Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said today he doesn’t expect superstar forward Kawhi Leonard to return to action for the team this season.
Leonard, 26, has been battling a right quadriceps injury for most of the season and has played just nine games. He originally sustained the injury before the season began.
“I’d be surprised if he returns this season,” Popovich said. “We only have X number of games left in the season. He’s still not ready to go. If by some chance he is (ready), it’s going to be pretty late into the season. It’s going to be a tough decision on how late to bring somebody back — that’s why I’m just trying to be honest and logical. I’d be surprised if he gets back this season.”
Leonard’s injury, according to the Spurs, is tendinopathy in his right quadriceps. He missed the start of the season and returned for just nine games, suffering a setback and missing more time as a result.
“We’ve gotta move on,” Popovich said. “The team has to realize this is who we are, this is who we have, this is who we’ll play. Wishing and hoping doesn’t do anybody good. We’ve gotta do what we can to be the best team possible as the season winds down.”
With a clear lack of understanding on the injury between the two sides, Leonard’s future in San Antonio is suddenly filled with something he’s never before seen: Questions.
It’s unclear whether Leonard will be healthy enough to compete in the Playoffs this spring. Another injured forward, Rudy Gay, made his return to the court today for the Spurs after missing more than 20 games, but Leonard remains out of action indefinitely.
