Kawhi Leonard sidelined for weeks by knee swelling — SkimNews
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- Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks because of swelling in his left knee.
- Kawhi Leonard’s knee MRI showed no structural damage, and both sides plan to use the absence to ramp him up.
- Toronto Raptors said Leonard will be reevaluated in one week.
- Kawhi Leonard missed his first game of the season on Sunday because of the swelling; through two games, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals.
- NBA investigation into the LA Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention case reached a resolution before Leonard could join the Raptors, making his offseason uncommon.
- Kawhi Leonard was traded from the LA Clippers to Toronto this offseason and agreed to a two-year, $115 million extension after previously leading the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019.
- Kawhi Leonard has previously had right-knee issues, including multiple surgeries for his meniscus and ACL, while the current swelling is in his left knee.
Why it matters: For Toronto, the immediate cost is losing a 19.5-point, 7.5-rebound, 3.5-steal contributor during Leonard’s first season back; the benefit of the absence is a planned ramp-up under the Raptors’ care after imaging found no structural damage, with reevaluation in one week.
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