{
  "id": 16066956,
  "title": "Kawhi Leonard was itching to play more in Raptors return but has no timeline on reaching midseason form: 'You can't rush greatness'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/kawhi-leonard-was-itching-to-play-more-in-raptors-return-but-has-no",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T16:06:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/kawhi-leonard-was-itching-to-play-more-in-raptors-return-but-has-no-timeline-on-reaching-midseason-form-you-cant-rush-greatness-160623143.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors after a trade delay has left him eager to play more, but he has no timeline for regaining midseason form. The 35-year-old, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was antsy for more game reps during the preseason, even asking to return for the season-opening blowout against the Chicago Bulls. After scoring 23 points on 5-of-17 shooting in the 135-92 victory, Leonard admitted he isn't setting a specific date for returning to midseason form. \"You can't rush greatness,\" he said postgame, when pressed about his target return time. He finished the game with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, and 1 block. Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković noted that Leonard requested more minutes in the fourth quarter to get his legs under him. The team also got 20-plus points from RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley. Leonard's return was marked by a fan giveaway T-shirt featuring his signature \"The Klaw\" nickname. He emphasized connecting with fans and building a mentor role in the team.",
  "summary": "Leonard asked head coach Darko Rajaković to let him back into the game in the fourth quarter of a season-opening blowout win over the Chicago Bulls.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kawhi Leonard eager to play more after trade delay",
    "35-year-old NBA Finals MVP seeks more game reps",
    "Leonard says \"You can't rush greatness\" on return"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}