'Call me naive, but I think he recognizes that the city that showed him the love is ready to take it for another ride and therefore he is too'
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Fans have already caught a glimpse of what’s to come for the Toronto Raptors in their preseason games, but Wednesday night’s home opener will be a whole other story.
A brand-new story — but also, one that looks familiar.
Seeing Kawhi Leonard back in action in a Raptors jersey as the regular season kicks off at Scotiabank Arena will remind fans what they’ve been missing since Toronto won the NBA Championship in 2019.
Ahead of tonight’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Leonard put together a tribute video in which he reflects on his return to Toronto but, perhaps more importantly, he looks at what’s to come.
“Toronto, it’s been a minute since I left, and one thing I’ve learned about time: People move on, things change, and even the greatest moments become memories,” No. 2 said in the video posted to social media on Tuesday.
“But some things, some things stay with you,” he continued. “What we shared here… that’s forever.”
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Let’s goooooooooooooo
Most fans have put the controversy that came with Leonard’s return to Toronto behind them, and are loving every minute of this new Kawhi.
“Bro spoke more in this than all of his 2018-2019 season alone,” one fan joked.
Some admitted Leonard’s tribute video made them tear up, while others admitted to full-on crying.
“Definitely got me welling up,” one person commented. “Last year’s Jays run was so brutal as a sports fan emotionally. I’m ready to have my heart broken all over again.”
Another added: “Toronto will love you forever. 2019 was the best year of my life.”
Ultimately, fans are ready for “what’s next” while others simply welcomed back the legend.
“Call me naive, but I think he recognizes that the city that showed him the love is ready to take it for another ride and therefore he is too,” one X user commented.
One Torontonian praised No. 2: “My man said ‘Torrono’ he’s truly one of us.”
Marred in controversy? We’ll take it
Leonard made his way back to Toronto in a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, after his former team was found to have improperly funnelled millions in off-court endorsement money to Kawhi, which he claimed he knew nothing about.
The Clippers were punished (with a $30-million fine and loss of five future first-round draft picks), and Leonard came out virtually unscathed, avoiding a player suspension that allowed him to make his way back to Toronto.
He made his first public appearance with the team at Raptors Media Day last month, where he seemed focused on the future — ready to roll up his sleeves, get down to work and win some basketball games.
Kawhi appeared in two preseason games, both against the New York Knicks.
“RAPS IN 6!!!!!!!!!!!!” one fan predicted.
While another argued that they would win in four, another chimed in, “Toronto is the 6 so it’s fitting.”
Tonight’s tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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