+34
Kawhi Leonard addresses the media ahead of the new season after re-signing with the Toronto Raptors, comparing the current young roster to the 2019 championship team and expressing excitement to move past the NBA investigation.
Kawhi Leonard and members of the Toronto Raptors are speaking to reporters Monday ahead of the upcoming season. This is the first time fans are hearing from the star after he signed a two-year contract with the team last week , reportedly worth US$115 million.
The deal to send the seven-time NBA All-Star back to Toronto from the Los Angeles Clippers was agreed to in June, but only finalized earlier this month while an investigation into Leonard and the Clippers took place for salary-cap circumvention . L.A. got Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks in exchange.
Leonard joined the Clippers as a free agent following the Raptors first-ever NBA championship in 2019. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game with the Clippers last season. Follow along here for live updates: 2019 vs 2026 Raps Asked how this current Raptors lineup stacks up against the 2019 championship roster, Leonard said he’s looking forward to being part of the young group.
“Obviously, that team was a veteran team, 59 wins. This is a different group ... The team played amazing last year. Obviously, Scotty leading with Scotty.
You know, B.A. did a great job for the team as well. Shead, R.J. Quick, young fellas like C.M. B. Some shooting from Ja’Kobe.
They played great basketball. They made it to the playoffs, Game Seven. Just a competitive young young group that defends first runs out in transition, and think I could benefit from that. So you know, like I said, I’m excited to play with them.
Decided to start training camp and learn from everybody, and just become better. I like the coaching staff. I like Darko a lot, so you know we’ll see what happens. ” ‘I’m excited to be back’ Leonard opens up his remarks by say he’s “excited” to be back in Toronto and that it’s time to “move forward” from the NBA investigation. This is a developing story. More details to come.
NBA Toronto Raptors Kawhi Leonard Basketball Roster
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA camps set to open with Media Day in most cities on Monday, then practices TuesdayLeBron James will presumably wear his Philadelphia uniform in public view for the first time. Giannis Antetokounmpo will talk about his new home in Miami, Kawhi Leonard will talk about his home again in Toronto and Stephen Curry will talk about how Golden State will remain home.
Read more »
Runners Complete 460 km Memorial Run from Toronto to Ottawa for Fallen OfficersAbout 300 runners and 185 cyclists finished the 22nd annual National Peace Officer's Memorial in Ottawa, honouring seven officers who died in the line of duty in the past year.
Read more »
Toronto man charged with murder following deadly North York stabbingA 46-year-old man from Toronto has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a deadly stabbing in North York on Saturday night.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard to speak at Toronto Raptors media day ahead of training campKawhi Leonard and other Toronto Raptors players, including Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, speak to reporters at media day before training camp opens.
Read more »