Kawhi Leonard Gives Rare Statement After Latest Injury Setback

Just two games into his return to the Toronto Raptors, veteran star Kawhi Leonard has been benched after his latest injury: swelling in his left knee. The good news is, there’s no structural damage, so he should make a full recovery. The bad news is, it will be a while before we see him back in action, with the most realistic timetable set for multiple weeks.

With Raptors fans reeling, Leonard put out a rare public statement that caught the attention of the fans. Despite the awkward wording, it did provide some relief amidst growing anxiety.

“Yeah, it’s always frustrating missing time,” wrote Leonard in a statement. “I came back to compete with this team, and I’m focused on getting back to 100. Toronto, I’ve appreciated the love since I’ve been back. Returning soon. Godspeed.”

This is unusual for Kawhi. He never issued personalized post-injury statements in the past, despite famously being in and out of the lineup during his tenure with the Clippers. Whether it’s the work of his new agent, Harrison Gaines, or simply a change in strategy for the longtime veteran, we are seeing a new side of Kawhi, and it’s someone who is more transparent and authentic than he’s ever been before.

Unfortunately, Leonard’s statement did little to clarify his condition. While he said he plans to return “soon,” his track record doesn’t exactly support the idea that he’ll only miss a few games. He’s set to be re-evaluated next week, meaning he’ll miss the upcoming set against the Orlando Magic. At best, he could return next Monday, against the Los Angeles Clippers, but Toronto shouldn’t expect it, and they won’t plan for it. That doesn’t mean, however, there isn’t major disappointment at his current condition. Even at 35, the Raptors need him to play up to his standards, especially considering what they paid to bring him back.

Forced to give up a package of Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple picks, the Raptors gambled everything on Leonard, and they’re hoping to get a few more elite, All-Star years from him. So far, however, the results have been mixed. While all the signs looked good initially, even coming off the heels of the cap circumvention scandal, Leonard struggled to find a rhythm in the first two games, averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.5 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 32.4% shooting from the field.

Now, just a few games in, and he’s falling right back into his old habit of being routinely unavailable. Right when the optimism was highest, he was sidelined, leaving the Raptors to figure out a solution without him. The only difference this time is that Leonard seems to be communicating more openly about his situation, rather than the radio silence he’s given throughout his career. If nothing else, it suggests he’s learned something from the chaos of his previous tenures. Between that and his increasingly common moments of banter with the fans, there’s reason to be hopeful about Kawhi. But unless he makes good on his promise and returns to good health soon, his warm reunion in Toronto could start to turn sour.