'Positive' twist to Kawhi Leonard injury update comes with major caveat

On Thursday, LA Clippers fans were given a harsh reality check when it was announced that Kawhi Leonard would be sidelined indefinitely to begin the 2023-24 season. This of course has a lot of implications, with one of them being that the Clippers' best player will not be present as the team opens up their brand new home arena.

Obviously, everyone from the team owner, to the front office, to the fanbase, to Kawhi's teammates are not excited with the news. Waiting longer to get Leonard on the hardwood will mean an extended period of trying to figure things out, and the Clippers do not have much leeway with a brand-new roster and a jam-packed Western Conference around them.

However, this update on Kawhi's health was not all gloom and doom. Shams Charania did indicate that there is a positive regarding his situation, but that upside does come with a pretty major caveat. When asked if he could have to deal with the inflammation coming up for the rest of his career, Leonard said that is a possibility but that the medical staff has got a better handle on it and is trying to ensure that isn't the case, Shams wrote in a recent article.

Basically, ESPN's top insider is reiterating what was said at Clippers media day here in discussing what is believed to be an improved process from LA's medical staff in handling Kawhi's knee injuries. What that process is, we do not know. But it was stated explicitly as an advantage they believe they will have going forward.

Possibility that Kawhi deals with inflammation "for the rest of his career"

Still, the part about Kawhi potentially having to deal with this swelling for the remainder of his career is far from a positive sign. Leonard already has a lengthy history of injuries in his 13 years in the league. This swelling he is currently battling is yet another highly challenging circumstance.

It almost gives Kendrick Perkins' seemingly wild assertion that Leonard should consider retirement some credence. Only Kawhi truly knows how he feels, but he is no doubt also considering the long-term and non-basketball ramifications of continuing to push his bruised-up body. Going too hard now could lead to physical problems later in life, and we have sadly seen players like Dirk Nowitzki experience this.

We can feel confident that Leonard will make the right choice for himself, his career and his body. Clippers fans will simply have to hope he can return as soon as possible and look anything like the All-NBA player he was this past season.