All-Star Brandon Ingram has partially torn Achilles, will miss start of Clippers' season
Ingram was acquired in the trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram has a partially torn Achilles tendon and won't be able to play at the start of the season.
Interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden revealed the news to reporters at Clippers media day Monday. It's not clear how long Ingram will be sidelined, but Redden told reporters that the partial tear projects to need about six fewer months of rehab than a full tear would.
"He won't be ready for the start of the season, "Redden said, per Yahoo Sports' Jeff Eisenberg. "We'll reevaluate when we get there."
The Clippers acquired Ingram in the trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors . The Clippers also received Gradey Dick , unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and pick swaps in the deal.
The trade was initially agreed upon in June, but put on hold as the NBA conducted a salary cap circumvention investigation of the Clippers regarding their dealings with Leonard. The two teams completed the trade on Sept. 14 after the conclusion of the league's investigation.
Redden told reporters that Ingram's partial Achilles tear was discovered prior to the trade when he underwent surgery on his heel in May. Both injuries were repaired in the same procedure.
Ingram, 29, is a two-time All-Star who made his second All-Star team with the Raptors last season. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks while shooting 47.7% from the field and 38.2% from 3 last season.
He was present and walking at media day Monday with no apparent issue.
With Leonard gone, Ingram was projected as a focal point of the Clippers' offense alongside point guard Darius Garland .
The Clippers will instead start the season shorthanded as they embark on a new era in the aftermath of the NBA's investigation that resulted in punitive sanctions on the team , including the loss of five consecutive first-round draft picks from 2029-33.
The Clippers open their season at home against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 21.
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