LOS ANGELES — LA Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard nonetheless has irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee, and his standing is questionable for Recreation 1 in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks.
Lawrence Frank, LA Clippers president of basketball operations, mentioned Leonard has but to undergo contact earlier than Thursday’s apply. Frank mentioned Leonard’s proper knee, which has undergone surgical procedures to restore a torn ACL and meniscus, is structurally “strong and intact” however that the Clippers franchise star is experiencing “some very, very cussed irritation.”
“He is doing every part,” Frank mentioned of Leonard treating his knee. “Our medical workers is doing every part to get the irritation down so he can play. Progress has been made, however extra progress wants — the irritation must proceed to cut back so he can do purposeful basketball actions.”
Frank added, “There isn’t a gamesmanship right here and we’re very delicate of the truth that questions are going to be requested and wish to be as clear as doable. It is OK to say what the reality is. It is unpredictable. We’re hoping it is trending in the appropriate path. It is a very correct assertion. When it will get to a degree the place he is capable of play, then that is when he’ll be again on the courtroom.”
Frank mentioned there’s nonetheless a few days earlier than Sunday’s Recreation 1 to get Leonard prepared for the beginning of the postseason. Leonard, although, has not performed in a recreation since March 31 and missed the final eight video games of the common season.
“So by way of based mostly on the place we’re heading, is it doable he may play?” Frank mentioned Thursday. “Certain, it is doable. It is Thursday. With every day we’ll know an increasing number of.”
Requested whether or not Leonard had an injection to assist with irritation, Frank mentioned he wouldn’t go into any particulars about any particular remedies.
Frank mentioned Leonard has gone by means of all of the psychological parts of apply from movie research to personnel however had been stored out of the contact parts.
“Clearly if he is not wholesome to play at a sure second then he will not be on the market,” Frank mentioned. “Since Kawhi’s tenure, when Kawhi is wholesome, he performs. And a few issues you may’t management, no matter how meticulous he’s along with his physique and every part that goes into enjoying. You’ll be able to solely management what you may management and also you form of received to give up to the issues you may’t.
“We’d by no means put Kawhi or anybody on the courtroom if there’s grave danger or there’s danger for future damage. We’re hopeful that this irritation will get lowered and he’ll be again on the courtroom as rapidly as doable. However you may’t predict one thing that is unpredictable.”
Leonard underwent surgical procedure in July 2021 to restore a torn ACL he suffered in his proper knee throughout a second-round sequence in opposition to Utah. After which in June, Leonard underwent a cleanup process to restore a torn meniscus suffered in the identical knee throughout final season’s first spherical in opposition to Phoenix.
