The Clippers reached the Western Convention finals for the primary time in franchise historical past final season. In the event that they need to make it again to that playoff spherical once more, they must collectively exchange the manufacturing of their finest participant.

Kawhi Leonard will likely be sidelined indefinitely after present process surgical procedure in July to restore a partial tear of the ACL in his proper knee. Leonard could possibly rejoin the rotation sooner or later throughout the 2021-22 season, however Paul George and Co. will likely be anticipated to do the heavy lifting to start out the brand new marketing campaign.

What’s subsequent for Leonard? This is all the pieces we find out about his damage and the newest information on when he could return to the court docket.

MORE: Breaking down Leonard’s new contract with Clippers

What’s Kawhi Leonard’s damage?

Leonard suffered a proper knee damage throughout Recreation 4 of the 2021 Western Convention semifinals. The 2-time NBA Finals MVP got here up limping after a drive towards the basket towards Jazz ahead Joe Ingles. He ended up sitting the final four-plus minutes of that contest, however in his postgame interview with TNT’s Rebecca Haarlow, he stated, “I will be good.”

Sadly for Leonard, the knee situation was extra critical than he thought and ended what had been a spectacular playoff run. The Clippers introduced on July 13 that Leonard underwent profitable surgical procedure to restore the partially torn ACL, including that there’s “no timetable for his return.”

In 52 video games final season, Leonard averaged 24.8 factors, 6.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals, incomes a spot on the All-NBA First Group.

How lengthy will Kawhi Leonard be out?

Whereas it’s not possible to know precisely how a lot time Leonard will miss, damage skilled Jeff Stotts believes his restoration will prolong into subsequent yr. The 2021-22 marketing campaign will start on Oct. 19, so it would not be surprising to see Leonard caught on the bench for the primary few months of the season. 

The Clippers will face the Warriors of their season opener on Oct. 21 (10 p.m. ET, TNT).

Kawhi Leonard profession stats, highlights

• 19.2 factors per recreation
• 6.4 rebounds per recreation
• 2.9 assists per recreation
• 0.6 blocks per recreation
• 1.8 steals per recreation
• 1.6 turnovers per recreation
• 31.3 minutes per recreation
• 49.3 % taking pictures
• 38.4 % 3-point taking pictures
• 85.8 % free throw taking pictures