San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard spoke with reporters on Wednesday and gave an encouraging update about his right quadriceps injury. Although he didn’t specify exactly when he could be returning to the basketball court, he said it could be “soon” and that he has been making a “great” progress.
“I don’t have a set date right now [for my return],” – said Leonard. “The progress I’ve been making has been great. [The pain] is diminishing. It’s hard to explain, but I’m definitely better. I feel better, and I’m feeling more comfortable.“
Kawhi Leonard only played nine games in this NBA season, before being ruled out indefinitely since January 13. Even Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich said mid-February that the 26-year-old might not play again this season. The latest reports said that it was up to Leonard to decide when he will return since he has been medically cleared to play.
“We’ve taken the right steps,” – he said about the process of rehabilitation. “We don’t want to take any steps back and just aggravate things. Like I said: It’s hard to explain. But obviously, I’m a competitor, and if I can play, I’m going to go out and play like I did in the nine games, just to test it out. It just wasn’t where we wanted it to be.“
Earlier this year there were reports that the way Spurs handled Leonard’s injury created complications in the relationship between the player and organization with some sources suggesting that Leonard might not want to stay in San Antonio after his deal expires in 2019. It looks like Leonard doesn’t share his opinion since he expressed his desire to finish his basketball career with the organization.
“Yes, for sure.” – said Leonard to the reporters when asked whether he wants to finish his career with the Spurs.
