Kawhi Leonard is still dealing with another knee issue, which might keep him out of action for a while.
Shams Charania stated during an appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today" that the Clippers anticipate Leonard missing "weeks" while he continues his rehabilitation.
“I’m told Kawhi Leonard will be missing weeks,” Charania said. “This is not an injury that’s going to be measured by a week, two weeks, potentially. Not days, obviously. This will be an extended period of time that the Clippers are starting this season without him.
“I’m told they feel that they have a plan and a protocol in place that will allow him, when he is ready to return, to actually sustain his play on the court.”
https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1849176513201000855
When the injury news broke last week, Leonard was given an uncertain schedule. The Clippers seem to be hoping for his return sometime in November and will work to prevent another long absence after that.
There must be serious questions over Leonard's durability at this point in his career, regardless of the Clippers' long-term strategy. The 33-year-old played in 68 games last season, but he has had knee problems for years, so this current setback is not entirely new. The Clippers may not have anticipated this either, based on head coach Tyronn Lue's August remarks.
During the regular season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while playing in 68 games. He only made two postseason appearances before his knee problems resurfaced during the playoffs.