Kawhi Leonard was positioned to lead his team into the Western Conference Finals this year. Last year, in the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs were destroying the Golden State Warriors, before Leonard got injured. After the talented big man left the game, Golden State caught up and ended up winning the entire series.

Since Leonard injured his quad tendon that day, he's been struggling to get back into the mix. Leonard was not expected to miss this much time, and he has been cleared to return to the court. Eager for another opinion, Leonard sought the advice of doctors outside of the Spurs Organization. He has chosen not to return to the active roster.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich spoke with reporters on Wednesday, and stated that "We only have X number of games left in the season, and he's still not ready to go." Popovich continued on to say, "If by some chance he is, it's gonna be pretty late into the season, and it's going to be a pretty tough decision... how late to bring somebody back. So that's why I'm just trying to be honest and logical. I'll be surprised if he gets back this year."

The Spurs are currently in third place in the Western Conference.