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NBA Injury Report 2021: Updates on Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Zion Williamson, and Others

Last year was gruesome for the NBA players. First, the Orlando Bubble took a toll on many athletes and then a short off-season allowed part-sized rest to their tired bodies. No wonder it was multiple players suffering injuries by the time the playoffs began in 2021. Headed by names like Kawhi Leonard & Klay Thompson, the list ran huge.

Everyone remembers how LeBron James very vocally condemned the league for putting business before its stakeholders’ health. But all of it fell on deaf ears and the result of that are still in existence as the league enters a fresh season.

Below, find the list of injured players and the fresh updates on their condition.

Kawhi Leonard

Last year, the Clippers reached their history’s first-ever conference finals. However, they could not go any further because The Claw’s ACL injury incurred against the Jazz kept him on the bench. And now, with the regular season knocking the doors, there isn’t any concrete update on his return to the playing scene. Even worse, it can see a delay until the mid-season (ASG 2022) or beyond.

Klay Thompson

Perhaps the most unfortunate star on the list, Klay Thompson is out of order from the last two complete seasons now. His torn Achilles from last year’s practice is still to recover. As a result, the Warriors will have to start their next season without their expert shooter. As per fresh updates, the star will return to full practice next month. So chances are high that the GSW will have to get by the first couple of months without him on the playing roster.

Zion Williamson

Jan 30, 2021; Zion Williamson (1) shoots against Victor Oladipo (7) at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson, since his debut year, has been highly exposed to injuries. His bodyweight and his style of play make it very tough for him to keep himself off injuries. He’s almost going through a similar phase to what Joel Embiid went through. So even after an individually successful last season, the man is currently under strain because of his foot injury. And as per an October 14 update, his condition will be assessed in 2.5 weeks.

Jamal Murray

In April 2021, the Nuggets lost their star point guard’s season to an unfortunate left ACL injury. The Blue Arrow missed 24 games and also the playoffs. This put a lot of burden on their MVP Nikola Jokic and as a result, the otherwise strong Nuggets received a 0-4 loss in their WC Semis. Currently, there is no timetable for Murray’s return as the franchise does not want to rush things.

James Wiseman

Feb 28, 2021; Detailed view of the basketball sneakers worn by Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors’ rookie could not contend for the ROY award in 2021 solely because of his injuries. Firstly a wrist trouble and then a knee injury kept him out of 33 games. Currently, the youngster will pull some individual workouts until the physicians evaluate him on November 1st, 2021.

Pascal Siakam

The Raptors had a very poor last season. They saw their star power forward Pascal Siakam missing 16 regular season games and that impacted their playoff odds. Later in June, the Raptors announced a shoulder surgery for Spicy P that would demand at least five months of rest. So now, even after a successful surgery, Siakam is still recovering and will take his time to come back on the court.

Watch this story: Times When Kobe Bryant Played Through Injuries Just to Motivate His Lakers Teammates

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