Toronto Raptors: End Of Year Report Cards

Kawhi Leonard

It is not often that an athlete takes not just a city, but an entire country by storm. However, Kawhi Leonard is an exception to this statement.

Who could have imagined that when Leonard was acquired by the Raptors it would turn out this way? Almost everything that went could have gone right happened, with very little going wrong.

Throughout the course of the year, it was all about selling Kawhi on Toronto. There is perhaps no better sales pitch than ousting a dynasty and reaching the top of the NBA mountain.

Initially, the DeRozan-Leonard trade was met with mixed reactions. The majority of Raptors fans were heartbroken that DeRozan was traded. Then there were others who believed that a one-year rental in Kawhi Leonard would be all for naught.

As the season grew it became impossible to not get emotionally invested in “The Klaw.” He played some of, if not the best basketball Raptors fans had ever witnessed. The Toronto Raptors have had stars in the past but never a true superstar such as Kawhi.

For all the jokes about his laugh or robotic nature, Kawhi Leonard is flat out dangerous. He can take over a game at a moments notice. There were many instances throughout the season where Leonard would go on his own scoring runs.

Kawhi’s quiet storm is just what the Raptors needed. He is not worried about social media, reporters, or critics, he just plays basketball. The results speak for themselves.

Kyle Lowry is the Raptors’ verbal leader. Kawhi Leonard lets his actions speak louder than words. The two complemented each other extremely well.

In the regular season, Leonard averaged a career-high 26 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. For someone who missed the year prior with a leg injury, he never lost a step.

Kawhi absolutely owned the postseason. He joined Larry Bird as the only other player to lead the Playoffs in points, steals, and rebounds. Both superstars lead their teams to championship glory.

Leonard etched his name into the scoring record books. His 732 total points are the third most in a single postseason run. Hakeem Olajuwon held the previous mark of 725.

There are not enough numbers to quantify just how amazing Kawhi Leonard was this season. He helped to completely re-write the narrative surrounding the Toronto Raptors. Kawhi delivered the Raptors to the promised land.

This rundown on Kawhi’s season would not be complete without acknowledging his impending free-agency.

The 27-year old finds himself at an interesting crossroads. He holds his fate in his hands. Leonard may choose to chase the boyhood dream of playing for the hometown team. Or, he may choose to return with the goal of bringing “Larry O-B” back to Toronto.

Wherever Kawhi Leonard heads next there is one thing that is certain. He became one of if not, the greatest basketball player Toronto has ever seen. His supreme level of talent led to monumental moments such as “the shot” and of course, a championship.

For maybe the first time ever, it feels as though there will not be riots or jersey burning ceremonies if Kawhi Leonard leaves. Although losing him would be a tough pill to swallow, you just cannot hate him for potentially leaving.

Come free agency there will be one of two outcomes. Number one, Kawhi Leonard will return and the Raptors will chase a repeat championship victory. Number two, he will leave and the city will prepare hero’s welcome when he returns to Scotiabank Arena.

Satisfying expectations: 10/10 

Production relative to contract: 10/10 

Overall output: 10/10 

Total score: 30/30 

Letter Grade: A+