The San Antonio Spurs' matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night saw something that fans have been anticipating all season long: the return of Tony Parker.
Parker finally took the floor again after suffering a quad injury last season that placed him under an extensive rehab. Prior to his return, the four-time champion also managed to give a long-awaited update on teammate Kawhi Leonard saying he was two or three weeks away from returning.
When it comes to player injuries and in-house matter, the Spurs usually keep their information close to the chest, where not much information is given to the press or public. Leonard himself, who is also recovering from a leg injury, was the subject of reports that had no timetable for his return as the team became “perplexed” about the amount of time it has taken him to recover.
Hearing a real-time update was encouraging news considering the Spurs' preference for privacy, but Tony Parker wasn't the only one to confirm the news.
Head coach Gregg Popovich, who was ejected from Monday night's game for yelling obscenities at referees, also threw in an update just as Parker had during the post-game interview.
Pop with some seemingly good news about Leonard: "He’s getting very close (to playing 5-on-5) and making progress. He’s having contact now and hopefully we will get him back shortly." #Spurs
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) November 27, 2017
If that wasn't enough, teammate Danny Green also alluded to the same exact thing, and while there is no timetable set for Kawhi Leonard's return on the calendar, this all but makes it as official as it'll get before the Spurs star steps back on the hardwood.
And then there's this from Danny Green: "In a couple of weeks, hopefully, we’ll get the other guy back."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) November 28, 2017
Once Kawhi Leonard fully participates in 5-on 5 action, his conditioning would be the final stage before returning. Expectations for Leonard prior to the season opener were that he could potentially be this year's MVP, before news of his slow recovery came forth.
None of the waiting will matter when the Spurs' star takes his rightful place on the roster, and pair up with Rudy Gay for some explosive action.
The night ended with the return of Parker, a San Antonio win, and the news all of Spurs Nation have been waiting for.
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