Kawhi Leonard to miss season opener
Whats the Story?
Kawhi Leonard will miss the Spurs season opener on Oct 18, 2017, against the Minnesota Timberwolves in San Antonio with a left quadriceps injury. "He won't be available," Gregg Popovich said. Leonard has also missed the entire preseason.
In Case you didn't know?
Kawhi Leonard suffered an ankle during Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-finals against the Houston Rockets. Leonard would then reinjury his ankle in the third quarter during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The injury occurred when Leonard took a jump shot and landed on Zaza Pachulia's foot. The play was considered dirt by fans and Coach Popovich himself.
What's Next?
As for Kwahi current injury, Popovich, as he normally does, did not put a timetable on the All-Star forward's return. Which means there no telling how long he must out as Popovich is the creator of resting player whether their injured or not. This would result in the team's offseason acquisition Rudy Gay taking up Leonard's place in the starting line-up.
Author's Take?
Coach Popovich has always made sure his players are not only healthy for the Playoffs but for the long term as he didn't bring Leonard back out after suffering the ankle injury in game 5 of a 2-2 series. Leonard also sat during an elimination game, which was won by San Antonio, so it safe to say Popovich also finds a way to win