74 reasons why Kawhi Leonard is staying with the Toronto Raptors

1. Becoming the Best Player in the World

Before the start of the 2018-19 season, the conversation was between Kevin Durant and LeBron James as the “best player in the world.” Then, somewhere around midseason, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the equation. Kawhi Leonard wasn’t even in the discussion.

It was unsurprising as Kawhi had just missed all but nine games the previous season. Kawhi was also resting about one game every week while with the Raptors.

Even as he averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds (both career-highs), Kawhi was seen as a rung below the Durants and Antetokounmpos of the world.

But after a historic playoff run capped with his second championship and Finals MVP where he also finished third all-time in points scored in a single playoffs, Kawhi is now firmly entrenched in the conversation as the best player of his era.

Kawhi Leonard has two chips, two Finals MVP’s, back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards (the first non-“big man” to do so), three All-Star and All-NBA teams, and five All-Defensive teams to his name.

This may be a bit short of Durant or James in terms of sheer numbers, but championships (and Finals MVP’s) are what truly matter.

Right now, Leonard is only one short of tying James in that category and Kawhi would have an easier time if he returned to the Raptors and defended the title as opposed to joining the Clippers and forming a new team and/or needing to sign another superstar.

With the Raptors, Leonard is the lone superstar. In the eyes of most fans and media members, they who ultimately decide who the best player truly is, winning a title as the sole superstar is a more impressive feat than joining a group of other stars.

If Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto and defends the chip, he would almost certainly be considered the unanimous decision for the best player in the NBA. And that’s what Toronto offers more than the Clippers next season, a chance to win the NBA title.