Kawhi Leonard believes in the Raptors: “There’s a winning environment here”

Seven years after winning the 2019 title, Kawhi Leonard is back exactly where he left one of the most important memories of his career. This time, however, Toronto isn’t just a stop along the way: after his two-year extension worth $115 million, Leonard has already made it clear that he sees the Raptors as a team with which he can try to compete for something important once again.

His first Canadian Media Day inevitably began with the events surrounding the past few months with the Clippers and the NBA investigation into alleged irregularities related to the salary cap. Kawhi, however, preferred to put the issue to rest immediately.

I know why some of you are here and want to talk about the investigation. After speaking with the NBA and NBPA, I think the best thing to do is move forward and focus on my experience with the Raptors. I’ve already been a distraction for the last 70 days. I want to get back to talking about basketball only

Kawhi Leonard

And it was basketball that brought Leonard back to Canada. In 2019, it took him just one season to change the history of the franchise, leading Toronto to its first NBA title and winning the second Finals MVP of his career. Then came the decision to return home to California, followed by seven seasons with the Clippers before closing the circle.

I’m happy to be back. The team played great last year. I like being in a winning environment, and I think this can be one

Kawhi Leonard

RJ Barrett made no secret of his excitement about Leonard’s arrival.

He’s a winner, and he’s already proven that here. After the season he just had, I think everyone is very confident in his ability to still be that superstar. To me, he’s a Hall of Fame player

RJ Barrett

The real challenge will be managing Kawhi

There is little doubt about Leonard’s level after a season averaging 27.9 points per game, the highest mark of his career. The question mark, as has often been the case in recent years, is primarily how much time he will be able to spend on the court.

Kawhi played 65 games during the last regular season, and Toronto knows his injury history all too well. Darko Rajakovic made no secret that managing the 35-year-old will be one of the team’s main priorities this year.

I’d like Kawhi to play 82 games and 48 minutes every night. But considering his age and his injury history, we have to be very smart

Darko Rajakovic

Kawhi, for his part, is even aiming to improve on what he did last season.

I played 65 last year. I hope I can play even more this year and then add more games in the Playoffs

Kawhi Leonard

Seven years later, Kawhi finds a very different Toronto from the one he left after winning the title. This time, he won’t have to do everything in a few months, but rather fit into a group that has already shown some intriguing signs. If his body holds up, seeing just how far they can go together will be one of the most interesting storylines of the season.