/TwiTati/status/1415108642974564352
Me reading this information 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/ABplTaZFoe
— Fun Guy (@FunGuyBurner) July 14, 2021
Thank god it wasn’t fully torn🙏 pic.twitter.com/d2w3sQLuJ6
— 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 (@WadexFlash) July 14, 2021
sigh
— jacq loves pascal (@kylerussforever) July 14, 2021
Considering Kawhi’s history of playing it safe with injuries, there is reason to believe he might not suit up at all next season. Kawhi is someone who takes extra precaution with these sorts of things, and he’s not the one we should expect to try and rush back to the court.
Nevertheless, we all hope for a full and quick recovery for the Clippers superstar. At just 30-years-old, he’s still got years of stardom left ahead of him, and we can’t wait to see it.
