Report: Kawhi Leonard ahead of schedule with ACL tear rehab, could return this season

Los Angeles Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.

“Kawhi Leonard may be out for an extended period of time this season, but he hasn’t been completely ruled out,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Farbod Esnaashari. “Multiple sources have revealed that as of right now, Kawhi Leonard is ahead of schedule with his ACL tear rehab.”

Given the amount of time it typically takes to return from this type of injury, it would be amazing to see Leonard play sometime this season.

Last season, his second with the Clippers, Leonard averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.

He was a free agent during the offseason, but he decided to return to the Clippers on a massive four-year deal.

Last season, the Clippers made it to the Western Conference finals, where they lost to the Phoenix Suns in six games. The team clearly missed Leonard and definitely could have made it to the NBA Finals if he had been healthy for the series.

It will be interesting to see how the team performs this season while Leonard is out.