The end of this past season was marred by increasingly bad injury luck for the LA Clippers. After putting together a fantastic season where they rebounded incredibly well from a slow start and elevated to the top of the Western Conference standings, it all threatened to come crashing down with Kawhi Leonard's worsening knee pain.
He ended up playing in just two of the Clippers' six games in the first round of the playoffs. Without their best player and driving force, LA fell to the eventual Western Conference champions in six games. It was a bitter and disappointing end to what had been a very positive season, all things considered.
Since then, fans have had increasing and understandable concern for Kawhi and his knee injury. It is not the first time he has been afflicted with knee troubles, and with his increasing age, the potential for this injury to become long-term and debilitating seemed to be there. But a recent bit of news should allow Clippers fans to breathe a sigh of relief.
Kawhi will be ready to go for Team USA camp next week
According to USA Basketball Olympic coach Steve Kerr, all 12 players on the roster - including Kawhi Leonard - will be "present and able to participate" at the team's training camp in Las Vegas next week. While Clippers fans would have loved to see him healthy two months ago and some may groan at his reported improvement now, I would imagine the vast majority are thrilled to hear this.
There were real concerns that Leonard would have to miss the Olympics this summer. That scenario was not pressing for Clippers fans because they thought the US might lose the gold medal without him, rather it was concerning on the front of his long-term health and ability to contribute with the Clippers next season.
But with those fears now quelled, there should be renewed optimism surrounding Kawhi and his ability to be the top-five level player he is at his peak once again. His performance and how he holds up at the Olympics will be a major indicator as well.