Kawhi Leonard Begins Return to Play Process for Raptors

Kawhi Leonard is finally moving toward the floor again. The Raptors said Tuesday that Leonard has completed treatment for swelling in his left knee and is starting his return to play process in Toronto, with the team promising another update in one week.

That timeline matters. If the update comes on schedule, the earliest Leonard could suit up is Nov. 11, when the Boston Celtics visit Scotiabank Arena. Toronto's 4-3 right now, and it's been doing that mostly without the guy it traded for this summer.

What Kawhi's Knee Update Actually Says

Leonard, 35, has played just two regular-season games since returning to Toronto. The swelling is in his left knee, and an MRI last month didn't show any structural damage, as ESPN reported. That's the good news.

The part that'll make Raptors fans nervous is the history. Leonard's had multiple surgeries on his right knee, including meniscus and ACL work. This one's the other knee, and the team isn't calling it anything more than swelling. Still, "return to play process" is a phrase Toronto fans don't love hearing about a player with this medical file.

Two Games, Big Numbers

When he's played, he's looked like Kawhi. In those two games, Leonard's averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals. The steals are the number that jumps out. He's still jumping passing lanes like it's 2019.

And 2019 is the whole point here. Leonard's only previous season in Toronto ended with the franchise's only NBA championship before he left for the Clippers in free agency. The Raptors brought him back in an offseason trade from the Clippers, and he signed a two-year, $115 million extension after the deal. That's a big bet on a player who has to stay healthy to make it pay off.

What's Next for the Raptors

Toronto's got a busy stretch before that Celtics date. The Raptors are at Denver on Wednesday, at Milwaukee on Friday and home against Memphis on Nov. 9, and all three look like Kawhi-less games based on the team's own timeline. If Toronto can stay above .500 through that run, getting Leonard back against Boston would feel like adding a star at the deadline.

If the one-week update slides, though, don't expect the Raptors to rush it. They didn't trade for him to burn him out in November.

Smacktok pick lean: Once Leonard's cleared, lean higher on his steals. He's averaging 3.5 a game in his two appearances, and that's been his most dependable impact stat so far.