NBA: Leonard’s rehab going slower than Parker’s, coach Popovich says

San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) and Tony Parker, of France, congratulate Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) after his go-ahead 3-point basket with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, March 6, 2017, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 112-110.  AP/Darren Abate

The San Antonio Spurs have managed a strong start to the 2017-2018 NBA season so far, notching a 6-4 record despite the absence of cornerstones Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker due to injuries.

Parker appeared to have suffered the more serious setback, rupturing his quadriceps tendon during the playoffs last season, while Leonard is currently nursing a badly sprained ankle from the post-season as well.

However, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich revealed that the speedy point guard is most likely to return to the hardwood earlier than the lanky superstar.

“He’s just coming along more slowly, for whatever reason,” the three-time NBA Coach of the Year described Leonard’s rehab process to San Antonio Express-News’ Tom Orsborn.

“It’s just been more difficult for him to get through the rehab routine. His body hasn’t reacted the same way.”

“Pop” also asked fans to be a tad more patient, as both players are striving to get back on the court and are on the right track back to being fully healthy.

“Tony is at the point where he has been going five-on-five and that sort of thing. He’s not totally confident. It will be a few more weeks,” he said.  “But he’s definitely going in the right direction, and so is Kawhi. It’s just been taking a little bit longer,” he said.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra