Either way, Raptors fans can’t be too mad considering he brought them their first championship in franchise history. Leonard’s response was pretty funny, but also revealing. Obviously, this isn’t a primary reason why Leonard left Toronto. One, he is a native Southern Californian and has always wanted to return home. If you already have something that works, why go searching for it somewhere else? Even for a fan base that’s forever been familiar with the story of star players moving on, this departure is not what we’re used to. For good reason. Secondly, he can achieve this by joining either the Clippers or the Lakers. The Spurs will send Leonard and Danny Green to the Raptors for DeRozan, Austrian center Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 NBA draft first-round pick.. The San Antonio Spurs aren't the only team Kawhi Leonard left in 2018. He was mainly just a defensive role player for the Spurs during his first few seasons, though, but could score when they needed him to. Kawhi Leonard's decision to join the Clippers in free agency leaves the Raptors with some tough decisions to make. RELATED: How Does Kawhi Leonard’s Net Worth Compare to Paul George’s? However, as the season went on the fan base became more optimistic. Before this offseason, it would have been unfathomable to even think that the (arguably) best player in the league was choosing red and blue over the infamous purple and gold. Written By E.Jay Zarett. Jerry West Allegedly Owes a Man $2.5 Million For Bringing Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers. Why Kawhi Leonard might actually stay in Toronto As NBA free agency approaches, we're getting closer to finding out whether the man who delivered the Raptors… This run with Kawhi didn’t last as long as the other experiences, but it kept the same theme. Hi Taylior, I think Leonard might leave the Raptors even if they won the title for a couple of reasons. So, since Leonard’s hands are too big for gloves, and even pockets, how big are they? And he laid out some pretty solid arguments to … So, when he left the Toronto Raptors after helping them win the 2018-19 NBA championship, it was, of course, a huge blow to the Raptors’ organization. The other head-scratcher is that he chose the Los Angeles Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he recently revealed an unexpected — and funny — reason why he just couldn’t stay with the Raptors. Have some success, then see it walk away. Many people look at the fact that he is a California guy. Leonard was also pursued by the Los Angeles Lakers and, of course, the Raptors. Did Kawhi Leonard tip hand about leaving Raptors in free agency? Leonard only averaged 10.9 points per game combined in his first three seasons. In 2015-16, he earned his first All-Star selection, averaging 21.2 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. Kawhi Leonard is showing why the Raptors’ trade for him was no gamble at all. Raptors: This JaVale McGee trade gives Toronto the piece they need. “My hands make me a little longer, and that’s always a good thing,” Leonard said in 2014, according to The New York Times. “Definitely,” Leonard said. According to a New York Times article from 2014, Leonard’s hands measure 11.25 inches “from thumb to pinkie when fully stretched.” That measurement is 52% wider than the hands of an average man, the Times reported. Well, George still had two years left on his deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Just about all the details of his move to LA, except his desire to go home, caught the NBA world off guard. With Kawhi Leonard reportedly being shipped off to the Raptors in a deal that includes DeMar DeRozan, it's the end of an era in Toronto. Following the ESPN report, Jalen Rose said on First Take that Leonard wants to leave San Antonio. While rumors of Leonard's departure have circulated all season, NBA reporter Brian Windhorst recently went on record to say that the 3x All-Star and former Finals MVP has his heart back home in Los Angeles, noting that his intentions have nothing to do with any grievances in Toronto. In comparison, it’s between 47 and 69 degrees in LA in those months, and San Antonio (where he started his career) is between 41 and 67 degrees. If it’s only about weather and California, the Raptors have no chance. Toronto Raptors - Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images). Sports that the three-time NBA All-Star requested to be traded from the San Antonio Spurs due to a degradation in trust between Leonard's camp and the franchise… You're signed out. Throughout the season, everyone was trained to think there was only one way the Raptors stood a chance in keeping Kawhi. He averaged 28.5 points per game, 9.8 rebounds, and two steals in the series to win his second Finals MVP. After all, this type of move has never happened after such success. Share ... It’s not because of anything the Raptors did. In classic Toronto Raptors fashion. Players leaving is kind of the norm for the Toronto Raptors. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on Toronto Raptors and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. LA has forever been celebrated for its market and ability to create opportunities for players, but Toronto proved the ability to do exactly that. Why did he leave Toronto, though? But life isn’t always easy when you have enormous hands. Leonard also won his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award that season. For a while now, Toronto Raptors fans have been trying to deal with the reality that Kawhi Leonard will no longer rep their favourite team. His switch to New Balance wasn’t praised when it was announced in 2018, but the pairing has proven to be a great move for both sides. The Raptors always knew there was a chance Leonard would leave this offseason after the quiet star made his way from San Antonio through a blockbuster trade last summer… Living in a cold-weather city had to be challenging for him, though. In … Now, a little less than a year later, they leave the exact same way. Who is the greatest commentator in Toronto Raptors history? Leonard had a year left on his contract plus a player option - which he was certainly going to decline - when he moved to Toronto, and many believed he'd put in a season in Canada before bolting for his hometown of Los Angeles. Leonard is known for having huge hands that have ultimately helped him become the dominant player he is today.
Hygiene Meaning In Urdu, Ipa Stands For, The Dude Radio Station, Leland Whaley Wiki, Maxime Comtois Stats, Tall Al Daily Home, Beyoncé Vs Rihanna Net Worth, What Is Havana Charter In International Trade, Cullman County Wreck Today,
