Clippers reveal extent of Kawhi Leonard injury following first-round exit

Rehab on meniscus tears can take anywhere from three to six months. Following that six-month timeline, Leonard would likely miss the beginning of the regular season while potentially returning in November.

Of course, the Clippers will probably continue "load management" when it comes to Leonard's rehab on the court. That became a point of contention this year after Leonard missed 30 regular season games following his recovery from a torn ACL that forced him to miss all of the 2021-22 season.

The organization argued that by managing Leonard's regular season load, he'd be able to contribute more in the postseason. That didn't happen.

Of course, players and organizations are powerless to injuries; they can strike anyone at any time. But the Clippers pretended they found a formula that works, all while devaluing the regular season in the process. In the end, it blew up in their face.

It's anyone's guess where Los Angeles goes from here. A debate will likely grow in the coming days and weeks on whether the Clippers should pivot toward a rebuild or go all-in once again with Leonard and Paul George.

The front office may rest its hat on the notion that when healthy, Leonard and George give the Clippers a legitimate shot at winning a title. But there's little evidence to suggest that will be the case. It's just as likely the ship has sailed on this iteration of the Clippers being title contenders.