By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Kawhi Leonard is back for the Toronto Raptors.
Serbian head coach Darko Rajakovic announced on Monday that the two-time NBA champion will play in Tuesday’s exhibition game against the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena. This will be his first appearance for the franchise since Game 6 of the NBA Finals 2019, when he secured Toronto’s first championship and was named Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career.
The coaching and medical staff have managed Leonard conservatively during the Preseason 2026. Because of a limited offseason workload amid pending league investigations and trade talks, he missed the first two preseason matchups. Now, he is ready. “Yes, he went through practice today,” mentioned Rajakovic. “He’s feeling great. So yes, he’s going to be available for the game tomorrow.”
The 47-year-old play-caller had also praised the veteran’s progress over recent days. Cleared but expected to be monitored similarly throughout the 2026–27 Regular Season, Toronto looks to maximize Leonard’s top-tier production. Last season, the Los Angeles native averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per contest over 65 appearances with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl is fully healthy. The Austrian center overhauled his strength and conditioning routine this summer to fix lower-back issues. He and Leonard will test their fitness during a busy week.
Following Tuesday’s game, Toronto visits the defending champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, before closing the Preseason against the Detroit Pistons in Little Caesars Arena on Friday. The Raptors open the 2026–27 Regular Season next Wednesday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
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