After a magical 2018-19 campaign that saw him lead the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title in franchise history, Kawhi Leonard returned to the city that embraced him and got his ring on Wednesday.

The California native returned to Canada for the first time since he won the NBA Finals with the Raptors during the summer as his new team, the Clippers, traveled to face Toronto.

In a pregame ceremony, both the fans and the franchise alike showed their appreciation and gratefulness to Leonard for his heroic performance last season. Despite choosing to sign with the Clippers during the offseason, it was evident on Wednesday that Toronto harbors no hard feelings towards their former leader.

The team showed a highlight video showing off some of Leonard’s most memorable moments during his lone season with the Raptors. After the video presentation, Leonard greeted his ex-teammates and former coach Nick Nurse before being given his championship ring.

Leonard spoke fondly about his season with the team after the game, saying, ” It was a special season for us, for me, for the whole city and country. I’m glad we were able to win. It was a blessing.”

The Clippers went on to win the game 112-92 to move to 19-7 on the season. Leonard finished with 23 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

The post Kawhi Leonard Receives Ring in Celebratory Return to Toronto appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After being traded to the Toronto Raptors on July 18, 2018, few could have imagined what Kawhi Leonard and his team would go on to have a magical 2018-19 season. Leonard became an immediate franchise legend for the Raptors, making an All-Star appearance and averaging 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

The story became even more magical after Leonard put the Raptors on his back and led them to the first NBA Championship in the franchise’s history after an epic Finals series against the Golden State Warriors. Leonard was named Finals MVP after a monster performance, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in the team’s six-game triumph.

Now, the future is less clear. Leonard is now an unrestricted free agent and can theoretically sign a contract to play for any franchise he chooses for the next season and years beyond that. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has been as guarded and secretive about his future as always, but many believe that Leonard’s future is not in Toronto.

However, Kawhi Leonard’s best option for his future, without a doubt, is to stay in Toronto and go back to the city that lifted the trophy earlier this month. Why?

Well, for one, why fix what isn’t broken? Leonard won the 2019 NBA Title with the Raptors, and the Canadians will return every single member of their roster from last season with the exception of role player Danny Green. While teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers can talk about their financial flexibility to add free agents, there’s already a roster that’s proven to be capable of winning a title in Toronto.

The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be the Raptors’ primary competition for Leonard’s services, and their roster doesn’t come close to stacking up with Toronto’s.

Of course, the issue of money is also in play, but Leonard would benefit financially from staying in Toronto too. The Raptors are the only team that can offer the forward a 5-year, $190 million supermax contract. Other teams can offer Leonard 4 years and $141 million, but for a player with Leonard’s injury history, he would be wise to take the most possible years and the most money that he can.

For these reasons, plus the immense love that Toronto and the country of Canada already has for Kawhi, the Raptors are the best place where Leonard can end up signing a contract. There’s no reason to let the magic end with the 2019 NBA Title—they can accomplish much more together.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s Best Option is Staying with the Toronto Raptors appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Kawhi Leonard is playing phenomenal basketball in this year’s playoffs and is the most responsible for propelling Toronto Raptors to their first ever NBA Finals. This earned him praise from all around the league, with Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers being the latest to express his admiration for Leonard’s game.

During a recent appearance on ESPN, Rivers even went as far as comparing him to Chicago Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan.

“He is the most like [Michael] Jordan that we’ve seen,” – said Rivers. “Big hands, post game, can finish, great leaper, great defender, in-between game, if you beat him to the spot he bumps you off. And then you add his three-point shooting.”

Rivers has his motivation for praising Leonard and putting him in such esteemed company. Clippers are reportedly all-in on pursuing Leonard in the free agency and are one of the favorites to land his services considering the 27-year-old’s wishes to play in Los Angeles.

Leonard currently averages 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the playoffs.

The post Doc Rivers on Kawhi Leonard: “Most Like Michael Jordan That We’ve Seen” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

At the end of regulation on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the crowd went wild. Why?

Well, they saw their hometown Toronto Raptors win Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals by a 100-94 final in a back-and-forth contest and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Kawhi Leonard, who was acquired last summer in a risky move by Raptors president Masai Ujiri, came through with a huge game once again to send Toronto into pandemonium.

Leonard scored 27 points and gathered 17 rebounds to lead his team to their fourth consecutive victory in the series.

Few gave the Raptors a chance after falling down 2-0 to the #1 seeded Bucks after the first two games of the conference finals. However, a scrappy, energetic team led by one of the NBA’s biggest stars was able to completely turn the series around.

Milwaukee, led by MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo, was proven to be just too young and inexperienced to get past the resolve of the NBA’s only Canadian franchise.

The Toronto Raptors’ reward for winning the series is a date with the back-to-back champion Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. The series will begin on Thursday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

The post Raptors Win Nerve-Wracking Game 6 to Advance to NBA Finals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After only losing 1 game in their first two playoff series, the Bucks find themselves in an unfamiliar position after the Toronto Raptors’ Game 4 win.

The Raptors took advantage of a strong night from their bench and the Milwaukee Bucks’ defensive fragility to win 120-102 in Toronto and even the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece.

Six players, including 3 bench players, finished with 13 or more points for Toronto, constituting a balanced team attack. Kyle Lowry, Toronto’s starting point guard, led the team with 25 points.

The real difference maker in this game was the Raptors’ bench production. Unheralded players such as Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet played lots of minutes on Tuesday night and provided energy and scoring off of the bench.

The Bucks were unable to take advantage of 30 Khris Middleton points and 25 from Giannis Antetokounmpo, putting them in a completely unfamiliar situation.

Milwaukee now has the chance to turn the series back in their favor in Game 5 at home. The Raptors will look to win their third consecutive game and head back to Toronto in Game 6 with a chance to clinch the series on their home court.

The next game will take place on Friday.

The post Raptors Dominate Bucks, Even Eastern Conference Finals at 2 appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After criticizing his former player Kawhi Leonard for lack of leadership skills, San Antonio Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Leonard, who now plays for Toronto Raptors, said that he heard about Popovich’s comments and called them “funny.”

“I heard about it. It’s just funny to me because, you know, I don’t know if he’s talking about last year or not, but I guess when you stop playing they forget how you lead,” – Leonard told reporters. “Other than that, it doesn’t matter. I’m here with the Raptors. My focus is on the season and not what’s going on the other side.“

According to Leonard, he is a leader but shows it in another way.

“I lead by example coming into practice every day. Just going hard and coming into these games mentally focused,” – the 27-year-old added.

Although Kawhi Leonard supposed to be the Spurs’ franchise player for years to come, the relationship between him and the organization became fractured after he suffered an injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Leonard and Spurs had disputes over the way his injury should be handled, and the player ended up making a trade request in June 2018.

Leonard ended up being traded to Toronto Raptors alongside Danny Green, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl and a protected 2019 first round draft pick.

So far in the 2018-19 season, Kawhi Leonard played 15 games for the Raptors, averaging 24.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

The post Kawhi Leonard Says Gregg Popovich’s Criticism of Him is “Funny” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Kawhi Leonard remained silent for the most of trade saga which ultimately saw him leaving the San Antonio Spurs and ending up with the Toronto Raptors. Now, after the trade is finalized, Leonard spoke out for the first time via a farewell letter sent to San Antonio Express-News.

In this letter, Kawhi Leonard summed everything he feels in two simple words: “Thank you.” The 27-year-old thanked San Antonio Spurs organization, coach Gregg Popovich, former teammates and the fans.

“I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!” – Leonard wrote. “My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.“

Spurs decided to trade Kawhi Leonard after the relationship between the two sides became irreparable. Leonard didn’t like the way the team’s doctors handled his injury last season and felt like he couldn’t trust organization anymore. He then asked to be traded and listed Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers as his preferred destinations, wanting to return to his hometown.

But Spurs ended up sending him out of the country, accepting the offer they think was the best.

“Through all the ups and downs — I’m glad there were many more ups! — I’ll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together,” – Leonard concluded his letter. “While I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio!“

The post Kawhi Leonard Pens a Farewell Letter to Spurs’ Fans and Organization appeared first on SportzBonanza.

And just when you thought NBA drama is over for this summer, Kawhi Leonard somehow ends up in Canada.

NBA insiders are reporting that Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs have agreed on a trade that would send Leonard and Danny Green to Toronto in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick. The first round pick is protected from 1-20 and will convert to two second-round pick if not conveyed.

With this trade, ends the saga about Kawhi Leonard’s future, who asked for a trade from the Spurs at the beginning of the offseason. Leonard and the Spurs organization have been on bad terms since January when the 27-year-old wanted to seek another opinion on his quadriceps tendinopathy although he was cleared to play by the team’s doctors. This caused lots of miscommunication and disagreement between the two sides, and Leonard eventually decided he doesn’t want to play in San Antonio and asked to be traded to one of Los Angeles teams, Lakers or Clippers.

Although Kawhi Leonard to Raptors comes as a surprise for the casual NBA fans, since Toronto wasn’t mentioned as the potential destination, the team has been working on a trade with the Spurs for two weeks. The trade had several other variations and almost fell through before becoming finalized in on Wednesday.

pic.twitter.com/b5NxE0Q4YY

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 18, 2018

pic.twitter.com/8ILuDeZdvQ

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 18, 2018

Raptors will hope that they can repeat what Oklahoma City Thunder did with Paul George, and convince Leonard to resign with them despite his clear wish to be in Los Angeles. They can offer him five-year, $190 million contract in the summer while other teams can sign him on a four-year, $141 million deal.

Spurs, on the other side, get a 23+ points-a-game-player who is still under contract for three seasons in DeRozan, and a valuable rotation piece in Poeltl.

Thank you for everything, DeMar pic.twitter.com/nMkhAeH1He

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 18, 2018

The post Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard Traded to Raptors for DeMar DeRozan appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After a magical 2018-19 campaign that saw him lead the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA title in franchise history, Kawhi Leonard returned to the city that embraced him and got his ring on Wednesday.

The California native returned to Canada for the first time since he won the NBA Finals with the Raptors during the summer as his new team, the Clippers, traveled to face Toronto.

In a pregame ceremony, both the fans and the franchise alike showed their appreciation and gratefulness to Leonard for his heroic performance last season. Despite choosing to sign with the Clippers during the offseason, it was evident on Wednesday that Toronto harbors no hard feelings towards their former leader.

The team showed a highlight video showing off some of Leonard’s most memorable moments during his lone season with the Raptors. After the video presentation, Leonard greeted his ex-teammates and former coach Nick Nurse before being given his championship ring.

Leonard spoke fondly about his season with the team after the game, saying, ” It was a special season for us, for me, for the whole city and country. I’m glad we were able to win. It was a blessing.”

The Clippers went on to win the game 112-92 to move to 19-7 on the season. Leonard finished with 23 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

The post Kawhi Leonard Receives Ring in Celebratory Return to Toronto appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After being traded to the Toronto Raptors on July 18, 2018, few could have imagined what Kawhi Leonard and his team would go on to have a magical 2018-19 season. Leonard became an immediate franchise legend for the Raptors, making an All-Star appearance and averaging 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

The story became even more magical after Leonard put the Raptors on his back and led them to the first NBA Championship in the franchise’s history after an epic Finals series against the Golden State Warriors. Leonard was named Finals MVP after a monster performance, averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in the team’s six-game triumph.

Now, the future is less clear. Leonard is now an unrestricted free agent and can theoretically sign a contract to play for any franchise he chooses for the next season and years beyond that. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has been as guarded and secretive about his future as always, but many believe that Leonard’s future is not in Toronto.

However, Kawhi Leonard’s best option for his future, without a doubt, is to stay in Toronto and go back to the city that lifted the trophy earlier this month. Why?

Well, for one, why fix what isn’t broken? Leonard won the 2019 NBA Title with the Raptors, and the Canadians will return every single member of their roster from last season with the exception of role player Danny Green. While teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers can talk about their financial flexibility to add free agents, there’s already a roster that’s proven to be capable of winning a title in Toronto.

The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be the Raptors’ primary competition for Leonard’s services, and their roster doesn’t come close to stacking up with Toronto’s.

Of course, the issue of money is also in play, but Leonard would benefit financially from staying in Toronto too. The Raptors are the only team that can offer the forward a 5-year, $190 million supermax contract. Other teams can offer Leonard 4 years and $141 million, but for a player with Leonard’s injury history, he would be wise to take the most possible years and the most money that he can.

For these reasons, plus the immense love that Toronto and the country of Canada already has for Kawhi, the Raptors are the best place where Leonard can end up signing a contract. There’s no reason to let the magic end with the 2019 NBA Title—they can accomplish much more together.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s Best Option is Staying with the Toronto Raptors appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Kawhi Leonard is playing phenomenal basketball in this year’s playoffs and is the most responsible for propelling Toronto Raptors to their first ever NBA Finals. This earned him praise from all around the league, with Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers being the latest to express his admiration for Leonard’s game.

During a recent appearance on ESPN, Rivers even went as far as comparing him to Chicago Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan.

“He is the most like [Michael] Jordan that we’ve seen,” – said Rivers. “Big hands, post game, can finish, great leaper, great defender, in-between game, if you beat him to the spot he bumps you off. And then you add his three-point shooting.”

Rivers has his motivation for praising Leonard and putting him in such esteemed company. Clippers are reportedly all-in on pursuing Leonard in the free agency and are one of the favorites to land his services considering the 27-year-old’s wishes to play in Los Angeles.

Leonard currently averages 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the playoffs.

The post Doc Rivers on Kawhi Leonard: “Most Like Michael Jordan That We’ve Seen” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

At the end of regulation on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the crowd went wild. Why?

Well, they saw their hometown Toronto Raptors win Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals by a 100-94 final in a back-and-forth contest and advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Kawhi Leonard, who was acquired last summer in a risky move by Raptors president Masai Ujiri, came through with a huge game once again to send Toronto into pandemonium.

Leonard scored 27 points and gathered 17 rebounds to lead his team to their fourth consecutive victory in the series.

Few gave the Raptors a chance after falling down 2-0 to the #1 seeded Bucks after the first two games of the conference finals. However, a scrappy, energetic team led by one of the NBA’s biggest stars was able to completely turn the series around.

Milwaukee, led by MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo, was proven to be just too young and inexperienced to get past the resolve of the NBA’s only Canadian franchise.

The Toronto Raptors’ reward for winning the series is a date with the back-to-back champion Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. The series will begin on Thursday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

The post Raptors Win Nerve-Wracking Game 6 to Advance to NBA Finals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After only losing 1 game in their first two playoff series, the Bucks find themselves in an unfamiliar position after the Toronto Raptors’ Game 4 win.

The Raptors took advantage of a strong night from their bench and the Milwaukee Bucks’ defensive fragility to win 120-102 in Toronto and even the Eastern Conference Finals at two games apiece.

Six players, including 3 bench players, finished with 13 or more points for Toronto, constituting a balanced team attack. Kyle Lowry, Toronto’s starting point guard, led the team with 25 points.

The real difference maker in this game was the Raptors’ bench production. Unheralded players such as Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet played lots of minutes on Tuesday night and provided energy and scoring off of the bench.

The Bucks were unable to take advantage of 30 Khris Middleton points and 25 from Giannis Antetokounmpo, putting them in a completely unfamiliar situation.

Milwaukee now has the chance to turn the series back in their favor in Game 5 at home. The Raptors will look to win their third consecutive game and head back to Toronto in Game 6 with a chance to clinch the series on their home court.

The next game will take place on Friday.

The post Raptors Dominate Bucks, Even Eastern Conference Finals at 2 appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After criticizing his former player Kawhi Leonard for lack of leadership skills, San Antonio Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Leonard, who now plays for Toronto Raptors, said that he heard about Popovich’s comments and called them “funny.”

“I heard about it. It’s just funny to me because, you know, I don’t know if he’s talking about last year or not, but I guess when you stop playing they forget how you lead,” – Leonard told reporters. “Other than that, it doesn’t matter. I’m here with the Raptors. My focus is on the season and not what’s going on the other side.“

According to Leonard, he is a leader but shows it in another way.

“I lead by example coming into practice every day. Just going hard and coming into these games mentally focused,” – the 27-year-old added.

Although Kawhi Leonard supposed to be the Spurs’ franchise player for years to come, the relationship between him and the organization became fractured after he suffered an injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Leonard and Spurs had disputes over the way his injury should be handled, and the player ended up making a trade request in June 2018.

Leonard ended up being traded to Toronto Raptors alongside Danny Green, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Pöltl and a protected 2019 first round draft pick.

So far in the 2018-19 season, Kawhi Leonard played 15 games for the Raptors, averaging 24.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

The post Kawhi Leonard Says Gregg Popovich’s Criticism of Him is “Funny” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Kawhi Leonard remained silent for the most of trade saga which ultimately saw him leaving the San Antonio Spurs and ending up with the Toronto Raptors. Now, after the trade is finalized, Leonard spoke out for the first time via a farewell letter sent to San Antonio Express-News.

In this letter, Kawhi Leonard summed everything he feels in two simple words: “Thank you.” The 27-year-old thanked San Antonio Spurs organization, coach Gregg Popovich, former teammates and the fans.

“I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!” – Leonard wrote. “My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.“

Spurs decided to trade Kawhi Leonard after the relationship between the two sides became irreparable. Leonard didn’t like the way the team’s doctors handled his injury last season and felt like he couldn’t trust organization anymore. He then asked to be traded and listed Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers as his preferred destinations, wanting to return to his hometown.

But Spurs ended up sending him out of the country, accepting the offer they think was the best.

“Through all the ups and downs — I’m glad there were many more ups! — I’ll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together,” – Leonard concluded his letter. “While I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio!“

The post Kawhi Leonard Pens a Farewell Letter to Spurs’ Fans and Organization appeared first on SportzBonanza.

And just when you thought NBA drama is over for this summer, Kawhi Leonard somehow ends up in Canada.

NBA insiders are reporting that Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs have agreed on a trade that would send Leonard and Danny Green to Toronto in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick. The first round pick is protected from 1-20 and will convert to two second-round pick if not conveyed.

With this trade, ends the saga about Kawhi Leonard’s future, who asked for a trade from the Spurs at the beginning of the offseason. Leonard and the Spurs organization have been on bad terms since January when the 27-year-old wanted to seek another opinion on his quadriceps tendinopathy although he was cleared to play by the team’s doctors. This caused lots of miscommunication and disagreement between the two sides, and Leonard eventually decided he doesn’t want to play in San Antonio and asked to be traded to one of Los Angeles teams, Lakers or Clippers.

Although Kawhi Leonard to Raptors comes as a surprise for the casual NBA fans, since Toronto wasn’t mentioned as the potential destination, the team has been working on a trade with the Spurs for two weeks. The trade had several other variations and almost fell through before becoming finalized in on Wednesday.

pic.twitter.com/b5NxE0Q4YY

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 18, 2018

pic.twitter.com/8ILuDeZdvQ

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 18, 2018

Raptors will hope that they can repeat what Oklahoma City Thunder did with Paul George, and convince Leonard to resign with them despite his clear wish to be in Los Angeles. They can offer him five-year, $190 million contract in the summer while other teams can sign him on a four-year, $141 million deal.

Spurs, on the other side, get a 23+ points-a-game-player who is still under contract for three seasons in DeRozan, and a valuable rotation piece in Poeltl.

Thank you for everything, DeMar pic.twitter.com/nMkhAeH1He

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 18, 2018

The post Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard Traded to Raptors for DeMar DeRozan appeared first on SportzBonanza.