Trading for San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard brought many risks for the Toronto Raptors, perhaps none bigger than the fact he played just nine games in 2017-18, due to a nagging quad injury.
But the signs point to a healthy Leonard when the regular season rolls around in October, according to assistant coach Phil Handy.
"He's doing great. He's in great shape," Handy said on Toronto Sports talk (h/t Ashish Mathur of Amico Hoops). "His body looks good. He's feeling good. He's moving well, so I don't anticipate any issues or problems."
The Raptors made perhaps the biggest trade in franchise history back in July, moving out team MVP DeMar DeRozan, young center Jakob Poeltl and a first-round pick to the Spurs in exchange for Leonard and Danny Green.
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Leonard had a falling out with the Spurs organization, as teammates reportedly held a meeting and begged for him to return. Head coach Gregg Popovich even tried to sit down with Leonard and reason with him, and the organization tried pitching him the idea of signing the $221 million maximum extension.
But it wasn't enough to change Leonard's mind. He requested a trade, and his hometown Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers were considered the favorites, with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers also being mentioned as possible landing spots.
None of the Celtics, Lakers or 76ers would part with their top young players, however. The Raptors then came in to pick up the 2014 NBA Finals champion and MVP, as they try to get over yet another early playoff exit.
Toronto's success (or lack thereof), in 2018-19 depends greatly on the health of Leonard. The good news is that he is doing just fine in training, and it looks like he'll be ready to go for the start of what could be the greatest season in franchise history.