Kawhi Leonard Injury News: Raptors Coach Not Anticipating Any 'Problems'

Toronto Raptors assistant coach Phil Handy revealed Kawhi Leonard was in "great shape" with just over a month to go for the 2018/19 NBA season to commence. Leonard featured in just nine games for the San Antonio Spurs last season due to a quadriceps injury, and there were lingering doubts as to whether it would affect him after signing with the Raptors.

Last week, Amico Hoops revealed the 28-year-old was "looking remarkable" during his summer workouts. That report is now backed by Handy, who didn't anticipate any problems or issues leading up to the new season.

"He’s doing great. He’s in great shape," Handy told Toronto Talks Sports, as quoted on Amico Hoops. "His body looks good. He’s feeling good. He’s moving well, so I don’t anticipate any issues or problems."

Leonard was recently seen working out with the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant at UCLA in what was the first glimpse of the 2014 NBA Finals MVP as a Raptor. Handy was present during the workout and was pleased with what he saw.

"The level they worked at was at an all-time high," Handy added. "They just really competed. They pushed each other. They encouraged each other."

Reports claimed the trio had been planning that workout for a while, leading to speculation they may become future teammates in 2019. James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July, and Leonard was expected to join him there after he wanted out of San Antonio.

However, the Spurs were demanding too much from the Lakers and Leonard was later traded to Toronto where he'll play at least until 2019 when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Leonard is understood to still desire a move to his native Los Angeles, whether it's the Lakers or the Clippers. However, the Raptors believe they can convince him to prolong his stay beyond one season. The Toronto franchise can offer Leonard $50 million more than any other team next season, while the departure of James from the Eastern Conference has bumped up their chances of reaching the NBA Finals, maybe even the Conference Finals.

According to ESPN projections, the Raptors have a 25 percent possibility of making the NBA Finals and a 10 percent likelihood of winning a first-ever championship. Toronto notably finished the previous season as the No. 1 seed in the East with a 59-23 record.

San Antonio Express News writer Jabari Young reported last month that Leonard was keeping an "open mind" while he personally believed that reaching the Eastern Conference Finals would convince the former Spurs star to stay with the Raptors.

Signing Leonard was a huge risk on part of the Raptors, as they traded their star player in DeMar DeRozan for what could just become a one-year rental. But if they reach the Conference Finals, a very achievable goal, and Leonard stays, it would have more than paid off.