Kleiza Nearing Return to Raptors Lineup?

[Built Ford Tough]

Casey says that he is day-to-day (along with Bayless and Gray).

 

Casey classified Jerryd Bayless (sprained ankle), Aaron Gray (rapid heart rate) and Linas Kleiza (microfracture knee surgery) as day-to-day, but there is no reason to think Kleiza will hit the floor imminently.

 

Before he can compete in full practices, his doctor in Denver still must clear him. It is unknown how long it will take from that point until he can play in a game.

 

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/01/04/raptors-ready-for-tristan-thompsons-toronto-debut/

 

From what I read/heard, most people expected him to return near the end of the month, but if Casey considers him day-to-day it may mean we see him closer to the mid-point of this month as opposed to the end.

 

I don't really have high expectations for him considering he is coming off of microfracture surgery, but I have always liked Kleiza and he is likely a better option than Rasual Butler, so I hope he is able to return to the lineup soon. His play in the preseason last year probably raised his expectations to an unrealistic level and because of that, a lot of Raptors turned on him in the process because he didn't reach those expectations. I still think (hope) that he can become a solid 7th or 8th man off of the bench as a tweener 3/4.