NBA: Pop: Kawhi-Reha “slower than I thought”

When will Kawhi Leonard make his season debut for the San Antonio Spurs? Coach Gregg Popovich explains that it will take a while yet and admits that there have been complications. Tony Parker, on the other hand, is making progress.

“Rehabilitation is more difficult for him than he thought,”Popovich told ESPN. Pop admitted that the healing of Leonard’s quadriceps injury is progressing much slower than previously predicted.

Leonard last played in game one of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors. There he was badly injured after landing on the foot of Zaza Pachulia after a jumper. Leonard has not yet been able to complete training with the team

Tony Parker’s a little further along. The Guard spent some time with the G-League team of the Spurs and also took part in the Shootaround San Antonios before the game against the Clippers. However, the Frenchman will probably not make his comeback until December. Leonard has not yet been notified of a possible return date.

“His body hasn’t yet reacted like Tony’s,”Popovich said,”Tony can already play five-on-five, but he still lacks the last confidence. It’s heading in the right direction, even with Kawhi. It just takes a little longer with him.”