Tobias Harris' return is still on hold and the Spurs' style of play is a credible reason why

Fans are anxious for San Antonio's big offseason pickup to suit up, but the Spurs aren't rushing Tobias Harris back, and the way they play is a big reason why.

The Athletic's Jared Weiss posted a video of Harris getting shots up at shootaround in Chicago today. That's a welcome sight for everyone waiting for his debut, but he's still out with no official timetable to return.

The Spurs aren't in a rush to play Harris

I heard the reason straight from Mitch Johnson's mouth before the Spurs played Minnesota on Halloween. Tom Orsborn asked Johnson where Harris' rehab stood, and whether he was doing three-on-three or five-on-five workouts.

Johnson said it's progressing, but it's a constant, delicate balance of healing, conditioning, and getting ready for the speed and distance the Spurs cover. He also noted that the former Pistons forward hasn't played a game since the spring, so patience is a must for everyone.

Jeff McDonald followed up on whether this was a setback. Johnson said it's a process, calling it a ramp up. San Antonio's commander noted how a calf strain can be tricky, before complimenting the medical staff for keeping Harris engaged and moving in the right direction.

With plenty of games left, the goal is to keep the team, and mostly, Harris from getting ahead of themselves.

The Spurs' style will ask a lot of Tobias Harris

The Spurs lead the NBA in fast-break points, as I just broke down in a newly published piece on Air Alamo. Their overall pace isn't high. They push the pace early to force favorable matchups, but slow down if the easy shot isn't there to avoid taking bad shots because they're in a rush.

That doesn't even account for the defensive responsibilities, as each player must be ready to exert a ton of energy on that end.

It's a lot of running, though. For a 34-year-old coming off a calf strain who hasn't played in about six months, that's demanding. So, Coach Johnson is right to mention the speed and distance. The last thing they want is for their prize acquisition to re-injure himself and miss more time than he would have had they been more patient.

"No timetable" is normal for the Spurs. They don't rush anybody. When Tobi is ready, he's ready. That could mean Friday against Golden State or another week. The priority is letting him rehab with no added pressure. San Antonio is winning a bunch of games by a wide margin, so there's no rush.

A nine-game winning streak says "take your time" and that's great advice. Consider Harris' eventual return like dessert after a four-course meal. You don't really need it right now, but it'll be fantastic once you get it anyway. We're taking the treat to-go, but it'll be just as good later.

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