Kawhi Leonard: Eye Infections Likely End Preseason

May 14, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) in game five of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket past Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) in game five of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Antonio Spurs are once again expected to be at the top of the Western Conference, and the injury to Kevin Durant will make that possibility even more likely. They are getting older, but still have one of the best coaches of all-time, excellent team chemistry, and the leadership of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Unfortunately, one of their most talented young players, Kawhi Leonard, could miss some time due to eye infections.

According to a report from MySanAntonio.com, the Spurs are expecting Leonard to miss the remainder of the preseason due to eye infections that are infecting both of his eyes.

SeasonTmGMPFG%3P%2P%FT%TRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2013-14SAS6629.1.522.379.579.8026.22.01.70.81.21.912.8
Career18828.0.505.376.559.8035.81.61.60.61.01.710.9

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/20/2014.

Leonard has improved each and every season of his three-year NBA career, and has become one of the brightest young talents in the league. This issue doesn’t appear to be something that will force him to miss any regular season action, but infections in both eyes are certainly something to keep an eye on. San Antonio will need Leonard to come through once again this year to help relieve pressure off of the old leaders on the team.

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There aren’t many players that are better defenders than Leonard, and he has done an excellent job defending players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He has gotten stronger since coming into the league, and he has great athletic ability and quickness. His offensive game has come along nicely as well, and he is primed to have the biggest season of his career in 2014-15.

Hopefully this infection goes away quickly and he is able to get back on the court for the Spurs’ season opening game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 28th. He will likely be just fine, but there are still some reasons to be a bit concerned. Expect to see a healthy Leonard in the season opener, and for him to have a huge season for San Antonio.