The Toronto Raptors are taking a cautious approach in handling Kawhi Leonard's playing time for the team's back-to-back sets this season. Leonard is making his way back from a quad injury that kept him out for all but nine games in the 2017-18 season. Fortunately for Toronto, their superstar forward has no problem with how the team is handling his playing time, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
Article Continues Below“I just wanted to get healthy,” said Leonard. “I feel healthy now, and they just don't want to rush into things. I don't either. It's a long season, so we're thinking about the long road.”
Leonard is just making his way back onto the court, and it's easy to see why staying healthy is a priority for him this season. The long 82-game season is a marathon, not a race. It is understandable why the Raptors are going game-to-game in taking care of their franchise superstar.
So far, it looks like the Raptors' gamble on trading for Kawhi is working out. Leonard seems to be buying in with what the Raptors are doing and is showing support with how they are slowly bringing him back into basketball shape.
The two-way superstar, however, does not seem like he needs much time to return to form. Kawhi has been spectacular for the Raptors to begin his comeback campaign, as he is looking more like the player that made First Team All-NBA in back-to-back seasons before his bizarre 2017-18 campaign. They are currently undefeated with their franchise superstar in uniform. In seven games, Leonard is averaging 26.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.0 steals in 34 minutes per game. He is also shooting at an efficient 50.4 percent overall from the field, while connecting on 44.8 percent of his attempts from deep.