For the first time since he lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June 2019, Kawhi Leonard will play a game for the Toronto Raptors.
The two-time Finals MVP is expected to make his pre-season debut Tuesday against the New York Knicks (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT) after head coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters on Monday that Leonard will be available.
Leonard missed the Raptors' first two exhibition contests as he ramps up to live game action after a summer in which he was limited due to the delayed trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.
The deal — which sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and multiple draft picks the other way — was finalized in September.
Leonard was a full participant in practice on Monday, Rajakovic said.
"He feels great," the coach added.
The game against the Knicks will mark the first glimpse of Leonard pairing with Raptors star Scottie Barnes. As for how much the seven-time all-star is expected to play, Rajakovic would not divulge that information.
Either way, it'll be a soft introduction back to the court for Leonard as he'll be suiting up against the Knicks reserves. According to the New York Post's Stefan Bondy, head coach Mike Brown told reporters his team won't play its starters on Tuesday, as it'll be the second night of a back-to-back after hosting the Timberwolves on Monday.
He'll have two more opportunities to build chemistry with his new teammates when the Raptors wrap their pre-season Thursday against the Knicks and Friday against the Detroit Pistons.
Toronto then opens its regular season Oct. 21 against the Chicago Bulls.
