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Toronto Raptors: How serious is Kawhi Leonard’s injury?

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors shoots a free throw during the second half of the NBA season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 17: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors shoots a free throw during the second half of the NBA season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard injured his foot Friday night in Phoenix, and Toronto Raptors fans are understandably concerned about how much time he will miss.

Kawhi Leonard is off to an excellent start with the Toronto Raptors this season. He is currently averaging career highs in points and rebounds, albeit through just seven games.

Regardless, Leonard’s form has been encouraging, with the added bonus that he is only expected to get better as he continues his recovery from a right quadriceps injury, which limited him to nine appearances last season. With this in mind, there was a potential setback on Friday night.

The Raptors did what they had to do in Phoenix, to beat the Suns 107-98. However, of more concern was an incident involving Leonard late in the fourth quarter.

The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year went up to grab a board and appeared to step on Trevor Ariza‘s foot as he came down. He asked to come out of the game right away.

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Given the timing of the injury and the score, it’s entirely possible Leonard was just being cautious. In addition, he needed no assistance to leave the court, although he was moving cautiously.

Regardless, it is understandable if there is some concern with the 27-year-old. He is invaluable to the Raptors’ chances of making it to their first ever NBA Finals appearance, especially when combined with the strong possibility he will be one-and-done in Toronto.

At least initially, the prognosis doesn’t appear to be too serious. As reported by the Toronto Star‘s Doug Smith, Raptors coach Nick Nurse said it was just a jammed foot.

In addition, Smith reported that Leonard was walking around the locker room with no issue. And the player himself seems unconcerned, as reported by Sportsnet‘s Eric Smith:

"“I just pushed off on it … kind of rolled it just pushing off and wanted to get a look at it. I think it’s going to be alright. Nothing major.”"

Of course, we’ll know more after further evaluation. In that respect, nothing should be taken for granted just yet, no matter how confident Leonard and Nurse are about the severity — or lack thereof — of the injury.

One thing you can be certain of though, is that the 2014 NBA Finals MVP will miss at least one game. The Raptors have a back-to-back coming up on Sunday and Monday, against the Lakers and Jazz in Los Angeles and Utah respectively.

Leonard has yet to play in back-to-back games for the Raptors this season, as the team takes a cautious approach with him. However, which game he plays could offer at least some indication regarding his injury.

In an ideal world, both the player and the team would want him to face the Lakers. It would give the Raptors an early clue as to how they match up this season against the best, with a certain LeBron James playing in the purple and gold.

As for Leonard himself, he gets to go up against James and show the rest of the league how far along he is in his recovery. The fact the game is in his home town, where he is predicted to head back to for next season, also plays a pivotal role.

Of course, this is all speculation at this point. The most important point is that the injury likely is nothing serious, although we’ll know for sure from the team soon enough.

Next. Kawhi proving why he's the best player in the East. dark

Even though it’s unlikely, if Leonard were to miss — for example — two weeks of action, how do you predict this would impact the Toronto Raptors? Would you be concerned, or confident in the ability of the rest of the roster to pick up the slack during his absence? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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