Kawhi Leonard Injury Update, Latest on Raptors Star's Status amid Recent 'Greatness' Comments

Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard downplayed any concerns about when he will be able to ramp up to full game shape, and now he's shutting things down completely.

After playing 24 minutes in Wednesday's season opener and declaring, "You can't rush greatness," Leonard is set to miss Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to knee swelling, the team announced.

Leonard scored 23 points on 5-of-17 shooting in Wednesday's 135-92 win over the Chicago Bulls. He followed that up with a 16-point performance on 7-of-20 shooting in 28 minutes in Friday's 112-102 win over the Washington Wizards.

After the season opener, Leonard was asked if he had a target date for when he'll play a full allotment of minutes, and he replied, "I don't put targets. You can't rush greatness. Whenever the medical thinks I could push forward, and I'm feeling great— whatever numbers we're looking at, or they're looking at, then that's when that time will come. I'm just happy to be out there and try to do the best I can with my minutes."

Leonard's injury history has been well-documented, as he hasn't played in 70 or more games in a season since the 2016-17 campaign. At 35 years old, the two-time NBA champion's main goal is to be healthy in time for the playoffs, so the Raptors will be cautious with his ramp-up period.

Without Leonard in the lineup, more minutes will be available for second-year swingman Collin Murray-Boyles and rookie forward Allen Graves. Leonard's next chance to suit up will be on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic.