Kawhi Leonard's Sports Injuries

Type of Sport: Basketball

Kawhi Leonard's Sports Injuries Table

Type	Area	Date	Consequences	Content	How It Happened	Recovery Duration	Rehabilitation Details	Impact On Career	Psychological Impact	Previous Injuries	Return To Competition	Severity	Treatment	Medical Staff	Long Term Impact	Preventive Measures	Competition Missed	Initial Symptoms	Re Injury Risk	Support System	Rehabilitation Location
Sprains	Left Knee	2021-06-13	Leonard missed the remainder of the playoffs and the entire 2021-22 season.	The injury was later diagnosed as a partial tear of the ACL in his left knee.	Leonard injured his knee during Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz.	Over a year	Leonard underwent surgery to repair the ACL and followed a strict rehabilitation protocol.	The injury led to a significant absence from the game and required careful load management upon return.	The long recovery period and uncertainty about his future performance affected Leonard's mental state.	No significant previous injuries to the left knee.	Leonard returned to play in the 2022-23 season.	Severe	Surgical repair and extensive rehabilitation.	Los Angeles Clippers medical team and specialists.	Leonard will likely need ongoing management to prevent further issues.	Regular physical therapy, strength training, and load management.	Remainder of the 2021 playoffs and the entire 2021-22 season.	Pain and instability in the left knee.	High, especially in the first year after returning	Family, team staff, and personal trainers.	Los Angeles Clippers training facilities.
Sprains	Right Ankle	2017-05-13	Leonard was unable to continue playing in the series and missed the remainder of the playoffs.	The injury was highly controversial and led to discussions about the 'Zaza Rule' to prevent players from undercutting shooters.	Leonard landed on the foot of Zaza Pachulia during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.	Several months	Leonard underwent extensive physical therapy and strength training to recover from the ankle sprain.	The injury led to a prolonged recovery period and some changes in Leonard's playing style to avoid further stress on his ankle.	The controversy and the impact of missing the rest of the playoffs affected Leonard's mental approach to the game.	No significant previous injuries to the right ankle.	Leonard returned to play in the following season.	Moderate	Physical therapy, rest, and rehabilitation exercises.	San Antonio Spurs medical team.	Leonard has had to be cautious with his ankle in subsequent seasons.	Strengthening exercises and wearing supportive footwear.	Remainder of the 2017 playoffs.	Severe pain and swelling in the right ankle.	Moderate, with increased risk if not properly mana	Team staff and family support.	San Antonio Spurs training facilities.
Strains	Left Shoulder	2019-11-05	Leonard missed a few games for recovery.	The injury was managed with rest and physical therapy, and Leonard returned to play shortly after.	Leonard experienced shoulder strain during a regular-season game against the Milwaukee Bucks.	A few weeks	Leonard underwent physical therapy and received treatment to reduce pain and inflammation.	Minimal long-term impact, but highlighted the need for load management.	Minor, as Leonard was able to return to play quickly.	No significant previous injuries to the left shoulder.	Leonard returned to play after a short recovery period.	Mild	Rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatments.	Los Angeles Clippers medical team.	Minimal, with proper management.	Strengthening exercises and monitoring of shoulder load.	A few regular-season games.	Pain and limited mobility in the left shoulder.	Low, with proper management.	Team medical staff and trainers.	Los Angeles Clippers training facilities.
Tendinitis	Right Knee	2020-01-09	Leonard had to manage the condition with load management strategies.	The tendinitis required ongoing treatment and led to Leonard missing several games to manage symptoms.	Developed over time due to overuse.	Ongoing management	Leonard followed a regimen of physical therapy, rest, and careful load management.	Led to the implementation of a load management strategy to prevent further issues.	Frustration due to recurring issues and the need for ongoing management.	Previous quadriceps tendinopathy may have contributed to the development of knee tendinitis.	Leonard continued to play with managed rest periods.	Moderate	Physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory treatments, and load management.	Los Angeles Clippers medical team.	Ongoing management required to prevent flare-ups.	Regular physical therapy and careful load management.	Several regular-season games.	Pain and stiffness in the right knee.	Moderate, with risk of flare-ups if not managed pr	Team medical staff, trainers, and family.	Los Angeles Clippers training facilities.

Kawhi Leonard's Sports Injuries Videos

FIRST TAKE | Kawhi Leonard is retiring - Stephen A. Smith on Kawhi's injury for most of the Clippers' season

Kawhi Leonard will not participate in the Olympics due to chronic knee soreness. Despite playing 68 games this past season, the most in eight years, his knee injury in the postseason hindered the Clippers' progress. Stephen A. Smith criticizes Leonard's decision to initially commit to Team USA despite his health issues, questioning his priorities. Leonard's withdrawal has implications for both Team USA and the Clippers, raising concerns about his long-term health and commitment. Stephen A. emphasizes the importance of Leonard focusing on his recovery to be ready for the next NBA season rather than risking further injury in the Olympics.

Kawhi Leonard's Sports Injuries