For Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs, it has been a challenging 2017-18 NBA season. As Leonard has only appeared in nine games due to a right quad injury, the Spurs have somehow managed a 44-32 record, which is currently the fourth-best record in the Western Conference.

During this time, there have been conflicting reports about Leonard's return. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 26-year-old returned to New York to continue his rehab this week:

For the second time this season, San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard has traveled to New York to continue rehabilitation for his lingering right quad injury under the supervision of outside medical personnel, league sources told ESPN.

In addition, there is no return timetable for Leonard with just six games remaining in the regular season:

Leonard has been in New York since Monday and there's no timetable set on a possible return to San Antonio, sources said.

As there continues to be uncertainty, numerous teammates like Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have sounded off on the situation. After Leonard was reportedly set to return but did not, his teammates had to change their mindset and have been able to win seven of their last nine games.

At this stage of the season, it remains to be seen if Leonard will be able to play any games before the start of the playoffs. With 44 wins, San Antonio is currently in a battle for playoff positioning as one game separates them from the New Orleans Pelicans (eighth and final spot).

Leonard is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in nine appearances.