After Mitchell hit a pull-up jumper he turned and grimaced. He’s definitely dealing with something. And shortly after that, he checked out of the game, looking very confused, then came back in a few seconds later.

Royce Young, ESPN Staff Writer19m ago

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Follow live: Russ, Thunder face off vs. Jazz in Game 1
Follow live: Russ, Thunder face off vs. Jazz in Game 1
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Source: ESPN SPORTS

SAN FRANCISCO — Gregg Popovich reiterated that Kawhi Leonard’s continued absence from the San Antonio Spurs during their run in the Western Conference playoffs stems from the lack of clearance from the star forward’s medical team for a return to the court.

Popovich was asked Sunday whether he expected Leonard to rejoin the team at some point during the postseason.

“You’ll have to ask Kawhi and his group that question,” Popovich said. “So far, they say that he’s not ready to go. So we can’t do anything until that happens. Then, we would have to decide what’s going on from there. But that’s the first thing that has to happen.”

Popovich said Leonard remains in New York, where he is continuing to rehabilitate a right quadriceps injury, and Spurs general manager R.C. Buford confirmed that information.

Asked whether there was value in Leonard spending time supporting his teammates during the playoffs, despite being not cleared to play, Popovich declined to address the question specifically.

“He’s rehabbing right now in New York trying to get healthy,” Popovich.

A source told ESPN’s Chris Haynes that Leonard is improving and undergoing routine exams to determine his progress.

Leonard hasn’t played in a game for the Spurs since Jan. 13, and he’s participated in just nine contests all season.

Leonard briefly returned to the team from his rehabilitation stint in New York in March, but decided in April to head back East to focus on the rehab process.

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Pop on Kawhi's return status: Ask 'his group'
Pop on Kawhi's return status: Ask 'his group'
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Source: ESPN SPORTS

Like quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski will not attend the start of New England’s offseason program Monday, according to a source.

Gronkowski still is considering whether to play the upcoming 2018 season, and has had “good communication” with the Patriots, per the source.

Gronkowski has a $250,000 workout bonus in his contract for 2018, which is paid out based on attending a percentage of the voluntary workouts.

Brady also is not expected to attend the start of the offseason program; he has been on a business trip to Qatar. In other years, Brady has been a regular participant at the team’s offseason program, but he will miss at least the beginning this year.

“We have the voluntary offseason program that starts on Monday,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said last week. “It will be heavily attended, but I know there are a couple players that I’ve talked to that have other commitments, but that’s the way it always is. So, not really anything new there.”

Information from ESPN’s Mike Reiss was used in this report.

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Source: Gronk won't attend start of program
Source: Gronk won't attend start of program
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Source: ESPN SPORTS