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Toronto Raptors keeping quiet about Kawhi Leonard’s physical

By Paul Taylor

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 15: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 15, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors are reportedly keeping details of Kawhi Leonard’s physical private, in order to gain the trust of the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

If you’re a Toronto Raptors fans, the chances are you’re extremely intrigued about Kawhi Leonard‘s physical. Unfortunately, you’re going to be disappointed if you’re hoping for some information on how it went.

About the only thing we can tell you, as per Sportnet‘s Faizal Khamisa, is that the physical took place on Saturday. However, everything else is being kept under wraps, to essentially gain Leonard’s trust.

As reported by TSN‘s Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors are being overly cautious in keeping the medical information private. They are keenly aware of how violated the 27-year-old felt, when details of his injury saga were leaked last season.

Leonard had ongoing issues with a right quadriceps injury, which limited him to nine games during the 2017-18 regular season. (He also suffered a partial tear in his left shoulder.)

The real issue came after Christmas, when the San Antonio Spurs’ medical staff cleared the 2014 NBA Finals MVP to play. However, he decided to get a second opinion from his own Doctor, as he still felt in pain.

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Leonard proceeded to spend the 10-day All-Star break in New York, consulting a specialist and going through further rehab. This led to a rift between Leonard and the team, which only grew during a tense and emotional players-only meeting in March, when he was asked to return to action.

Ultimately, the rift wasn’t healed and the two-time All-Star has never forgiven the Spurs for — in his eyes — damaging his reputation. Hence why the Raptors are doing whatever it takes to placate him.

This course of action is entirely understandable, as the Raptors look to do everything possible to convince Leonard his long-term future should be in Toronto. And really, it’s not that hard for the team to keep the medical information under wraps.

As Lewenberg points out, the Raptors were already renowned for being a close-to-the-chest type of organisation. And while the lack of details may be frustrating for fans, they won’t mind if it helps persuade Leonard to re-sign with the team next summer.

Next: Confidant believes Kawhi Leonard will re-sign with Toronto

Without any information about Leonard’s physical, what’s your prediction for his involvement next season? How many games do you believe he will play for the Toronto Raptors? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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