LA Clippers rumors: ‘Nobody knows’ if Kawhi Leonard will play in 2021-22

No one knows if Kawhi Leonard is going to play this season for the LA Clippers. 

Kawhi Leonard is arguably the most difficult star to read in the NBA. He’s somewhat of a lone wolf and over the past few years has grown a persona that suggests no one really knows what he’s going to do – other than those in his inner circle.

The problem with that is that his inner circle is so small. Coming off a major injury, all eyes will be on Kawhi this season. Will he return at all this season? Will he return in spurts? Will he return on a part-time basis? Will he return only late in the season, and only in the event that the LA Clippers are competitive?

There are so many questions regarding Kawhi’s road to recovery and not many answers. In fact, it appears that there aren’t even answers inside the organization.

According to team owner Steve Ballmer, no one really knows what Kawhi is going to do this season – regarding a potential return.

"[via USA Today]“Nobody knows at this stage,” Ballmer said. “Nobody knows. It’s possible. For sure, it’s possible. But it will depend on what the doctors say and what Kawhi says.”"

Kawhi injured his knee in the team’s second-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. He didn’t return in that series and it was revealed later that he had a partially torn ACL. Since his injury was reported, there has been no clear timeline attached to him. Mysterious.

However, the fact that Ballmer didn’t even entertain that thought is quite interesting. Even if Ballmer knew what Kawhi was going to try to do in his recovery, I’m not sure that’s something you want to volunteer to the media.

The last thing that Kawhi wants is added pressure and expectation after another major injury.

But that does leave the Clippers in an interesting predicament. If they truly don’t know what Kawhi’s plan is, perhaps that will change the way they approach the season? Or even the trade deadline.

If I had to make an educated guess, I’d say we probably aren’t going to see Kawhi at all this season. It would make much better sense – especially considering his injury history – that he plays the long game with this latest injury.