Ranking the Toronto Raptors roster based on their current contracts

No. 2: Kawhi Leonard

Season Win Shares: 5.3          Current cap-figure: $23.1 million

In just his first year North of the border, Kawhi Leonard has already become the lifeblood of the Raptors.

After a year of suffering from a quad injury, Leonard has regained the form he encompassed in the 2016-17 season when he was First-Team All-NBA.

Acquired by giving up franchise mainstay DeMar DeRozan, Leonard was a risky acquisition that has paid off thus far.

As the team’s top player, Leonard has averaged career highs in points (27.2) and rebounds (7.9) en route to becoming a serious MVP candidate.

With Lowry missing multiple games this year due to various ailments, the wing has been relied upon to run the offense at times. If it weren’t for the isolation scoring abilities possessed by ‘The Klaw,’ the Raptors would not be where they are right now.

The only step back for Leonard after his previous form has been on the defensive end. Though he’s no slouch, Leonard has guarded aided the team to a career-worst defensive rating when he’s on the floor (108.1). In defensive win shares, he is also in the cellar of his career (1.7) sans his injury-ridden campaign last year.

With a player option available for next year, an option that is guaranteed to be declined unless catastrophe strikes, Leonard is making $23.1 million in the final year of his 5-year pact. At $8 million less than Lowry and merely $1.5 million above Ibaka, Leonard has provided value for the team despite his hefty price tag.

Along with his basketball acumen, Leonard has even provided comic relief: