San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich does not sound optimistic about Kawhi Leonard’s return for the stretch run.
Asked about Leonard’s progress during Wednesday’s practice, Popovich said, “I’d be surprised if he returns this season.”
Here is the Popovich comments on Kawhi. Not ready to say he’s out for the season…just would be surprised. So, there’s that … pic.twitter.com/C22ntHgbOY
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) February 21, 2018
Asked to clarify why he feels that way, Popovich said, “Well, we only have X number of games left in the season and he’s still not ready to go.”
“If by some chance he is it’s going to be pretty late into the season and it’ll be a tough decision how late you bring somebody back. That’s why I’m trying to be honest and logical. I’ll be surprised if he gets back this year.”
Leonard has not played since Jan. 13 and has appeared in just nine games this season while battling a lingering tendinopathy issue in his right quadricep.
Despite Leonard’s absence, the Spurs are 35-24 and currently hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with 23 games left in the regular season.
