Kawhi Leonard. Image via: Soobum Im via Getty Images
10 game against the Clippers in Vancouver looks like a long shot. The Raptors won the third quarter 25-19, trimming the gap to 15 heading into the fourth. Miami had added 25 more by the time the clock showed 2:11, with the score at 120-101. Both teams are 0-0, so the score only reflects the preseason. Finally, the Heat secured 129-105 win.
Toronto describes the absence as a planned ramp-up after a long summer on hold, and the schedule stretches well past one night. Even the Oct.
10 game in Vancouver. Leonard helped Toronto win its first NBA championship in 2019. Last season with the Clippers produced 27.9 points and 3.6 assists per game over 65 appearances, plus a spot on the All-NBA second team. The 35-year-old forward has worked through drills at practice but has not joined full-contact sessions.
Because the Raptors are rebuilding his conditioning after a long summer on hold, and the team says no new injury is involved, kawhi Leonard sat out.
Rajakovic told reporters before tipoff that Leonard would not face the Heat at Videotron Centre. He also said Leonard likely misses the Oct. He has yet to participate in full-contact drills,” according to The Canadian Press. The coach was more serious about the bigger picture, calling the situation “a day-to-day thing with Kawhi.”
“The Raptors have been taking it slow with the oft-injured Leonard in camp, a very light head-to-head drill between the coach and the superstar after Friday’s practice notwithstanding. Leonard moved from the Clippers to Toronto in June, but the deal stalled for most of the summer while the NBA examined salary-cap circumvention involving the player and the Clippers. Leonard also skipped the intrasquad scrimmage, and the Raptors keep calling the whole process reconditioning. Rajakovic offered a lighter moment after Friday’s practice, joking that Leonard had earned a game against the Heat by winning a light one-on-one. The drill was light, and the plan stayed as it was.