Los Angeles Clippers ace Kawhi Leonard’s surgery to repair his partially torn ACL was a success. The two-time winner is expected to be out for nine months.
Leonard was a huge miss in the conference finals against the Phoenix Suns, where they went on to lose 4-2 despite Paul George’s heroics. The 30-year-old last competed in Game 4 against the Utah Jazz in the conference semifinals. The Clippers were able to stage a comeback after being 2-0 down despite Leonard not playing the last two games.
Leonard had initially dismissed the extent of the injury and had said that his knee was fine. But, he went on to aggravate the injury resulting in a partially torn ACL, similar to the one Spencer Dinwiddie suffered at the start of the season.
According to a statement by the franchise, there is no official timetable regarding his return back on the court.
Kawhi Leonard underwent successful surgery today to repair a partial tear of his right anterior cruciate ligament. There is no timetable for his return.
It is yet to be determined whether Leonard will return back to the Clippers or opt to leave. The Western Conference side had signed the NBA Finals MVP on a two-year deal. With the culmination of the present season near its end, it’s safe to say that the deal has expired.
Leonard can choose to return back to the Clippers according to his contract, or he can leave the team as well and opt for free agency.
Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are said to be the two sides who are vouching for the signature of the forward.
Leonard’s relationship with Heat’s Jimmy Butler is a connection that can be made. The Clippers ace apparently vouched for Butler, but the franchise eventually decided to rope in Paul George.
Another franchise that are keeping tabs on Leonard is the New York Knicks, who are in for a superstar player in the market.
The Clippers will have a huge task at hand to compete in the Western Conference without their star player. The pressure will fall on Paul George to lead the side and the rest of the team to step up in the player’s absence.
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