In most cases, star players who are attempting to bounce back from injury are forced to do so in the public eye. Kevin Durant’s recovery was well-chronicled in 2019 after he suffered a torn Achilles. Derrick Rose’s ACL rehab stint several years ago was also pushed to the limelight. In the case of Kawhi Leonard, his ACL recovery process has been shrouded in mystery.
After going down in a heap during Game 4 of the Western Conference Semis in 2021, Leonard has seldom been spotted with a basketball in his hands. LA Clippers fans have followed closely, however, as they were given little to no update on his status. Nevertheless, with Leonard continuing his long road back, the curtains have been somewhat peeled back as fans have now been given more news surrounding his injury timeline and his current schedule.
“I am told Leonard has not been restricted at all this month as he continues what has been to this point a successful rehabilitation process,” said Law Murray of The Athletic.
Kawhi Leonard isn’t battling mental hurdles
When last seen, Leonard provided LA with not only elite-level offensive ability but also lockdown perimeter defense. While players of Leonard’s elk normally struggle from a mental standpoint on their road back, the former two-time Defensive Player of the Year has reportedly shown no trepidation.
By and large, although Leonard has gone through his fair of innocuous injuries, the current LA Clippers forward has always dusted himself off before returning to the court shortly. However, as is the case with ACL tears, Leonard spent the entirety of the 2021-22 season on the sidelines.
Despite remaining sequestered on the Clippers bench, Leonard meticulously attacked his rehab. In doing so, Leonard had no fear of re-injuring himself. And, according to Murray, it’s become ostensible that the former two-time NBA Champion is hungry to bring LA to new levels of prosperity.
“Leonard has also been locked in mentally, as multiple sources suggest the mental hurdles that usually come with an ACL injury and long-term rehab have not deterred him.”