Summer 2019 was one of the most transformative seasons in recent NBA history. One of the headliners that free agency class was none other than Kawhi Leonard himself, the reigning Finals MVP that year, with a number of other stars.
With free agency just weeks away, there were rumors of a possible team-up between Leonard and Kevin Durant, but the former Golden State Warriors star opted instead to team up with Kyrie Irving on the Brooklyn Nets. Leonard eventually joined the LA Clippers after convincing them to trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a record-setting collection of first-round picks for Paul George.
The Leonard-George tandem is no longer whole after five seasons. Injuries and disappointment largely filled the era, but they still stockpiled three playoff series wins.
Leonard recently spoke to GQ’s Sam Schube about the decision to move away from the Raptors and sign with the Clippers in 2019.
“I just wanted to go to a franchise where I could try to help build a legacy,” Leonard said.
This quote from the two-time Finals MVP has gone viral on social media, amassing more than 600,000 views and 5,000 likes on this post on X.
Many fans have said Leonard could’ve left a bigger legacy in Toronto than in Los Angeles, but even with the hindsight of it all, it is not clear how different things could’ve been for the California native.
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
For Leonard, injuries have been his biggest obstacle in Los Angeles. And while many would argue the Raptors were better positioned for long-term success after that 2019 season than the Clippers were, it means little if Leonard is going to be on the shelf injured when it matters most.
His right knee has kept him on the shelf in four-straight postseasons, and again has him out indefinitely. With that said, one could fairly argue Leonard landed with a better basketball situation in Toronto, though there is no guarantee he would have stayed healthier with the Raptors.
Be the first to comment