San Antonio Spurs Forward Kawhi Leonard Behind Schedule in His Recovery From Right Quadriceps Tendinopathy
It appears that San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard isn't going to return to the court anytime soon.
Before the Spurs took on the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich decided to share an interesting update on Leonard's progress in his recovery. Apparently, the two-time defensive player of the year is coming along more slowly than expected in his rehabilitation. In fact, Tony Parker seems to be progressing faster in his rehab from the left quadriceps tendon he tore last season.
"His body hasn't reacted the same way as Tony's. Tony's at the point where he's been going 5-on-5 and that kind of thing," Popovich said, via ESPN.
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"I wouldn't want him to go right from rehab to jumping on the court. He's got to go 3-on-3, 5-on-5, feel comfortable because in the end, that confidence is what's going to ... anybody who's been out for any length of time has to get that back. Even if the doctors say, 'Yep, you're ready to go.' You're really not until you're mentally ready to go," he continued.
This is worrisome news for Spurs fans because he's their best player.
Leonard hasn't played since he hurt his ankle in game one of the Western Conference finals last May, and he has already missed the first 11 games of the season because of right quadriceps tendinopathy. Fortunately, the Spurs are playing well so far with LaMarcus Aldridge carrying the load on offense.
The team can afford to keep Leonard on the sidelines, but they better hope that he won't be out for too long because they need him on the court if they want to secure a top-four seed in the loaded Western Conference.
Meanwhile, rookie guard Derrick White is out indefinitely after he suffered a fractured right wrist during a G League game between the Austin Spurs against the Texas Legends. Popovich said White won't have to undergo surgery, but he will have to wear a cast for four to five weeks.
