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Raptors coach Rajakovic leaves the door open a crack for Leonard to play against Heat
Rajakovic said most regulars will play against the Heat, while Leonard still has not taken part in full-contact drills.
The Toronto Raptors conclude training camp at Laval University on Friday before facing the Miami Heat on Saturday at the Videotron Centre, though Raptor Kawhi Leonard's status remains unclear for the pre-season opener.
Coach Rajakovic expressed high expectations for the season amid significant Eastern Conference roster shifts, with Giannis Antetokounmpo joining Miami and LeBron James and Jaylen Brown moving to Philadelphia, fundamentally altering competitive dynamics.
Point guard Immanuel Quickley says he tries to emulate the two-way game mastered by Leonard, noting, 'He was the first person I saw as a two-way player,' aiming to balance offence and defence as Leonard did with the Spurs.
Regarding Leonard's availability, Rajakovic joked, 'It's a day-to-day thing with Kawhi, but since he beat me today at one-on-one, maybe he will play against the Heat,' while the team manages the oft-injured forward's workload cautiously.
Following Saturday's game, the Raptors continue training in British Columbia before facing the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 10 in Vancouver. Rajakovic stated, 'The game tomorrow will also give us a lot of answers,' signaling evaluation continues.