The Toronto Raptors are playing it cautious with Kawhi Leonard this season. The mismanagement of his rehab was a major factor in his fallout with the Spurs, and the Raptors are determined to learn from San Antonio's mistakes. That's why the team is hesitant to play Leonard in consecutive games.
The Raptors will rest Leonard against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, per Blake Murphy of The Athletic. Leonard played 30 minutes on Tuesday in a victory over the Orlando Magic.
This decision should come as no surprise. Toronto has already played in four sets of back-to-backs this season, and Kawhi has yet to play both legs of a back-to-back.
Raptors fans are tired of regular-season success. Toronto watched the Raptors make five straight playoffs appearances, but those appearances didn't include a single trip to the NBA Finals, much less a championship.
Resting Kawhi Leonard and remaining cautious with him can work two-fold for Toronto's front office. First, it can ensure that the Raptors enter the playoffs with a fully healthy and fresh Leonard. Second, it can show Leonard that the organization takes his health seriously, which could go a long way in convincing Leonard to re-sign in the offseason.
If you're a fan of the old-school NBA where stars played 40-plus minutes in every game, this new era might not be for you. It's tough to see superstars who are relatively healthy sitting out regular-season games, but it's a fact of life throughout the league now.
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