Kawhi Leonard’s knee woes have Clippers fans holding their breath once again.
Kawhi’s Knee Saga Continues
So, here’s the scoop: Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ quiet superstar, is out indefinitely as he battles inflammation in his right knee. The news dropped like a bombshell on Thursday, and let’s just say, it wasn’t the kind of headline Clippers fans were hoping for. He’s been MIA all preseason, skipping the game against the Kings and avoiding any contact drills during training camp. Assistant coach Brian Shaw summed it up nicely: “He has not been a part of what weโve been doing on a daily basis.” Sounds like the Clippers are playing the patience game with Kawhi.
Breaking: Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to be sidelined for an indefinite period of time to start the NBA season as he rehabilitates the inflammation in his right knee, sources tell @ShamsCharania and @NotoriousOHM.
โ ESPN (@espn)
Kawhi’s knee issues aren’t new. After a win against Charlotte on March 31, things started acting up again. He sat out the last eight games of the regular season and barely made a splash in the playoffs. It’s like the basketball gods just won’t cut him a break.
Harden Steps Up to the Plate
With Kawhi sidelined, it’s time for James Harden to shine. Harden, who jumped ship from the Sixers last year, is now the main man in LA. He’s got some big shoes to fill, especially with Paul George now ballin’ in Philly and Westbrook hoopin’ with the Nuggets. I think Harden’s got what it takes, but only time will tell if he can carry this team. Last season, he put up some solid numbers: 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. Not too shabby, right?
But, let’s be real, Kawhi’s absence is a massive blow. Since joining the Clippers in 2019, he’s missed a whopping 179 out of 435 games. That’s like missing free throws in crunch timeโfrustrating and costly. Remember when he sat out the entire 2021-22 season with that torn ACL? Yeah, not fun times for Clippers Nation.
What’s Next for the Clippers?
The Clippers are gearing up to face the Phoenix Suns on October 23 at the Intuit Dome, marking its debut as a regular-season venue. It’s a big moment, but without Kawhi, can they pull off a win? The pressure’s on Harden to lead the charge alongside role players like Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Terance Mann. Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? Crazy stuff.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Can the Clippers hold it together without their star player, or will this season be another what-if story? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sureโit’s going to be a rollercoaster ride. Buckle up, Clippers fans!
