Kawhi Leonard’s absence may not extend much longer. As the Toronto Raptors have announced, the forward is progressing well after undergoing treatment to reduce swelling in his right knee, and he is already starting the return-to-play process.
The Raptors have indicated they will update his status in a week, but it is not clear whether he will be fully recovered by then. If so, his absence would end after two and a half weeks, below the three or four weeks that were initially anticipated.
Kawhi could only play the first two games of the season, where, averaging 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, he helped his team secure wins over Washington and Chicago. Without him, the Raptors under Rajakovic have not been able to sustain that momentum and have chalked up three losses in five games. And while the tougher schedule in this stretch has also been a factor to consider, in some of those games they have shown difficulties in half-court playmaking that Leonard should, at least partly, address.
No Homecoming
One of the games Kawhi has missed was Toronto’s visit to the Los Angeles Clippers, where the Californian would have returned to his old home, the place where, with his illegal contracts, he caused so many problems and where a fairly unfriendly reception was expected. Thus, Leonard and the Clippers will not cross paths again until, at the earliest, next season, when the mood should be calmer.
