Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is not concerned about Kawhi Leonard's health heading into training camp, noting that it's “all systems go” heading into training camp, according to Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun.
Leonard has looked good health-wise, but the Raptors are expected to closely monitor him throughout the season, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic — considering he's coming off a season in which he only made nine appearances for the San Antonio Spurs.
The new star member of the Raptors posed for his season picture in Raptors red for the first time, sporting his signature No. 2 emblazoned dead-center in his chest.
Kawhi Leonard is a Raptor
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/eJfq8BqHx9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 24, 2018
Leonard's stock coming into the 2019 offseason will largely hinge in how he comes back from injury, as most teams are expecting him to bounce back formidably after suffering a season-ending injury in the 2017 Western Conference Finals.
The Klaw could see some preseason action if it all goes according to planned, but the team is unlikely to push him past a couple of games, hoping to keep his legs as fresh as possible heading into the regular season.
Much like his predecessor, Dwane Casey, Nurse is hopeful to play a deep rotation, something that could help Leonard stay fresh, having played an average of 33.4 minutes per game for his career under the watchful eye of Gregg Popovich.
“He’s a serious guy with a great work ethic,” Nurse said of Leonard “…I love what I’ve seen so far.”
Leonard put up a mere 16.2 points per game during his last season with the Spurs, but the Raptors are expecting his All-Star two-way prowess to flourish in his new home.
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