To begin the 2017-18 NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs are staying afloat with an 11-7 record without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. While there continues to be positive updates about Parker's return, the same cannot be said for Leonard's.

As the Spurs prepare for the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 25, Popovich reveals he has never seen something like Leonard's injury according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN:

“Never, never,” Popovich said when asked whether he has seen such a condition hampering one of his players. “What's really strange is that [point guard] Tony [Parker] has the same injury, but even worse. They had to go operate on his quad tendon and put it back together or whatever they did to it. So to have two guys, that's pretty incredible. I had never seen it before those guys.”

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In addition, Popovich had the following to say about Leonard's return timetable:

“I keep saying sooner rather than later,” Popovich said jokingly. “It's kind of like being a politician. It's all baloney, doesn't mean anything.”

For the Spurs and Leonard, the top priority is ensuring the two-time All-Star is healthy long-term. While there may be growing concerns with each game that passes, San Antonio has shown they are capable of still winning games without their first option.

During Leonard's absence, LaMarcus Aldridge is having his best season as a member of the Spurs, averaging 21.9 points and 8.3 rebounds.