Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard to return ‘sooner rather than later’

By Michael Saenz

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich says that Kawhi Leonard will make a return, and his season debut, sooner rather than later

Kawhi Leonard has missed the first 14 games of the 2017-18 NBA season. He’s reportedly trying to battle back from quadriceps tendinopathy. The injury was announced Sept 30. To say that the rehabilitation process has been slow would be an understatement.

Even San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich admitted that Kawhi hasn’t recovered as originally thought.

Nevertheless, the Spurs have managed to race off to a 9-5 start to the season. Although, it’s pretty clear that the team deeply misses their star. Entering the season, Leonard was one of the favorites on the short list to win the NBA MVP award – as well as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. While the Spurs have made the best of circumstances, it’s almost impossible to replace the caliber of player that Leonard is.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

With that said, San Antonio might not have to hold down the fort for too long. Popovich told reporters earlier this week that Leonard should be back “sooner rather than later.”

Sure, the comment is vague (considering the circumstances) but it’s definitely leaning positive.

"[via San Antonio News-Express]Asked if there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for the Spurs’ linchpin player, Popovich said after shootaround Tuesday morning, “Oh, sure. He’s gonna be back sooner rather than later.”The coach then paused before adding, “Whatever nebulous (stuff that was). As soon as I said it, I thought, ‘What the hell does that mean?’ “"

It’s unclear what “sooner rather than later” means as a whole, so it’s almost impossible to pinpoint a target date. But my best guess is that Leonard probably returns before Christmas. I’m guessing Pop was talking weeks and not months.

However, don’t expect the Spurs to announce a target date. San Antonio isn’t exactly the most transparent organization. They tend to play things close to their proverbial chest. Pop is the type of coach that will just show up one night and tell reporters that Leonard is starting, and I envision that’s how this will all go down once he returns from injury.

Must Read: Cleveland Cavaliers: The Kyrie Irving trade didn't cause this crisis

Question is, when will that glorious night take place? For the sake of Spurs fans, and the NBA as a whole, that needs to be sooner rather than later, as Pop echoes.

Home/San Antonio Spurs