The San Antonio Spurs might play their season-opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18 without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who is still rehabilitating from a right quadriceps tendinopathy. According to veteran guard Manu Ginobili, he has seen Leonard undergo rehab in the gym but he hasn’t participated in team scrimmage is. “It's hard to tell what stage he is in. It's a question mark,” Ginobili told Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. Shooting guard Danny Green also spotted Leonard working out but he was not aware of the timetable for his return.

Jabari Young of the Express-News spotted Leonard on the court shooting some layups after practice. On September 30, the Spurs announced that Leonard missed the preseason as he continues his rehabilitation from the injury that has bothered last year’s MVP finalist since last season. The 26-year-old Leonard averaged 25.5 points per game last season. The Spurs will face the Houston Rockets (4-0) in their final preseason Friday. San Antonio has a 2-2 mark in four preseason outings.

Spurs to rely on Aldridge, Gay

With Leonard uncertain, the Spurs will mainly rely on Lamarcus Aldridge on offense. Aldridge was solid in four preseason games, scoring 17 points in their 106-100 loss to the Sacramento Kings in just 15 minutes of action.

In their 113-93 win over the Kings on October 6, Aldridge was limited to just 10 points. He bounced back with a 21-point performance in their 122-100 blowout win over the Denver Nuggets. In their 103-98 loss to the Orlando Magic, Aldridge scored 16 points in 25 minutes. Rudy Gay, who signed a two-year, $17-million deal with the Spurs in the offseason, could also step up in Leonard’s place if needed.

Last season, Gay averaged 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 30 outings with the Kings.

Spurs waive Brimah, Perrantes

According to Spurs.com, the team has officially waived center Amida Brimah and guard London Perrantes, who were both invited to training camp on non-guaranteed contracts. Brimah, who was signed September 25, averaged 3.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 5.7 minutes in three preseason games.

Perrantes averaged 1.0 point in 4.8 minutes in three preseason games. With the moves, the Spurs now have the maximum 17 players on their roster, including Matt Costello and Darrun Hilliard, who are both on a two-way deal. Bryn Forbes is also on a non-guaranteed deal, which will become guaranteed if the Spurs keep him until January 10.
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