NBA: 10 players looking to shed injury-prone label in 2018-19

2. Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

It’s not just the recent quadriceps injury that places Kawhi Leonard so high on the list. There’s no question that’s a huge concern, since the mysterious malady limited him to just nine (extremely rusty) games last season, but Leonard wasn’t always the pinnacle of health before that either.

Aside from 72 and 74 appearances from 2015-17, Leonard has missed 18, 24, 16, and 18 games in his career, and that’s without mentioning the 73 games he missed last year. For a two-way star and MVP candidate of his caliber, there’s a lot riding on his health this upcoming season.

Here’s the list, as it currently stands: The Toronto Raptors‘ championship hopes, what becomes of their championship window and subsequent rebuild if this season implodes, Leonard’s open market value in 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers/Clippers’ free agency plans, Leonard’s popularity around the league after forcing his way out from one of the NBA’s most respected organizations, and his overall status as one of the game’s best players.

So yes, suffice it to say he needs to return healthy and prove he’s still elite in 2018-19.