Breaking: Kawhi Leonard Gets Surgery For Torn ACL, Could Be Gone For Up To Nine Months

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Kawhi Leonard's absence from the latter half of the Western Conference Semis is likely what cost the Clippers their chance at a title.

And while optimism remains about their ability to bounce back next season, the most recent Kawhi news has put a bit of a damper on their spirits.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charnia, Leonard had surgery to repair a partially torn ACL, with no official timetable to return.

While there is no way to say for sure when Kawhi will be back at 100%, the best estimates right now predict a 9-month time frame before we see him back at full strength.

It's a rather tough blow for the Clippers, who might have to wait another year before returning to title contention.

Considering Kawhi's history of playing it safe with injuries, there is reason to believe he might not suit up at all next season. Kawhi is someone who takes extra precaution with these sorts of things, and he's not the one we should expect to try and rush back to the court.

Nevertheless, we all hope for a full and quick recovery for the Clippers superstar. At just 30-years-old, he's still got years of stardom left ahead of him, and we can't wait to see it.