The Raptors will be without star forward Kawhi Leonard for a spell. They think they have the pieces to hold them down while he's out.
Leonard, acquired via trade during the offseason, is set to be sidelined for a few weeks after hurting his left knee. His latest absence is certainly a blow, although one could argue that Toronto is blessed with a solid number of players to fill his void at his position.
With that, here's the latest on Leonard's injury, as well as what it could mean for the Raptors' prospects going forward.
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What Kawhi Leonard injury update means for Raptors
Leonard is set to miss multiple weeks after be found to be experiencing swelling in his left knee, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Raptors forward missed Toronto's 117-94 loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday due to the ailment.
Leonard, 35, has enjoyed a slow start in his return to Toronto, averaging 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on 32.4% shooting. Leonard is averaging 5.5 stocks per game, finding success in head coach Darko Rajakovic's defensive setup.
An MRI showed no structural damage to Leonard's knee. Per Charania, both sides will use the time to get the Raptors forward up to speed after his "uncommon investigation" prevented him from joining his team until a resolution was reached on the Clippers' cap circumvention case.
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With Leonard on the mend, Toronto is expected to use a replacement-by-committee approach to making up for his lost production. Ja'Kobe Walter took Leonard's place in the starting lineup against Minnesota and performed admirably, producing 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Collin Murray-Boyles and Allen Graves should also see additional time with Leonard compromised; they played 19 and 20 minutes against the Timberwolves, respectively.
The Raptors prided themselves on their depth entering into the season. Murray-Boyles and Graves are highly-touted defenders with budding offensive games. They should be able to shoulder some of the load while the likes of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett are tasked with spearheading the side's two-way disposition with Leonard out.
Toronto would obviously prefer to have Leonard be available for selection it the coming few weeks. Still, the Raptors' wing depth suggests that they might be able to keep afloat as their talisman builds his conditioning up after a whirlwind offseason.
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