Kawhi Leonard could return to the San Antonio Spurs by March. Leonard has been nursing a quad injury and has only played in nine games this season.
For the first time, the San Antonio Spurs have had a distraction this season but it all could be coming to a close. Kawhi Leonard could be scheduled to return to the court by late March. Per ESPN, Leonard has returned to the Spurs facility, after electing to spend his rehab time in New York to seek further consultation on his injury. The Spurs also want to work their way into engaging Leonard with his teammates with 5-on-5 practices.
Last week, head coach Gregg Popovich stated he would be “surprised” if Leonard even returned to the floor. After returning for nine games this season, Leonard elected to step away to continue to nurse the quad injury. But it appears that there has been a disconnect between the Spurs and Leonard, prompting the delayed full return.
"The injury, rehabilitation and timetable for a return has played a part in complicating the Spurs’ and Leonard’s relationship, causing a fraying of what had long seemed to be a model partnership, league sources told ESPN. The uncertainty surrounding this season — and Leonard’s future, which could include free agency in the summer of 2019 — has created significant concern at the highest levels of the organization, league sources said."
Next: NFL, Jerry Jones, still feuding.
The Spurs currently have a distraction on their hands with their best player, and that’s far from their identity. The Spurs preach unity, selflessness, and emphasis on team. With Leonard being a man of few words, it makes this situation even more perplexing. If Leonard is potentially returning, the Spurs will have a chance to catch up with the top teams in the west. That is only if Leonard will make an impact after such a long hiatus.