The San Antonio Spurs announced that superstar Kawhi Leonard will miss the entire preseason due to a quadriceps injury. In a statement, the Spurs said Leonard is undergoing a rehabilitation program for “right quadriceps tendinopathy.” The team added that the timeline for his return will be determined at a later date but the Spurs are hoping that he could be ready for their Oct. 18 season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs will open their preseason against the Sacramento Kings Monday.
The 26-year-old Leonard, a two-time All-Star small forward and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 25.5 points per game last season when he finished third in the MVP voting.
Last season, he suffered an ankle injury that caused him to miss the remaining three games of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs were up 25 points in Game 1 when Leonard suffered the injury, allowing the Golden State Warriors to come back and take the opener. Without Leonard, the Warriors cruised to a sweep and into the NBA Finals.
Spurs to rely on Rudy Gay
With Leonard sidelined, the Spurs will rely on offseason acquisition Rudy Gay for scoring. The Spurs signed Gay to a two-year, $17 million deal as a backup to Leonard. Last season, Gay was limited to just 30 games by a ruptured left Achilles’ tendon, but he still averaged 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per outing with the Sacramento Kings.
The Spurs also tried to acquire Dwyane Wade after he got his buyout from the Chicago Bulls, but the All-Star shooting guard opted to join his best friend LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tony Parker cleared for training camp
According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Spurs veteran point guard Tony Parker has been cleared by team doctors to participate in training camp.
Parker’s recovery was quick as the clearance came just four months after he suffered a torn quadriceps tendon in May. Also, it was earlier anticipated that he wouldn't return until January. Parker told Spears that doctors determined his recovery was very good, prompting them to clear him for training camp. Parker said he needs another two months to get himself into playing shape and strengthen his legs for the upcoming season.
The 35-year-old Parker was playing well in last season’s playoffs when he suffered the injury in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets. In eight playoff games last season, Parker averaged 15.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
