Back in the 2019 NBA Finals, injury forced Kevin Durant out in a crucial Game 5 that the Warriors somehow won. Later, in Game 6, Klay Thompson had already dropped 30 dimes when he hurt himself and went out. That night, a fortunate and well-deserving Kawhi Leonard had lifted his second title and Toronto’s first. But the fortunes turned against him in 2021.

The Clippers, upon reaching their maiden WCF, played shorthanded without The Claw against a loaded Phoenix Suns. Kawhi’s Game 4 injury against the Jazz proved bigger than anyone imagined and he never came back on the court. So what are the fresh updates on the star’s recovery?

Clippers’ official statement and sports medicine experts’ reaction

Recently, the Clippers released an official announcement revealing that The Claw has undergone surgery. They did not mention an ACL injury and rather called it a partial tear of  his right anterior cruciate ligament. 

Later, an injury analyst, Jeff Stotts, gave a more understandable explanation about his probable condition. He used the examples of Thomas Bryant (Wizards) and Spencer Dinwiddie (Nets) who both combined for just 13 games in the 2020-21 season. The certified expert signaled that Kawhi Leonard’s injury is of the same nature and he might be out for around six months starting today.

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What can this mean for Kawhi Leonard and his future?

If the doubt takes a real shape, The Claw can stay out until mid January of 2021. Now, this would mean the Clippers playing Kawhi-less for the initial 30 or so games. With his history of injuries working as a red flag and impacting the recovery, the worst can actually become the truth.

Now, this update has given birth to many rumors. The 5x NBA All-Star has a Player Option this off-season and he might use it to test his free agency. With the Mavericks, Heat, and Warriors in line to show interest in the 2x Champion, the decision would be tricky for him.

However, given that he is injured and that Los Angeles is his hometown, the chances are strong he’d stay back. Plus, the Clippers, even without Kawhi, forced a Game 6 on the Suns, proving that they’re a contender. So Kawhi might want to test the team for the coming year. Do you agree with the assessment? Help us know what you think in the comments below.

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