The San Antonio Spurs have grown impatient with Kawhi Leonard's impending return, having already been cleared by several doctors to return to action with his quad fully healed.
Despite expectations to return Tuesday against the Orlando Magic or tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans, The Klaw won't be making either game, as the Spurs said he is still out indefinitely.
This saga has extended to the locker room, as the team only has 14 games left in the schedule and find themselves out of the playoffs, remaining right on the bubble, having lost the tiebreaker with a red-hot Utah Jazz team.
Veteran point guard Tony Parker still held out hope for his return, but warned caution due to time nearly running out for this team.
“At some point, it makes no sense [to bring him back],” said Parker, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio-Express News.
The Spurs will have to get their hands dirty and fight tooth and nail for a spot on the postseason for the first time in 21 seasons, with their two-decade playoff appearance record in danger of coming to an end with so many teams vying for a playoff spot in a ruthless West.
Incorporating Leonard would only mean a delicate transition period for the team, one which they can't afford, as they need every possible win to stay afloat and clinch a playoff berth.
Leonard has only played nine games this season, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game — still a shadow of his Finals MVP self.
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