The LA Clippers are putting an end to speculation about Kawhi Leonard’s health, at least for now.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue provided a significant update on the All-Star forward. Lue confirmed that Leonard will be ready for the start of training camp in October.
“I talk to [Kawhi] all the time,” Lue said. “He’ll be ready for training camp. He’s feeling good, and I’m confident he’ll be ready.”
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has struggled with multiple knee injuries, some requiring surgery, for years. Last season, he was sidelined by right knee inflammation, missing the final weeks of the regular season and almost all of the Clippers’ playoff run.
Leonard was initially selected for the USA Basketball team heading to the Paris Olympics but eventually withdrew after not looking fully fit during Team USA camp.
While Leonard’s withdrawal from Team USA fueled further uncertainty about his health, Lue seems confident that Leonard will participate fully in training camp this year. Though Leonard, now 33, may never be completely healthy again, he did manage to play in 68 regular-season games last year, his highest total since the 2016-17 season. With Paul George departing as a free agent (a move Leonard recently commented on), the Clippers will rely heavily on Leonard and co-star James Harden next season.
