NBA Rumors: Kawhi Leonard 'Not Anywhere Close to' Returning Clippers amid Injury

After missing the Los Angeles Clippers' season-opening loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, superstar forward Kawhi Leonard reportedly isn't expected to be cleared to play any time soon.

Speaking Thursday on First Take, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said the following about Leonard's status:

"Kawhi is legitimately recovering from a major injury. He had surgery in the offseason. He's not not playing right now because he's protecting his knees. He's not playing right now because he's recovering from surgery, but I understand why this is difficult to comprehend and compute because he had surgery in May and then tried to play for Team USA in June. And Team USA took one look at him and said, 'You can't play, you're not ready to play.' And he hasn't played since. Since they sent him home from their scrimmages he hasn't played since. And by the way, he's not anywhere close to coming back. He's not coming back next week. He's a while away."

Before the start of the season, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Leonard was "expected to be sidelined for an indefinite period of time" as he rehabilitates inflammation in his right knee.

With Leonard expected to miss an extended period of time, the Clippers figure to continue leaning on the likes of James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac as their man offensive contributors.

Leonard played 68 games last season, the most since his final year with the San Antonio Spurs when he was on the court for 74 games. His injury luck from the regular season didn't follow him to the playoffs as he played just two games in the postseason because of a knee injury.

Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game last season, staying consistent in his 12th NBA campaign.

After Paul George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason, it became clear that Leonard would have to carry the load and be the Clippers' go-to guy in 2024-25.

That role instead belongs to Harden with Leonard on the shelf, and it is fair to wonder if the Clippers will be able to truly contend for a playoff spot if Kawhi isn't back in the relatively near future.