The San Antonio Spurs have (somehow) managed to stay afloat for more than a month without Kawhi Leonard. Credit for that high-wire act should be split between Gregg Popovich, LaMarcus Aldridge and others, but in the same breath, it is quite clear that the Spurs have a fairly defined ceiling in the absence of their on-court centerpiece.
Fortunately, it appears that Leonard is “very close” to making his season debut, according to Popovich himself.
Pop said he's "probably not gonna consult" with Tony Parker about when Kawhi Leonard will return. Pop did say Kawhi is "very close" and participating in "contact" work.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) November 27, 2017
Beyond the optimistic report, Popovich also revealed that Leonard is now playing 5-on-5, further foreshadowing what could be a speedy return.
On the Kawhi Leonard front: Pop says Leonard has begun some 5-on-5 work and has begun contact drills. He's on a visible path to return now.
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) November 27, 2017
Just last week, Popovich admitted that he was very confused with what he deemed to be a “weird” injury for Leonard, even with full knowledge that the Spurs have dealt with a somewhat similar ailment to Tony Parker in the past. While there was some uncertainty and mystery concerning when exactly Leonard would see the court to begin his season, the urgency has been lessened to some degree with San Antonio’s solid start and, of course, the franchise has a history of playing things close to the vest on a number of levels.
It appears that Kawhi Leonard will be taking the floor in the near future and that, in conjunction with the present return of Parker to the floor, should make the Spurs even more terrifying to the opposition on a nightly basis.
