It didn't take long for the excitement surrounding Kawhi Leonard's return to turn into concern.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has only played in two of the Clippers' first 15 games this season, most recently appearing in a loss to the Suns on Oct. 23. He has been consistently listed as out on Los Angeles' injury report because of "right knee injury management."
Leonard is certainly no stranger to that report. Throughout his career, he has dealt with several health issues, resulting in hundreds of missed games.
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Kawhi Leonard injury history
Spurs (2011-2018)
- 2011-12: Played in 64 of 66 games
- 2012-13: Played in 58 of 82 games
- 2013-14: Played in 66 of 82 games
- 2014-15: Played in 64 of 82 games
- 2015-16: Played in 72 of 82 games
- 2016-17: Played in 74 of 82 games
- 2017-18: Played in 9 of 82 games
- Total missed games: 151
Leonard played in 64 or more games in five of his first six seasons with the Spurs, missing certain stretches because of calf, hand, knee and quadriceps injuries, among others.
The most significant issue emerged during the 2017-18 season when a lingering right quadriceps injury sidelined him for 73 games. The Spurs and Leonard's camp reportedly disagreed "about the exact nature of the injury," creating tension in the relationship.
Both sides were unable to get on the same page, and Leonard eventually requested a trade out of San Antonio.
Raptors (2018-2019)
- 2018-19: Played in 60 of 82 games
- Total missed games: 22
The Raptors implemented a load management plan for Leonard, who was dealing with knee and quadriceps injuries. While it may have frustrated fans at time, the strategy ultimately paid off.
After sitting out 22 games during the 2018-19 regular season, Leonard led Toronto to the first championship in franchise history, averaging 30.5 points in 24 postseason games.
"It was big," Leonard said of the plan. "When it got bad, we ended up taking, you know, four or five games off. And, you know, if we didn't do that, I wouldn't be here right now.
"The way we laid out the schedule was good. I'm happy."
Clippers (2019-2022)
- 2019-20: Played in 57 of 72 games
- 2020-21: Played in 52 of 72 games
- 2021-22: Missed all 82 games
- 2022-23: Played in 2 of 15 games (as of Nov. 16)
- Total missed games: 130 (as of Nov. 16)
Leonard has struggled to stay on the floor since signing with the Clippers during the 2019 offseason. His most significant injury came during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he partially tore the ACL in his right knee.
After undergoing surgery in July 2021, Leonard missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season.
Career (2011-2022)
- Total missed games: 303
Add it all up, and Leonard has missed a total of 303 regular season games. He has averaged 48 games played per season.
