San Antonio Spurs star forward Kawhi Leonard has returned to the team after getting a second opinion on his quadriceps injury, opening up a potential March return, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.

The 26-year-old is looking to resume basketball activities with the team this week, in hopes to gear up for a potential return this upcoming month, which would beat a prediction made previously by his coach Gregg Popovich.

Leonard spent three weeks seeking further consult on his bothersome right quadriceps injury, which has kept him sidelined for the majority of the season. The Klaw had returned for a brief stint, playing in nine games before being temporarily shut down by the team after concerns over his recovery arose.

The 6-foot-7 small forward isn't expected to start full five-on-five practices with his teammates immediately, but rather gear himself at his pace and advance toward a full-fledged practice within the next few weeks.

Leonard had been working out at the National Basketball Players Association headquarters gym in New York, according to Wright's sources.

He had decided to step away from playing after a nine-game temporary return to the Spurs that saw an end on January 13.

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Upon recent findings, the team noted he had been cleared to play, but Leonard was not comfortable suiting up just yet, seeking a second opinion on his injury, which he did during his extensive trip to the Big Apple.

“We only have X number of games left in the season, and he's still not ready to go,” Popovich told reporters in San Antonio last week. “If by some chance he is, it's gonna be pretty late into the season and it's going to be a pretty tough decision; how late to bring somebody back. So that's why I'm just trying to be honest and logical. I'll be surprised if he gets back this year.”

Leonard could make a return sooner than later now that he is back with the team, but the date will very much depend on his level of comfort and his own assessments of his capacities when revving up his recovery.

He averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during his nine-game run earlier this season, still a shadow of his MVP-caliber capabilities.