The LA Clippers are putting an end (at least for now) to the guesswork about Kawhi Leonard’s health.
In a recent interview with ESPNClippers head coach Tyronn Lue provided an update on the status of All-Star forward Leonard. Lue said Leonard will be ready for the start of training camp in October.
“I speak to [Kawhi] “He’s still ready for training camp,” Lue said. “He feels good and I know he’ll be ready for training camp.”
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, has suffered multiple knee injuries (some requiring surgery) for years. Last season, it was inflammation in his right knee that kept him sidelined for the final weeks of the regular season and most of the Clippers’ playoff run.
Leonard was originally selected for the United States basketball team that went to the Paris Olympics. But he never really looked his best (even at the American team camp) and would eventually retire from the team before the start of the first exhibition game.
While Leonard’s stints with Team USA have only added to the mystery surrounding his health, Lue seems very confident that Leonard will be able to participate in a full training camp with the Clippers this year. While Leonard, who recently turned 33, will likely never be fully healthy, he did manage to play 68 regular-season games last year (his most since the 2016-17 NBA campaign). After Paul George left as a free agent (which Leonard spoke about last month), the Clippers will need all they can get next season from The Klaw and his co-star James Harden.
