Kawhi Leonard Injury History: Will He Be Healthy for 2023-24 Season?

Kawhi Leonard underwent a “clean-up” procedure on his right knee in early June and will be ready for the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Although a “clean-up” is a standard procedure given his history of an ACL tear in 2021, the question is what was cleaned out of his knee, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Teams typically don’t release that level of detail on offseason procedures, thus we are left with two options: articular cartilage/chips or meniscus.

Either option doesn’t inspire positivity among our panel of former head team physicians and Leonard carries a SIC score of 86 for next season given his chronic knee issues.

At this point in his career, the issue is not one that can be remedied by surgery. It can be managed by offseason clean-up procedures but this first “maintenance” surgery signals the beginning of a downward slide for his right knee, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Leonard has not played more than 60 games since the 2016-17 season and is unlikely to do so for the Clippers this upcoming season as well.

Unfortunately, load management will follow the two-time Finals MVP for the remainder of his career.

The San Diego State alumnus averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season. He’s entering the third year of his four-year contract and holds a $48 million player option for 2024-25.

Get a free $100 by signing up for Sleeper Picks

Through a partnership with Sports Injury Central, first-time users can get up to $100 matched on a first-time deposit through this link here.