Kawhi Leonard’s legendary run with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season will forever be remembered.
Masai Ujiri and the Raptors took a huge gamble by trading beloved Raptor DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard in the 2018 offseason.
The move paid off big time. As Leonard led the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history.
Leonard put forth one of the most dominant individual playoff runs in NBA history. His most memorable moment was the iconic series clinching shot he hit against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Leonard showed up to Toronto, didn’t say much, won a championship for the Raptors and then left in the summer of 2019, signing with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets believes that Leonard should get a statue in Toronto for his efforts:
Does Kawhi Leonard deserve a statue in Toronto? 🤔
“He really pulled up to Toronto. Didn’t speak, won a chip and dipped…That’s legendary. Legends get statues.”
– Cam Johnson
(Via: Run Your Race) pic.twitter.com/aJ5wXeZ6c4
— Tidal League (@TidalLeague) November 8, 2023
It’s hard to argue against the case. Yes, the 2019 Raptors roster was stacked but they don’t win the title without Leonard.
Leonard averaged 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 24 games in the 2019 playoffs. He won his second Finals MVP award and his second NBA championship.
Leonard became the first player ever to switch teams the offseason after winning Finals MVP. His story is truly legendary and he gave the city of Toronto and the country of Canada something they will cherish forever.
Raptors fans still highly respect Leonard even thought he plays for the Clippers now.
Whether or not the Raptors ever honor Leonard with a statue remains to be seen. However, there’s no doubt that Leonard is a true Raptors legend.
Barnes calls his own play
The Raptors are hoping that they now have their new superstar in Scottie Barnes.
Barnes has burst onto the scene this season and is coming off his best performance yet. He put up 30 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter propelling Toronto to a 22-point comeback victory against the San Antonio Spurs in overtime.
Barnes hit a stepback three to tie the game with less than a minute to go in regulation and according to Dennis Schroder he called his own play.
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