The Raptors breathe easier with Kawhi Leonard: his return could be much closer

Toronto Raptors begins to see some light with Kawhi Leonard. The forward has completed the treatment he underwent to combat the inflammation in his left knee and has started the "return to activity process," the franchise announced this Tuesday. Although there is still no confirmed date for his return to the court, the team will provide information on his progress in a week.

This timeline places November 11 as the earliest date Leonard could reappear, coinciding with the game the Raptors are scheduled to play against the Boston Celtics. However, the medical update does not confirm that he will be available for that game. His return will depend on how his knee responds during the upcoming phases of recovery.

The 35-year-old player has barely been able to participate in two games this season before being forced to stop due to discomfort. The inflammation in his left knee has kept him out of Toronto's rotation, which is now hoping to see if the treatment allows for a gradual return.

The left knee halts Leonard again

Leonard's situation raises concern due to his physical history, although recent tests provided some reassuring data. The MRI conducted last month did not detect any structural damage in the left knee. The identified problem was inflammation that forced the forward to interrupt his participation after playing only the first two games of the season.

His medical history adds significance to any setback related to the joints. Leonard has previously suffered from various issues with his right knee and has undergone several surgical procedures, both on the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

For now, the Raptors have not communicated new timelines or confirmed when he will be able to compete again. Tuesday's announcement is limited to stating that he has completed the treatment and has begun the process of recovering activity. The next update will be crucial to know if he can approach his return to the court.

Toronto needs to recover its main reference as soon as possible

Leonard's absence comes at a particularly important time for the Raptors, who are facing the first full season of his return to the franchise after his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers during the last offseason. His departure from California was surrounded by controversy after six years with the organization, but Toronto decided to bring him back into their project.

The forward had started the season with averages of 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game in his two appearances. Although this is a very small sample size, his numbers reflect the ability he can still offer when available.

The franchise reinforced its commitment to Leonard after finalizing the trade with the Clippers. Following his arrival, both parties agreed on a contract extension for two seasons worth 115 million dollars. The forward's continuity represents a significant bet for Toronto, although his physical availability will be crucial for him to have the expected impact.

The return to Toronto after the 2019 title

The relationship between Leonard and the Raptors has a particularly significant precedent. The player already defended Toronto's colors during the 2018-19 season and was a key piece in securing the only NBA championship in the franchise's history.

After that success, he chose to leave the team as a free agent to join the Los Angeles Clippers. His time in California lasted six years before the trade last summer returned him to Toronto.

Now, the Raptors hope he can regain consistency and bring his experience to a team that needs to count on his best version. The treatment for the inflammation has already concluded, but the next step will be to see how his knee responds during the reintegration process. The update expected in a week will determine if November 11 against Boston could become a real possibility.

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