Toronto keeps Leonard’s return on a gradual timetable
Kawhi Leonard’s participation in Toronto’s preseason opener against Miami remains uncertain after the Raptors completed their Québec City training-camp practices on October 2. Coach Darko Rajaković said he would consider playing Leonard, although The Canadian Press reported that an appearance looked unlikely.
Leonard has been involved in camp while the Raptors build his workload. Sportsnet reported that Toronto had kept him out of the live-contact portions of practice following a summer of individual work. That distinction matters: taking part in drills does not establish that a player is ready for game minutes.
The coach’s comments leave room for a decision closer to tip-off. They do not amount to a confirmed absence, a new injury diagnosis or a promised return date. Toronto is preparing for a full season with Leonard after reacquiring the player who helped deliver its 2019 championship.
Rajaković expects most of his regulars to face the Heat, giving the rest of the roster an opportunity to test its work against another opponent. Leonard’s individual schedule can therefore differ from the wider team’s preseason plan.
The game starts at 7 a.m. Philippine time on October 4. For readers tracking Leonard’s return, the next meaningful update is confirmation from Toronto about his participation, rather than an assumption based on a practice appearance.