74 reasons why Kawhi Leonard is staying with the Toronto Raptors

55. Canada is Basketball’s Home

In case you need to be reminded, basketball was invented by a Canadian: Sir James Naismith. The NBA Championship has come home with Kawhi Leonard.

54. Canada is a Model Nation

Canada was the most admired nation in the world for six to seven years. Although that reputation has taken a bit of a hit, the nation still ranks as a top-ten nation in terms of its international standing.

53. Canadians are Renowned Internationally

Speaking of international standing, Canadians have a better reputation overseas than their American counterparts. You’d hardly hear anyone who has beef with the Canadians – unless they had something against being overly polite and saying “eh”.

52. City of Winners

Boston may be the “City of Champions”, but Toronto is right behind its tail as a city ripe with winners. Outside of the Raptors, the Maple Leafs are a Stanley Cup contender and made the biggest free agency splash last season. The Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts have recently won championships. And the Toronto Blue Jays, the worst of the lot, still have the MLB’s most intriguing prospect.

They say winning rubs off on you, so why shouldn’t Kawhi surround himself in a winning atmosphere?

51. Cultural Diversity

Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural places with over 200 ethnic groups and 140 languages spoken. Los Angeles is diverse too, but a recently released study shows that Toronto is the most ethnically diverse city in North America. There is literally a global audience within Toronto and this was showcased by the 1.5 million people who attended the parade.

50. Mental Health Advocacy

DeMar DeRozan made headlines two seasons ago when he spoke about mental health. This was a huge moment not just for DeRozan and the Raptors but for the NBA. It was a noble initiative and mirrored the progressive values of the city, something that will extend to how the franchise treats its employees.

49. The Canadian Media

The media often has a contentious relationship with NBA players in the way they sensationalize stories. Canadian media, especially Toronto sports media tend to get controversial with the players but they’ll be bowing before Kawhi Leonard.

Once critical of the Toronto franchises, the media will be Leonard’s personal cheerleaders. Big sports personalities like Tim and Sid and the Starters are also in his corner.

48. The Basketball Gods Said So

There is always a little bit of “luck” involved in winning a title and that’s no small thanks to the “Basketball Gods”. The Shot bounced into the basket, officials called it evenly, and the Warriors were torn apart by injuries. They paved the way for Kawhi to lead Toronto to a title so he can…

47. Continue to Grow Basketball Culture Around the Nation

Vince started it nearly two decades ago and Kawhi has taken it into new heights. Most children that witnessed the Raptors’ historic run will grow up playing basketball. The stage has been set. But if Kawhi stays and gives the franchise more hope for another run, the honeymoon will last a bit longer.

46. Toronto/Ontario is a Basketball Hotbed

Home to NBA players like Jamal Murray, Tristan Thompson, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Toronto has become a mecca for Canadian talent. Six Canadians were drafted this year with five coming from Ontario and four from the Greater Toronto Area including third-overall pick R.J. Barrett.

Kawhi and the Raptors’ championship run will undoubtedly create more bluechip prospects for the next decade potentially culminating in making Canada a true basketball power.

45. Help Toronto Push for a WNBA Team

Now would be the most opportune time for the WNBA to expand to Toronto. The city is ready for a WNBA team and Kawhi being a godfather-figure in setting this all up will only add to his legend. Toronto can be a hotbed of basketball talent for both boys and girls.

44. Canadian Prices

Must be nice to get paid in American dollars and spend in Canadian, especially with the exchange rate trending towards the US side.

43. Business is Great – Invest

Like its tech and financial sectors, Toronto keeps growing as a city. Even if Kawhi didn’t plan on staying, buying a condo would be a good investment. But staying in Toronto gives him and his team more opportunity to do business in person.

42. Ka’Wine and Dine

Kawhi may never have to pay for food in the city. Yes, he’ll probably get the same deal in Los Angeles. But Toronto cuisine is much more diverse. And you get authentic poutine here.

41. Los Angeles Isn’t Going Anywhere

Kawhi may be homesick, but Los Angeles isn’t on top of a space ship with a countdown timer ready to leave Earth for the next three million years. Los Angeles will still be on the map whether Kawhi stays for one, two, or five years in Toronto. And he can always visit during the offseason.