Kawhi Leonard’s statement will challenge Raptors fans in their feelings
The North never forgets, and apparently it doesn’t Kawhi Leonard. While it is The star of the Los Angeles Clippers is focused on a championship push in the West, he took a sentimental detour back to the city where he became a basketball deity.
Leonard returned to Toronto last weekend for a youth basketball event in Scarborough, leaving Raptors fans with a heavy dose of nostalgia and some headline-grabbing quotes.
“Toronto is still in my heart,” Leonard said the crowd on Saturday. The two-time Finals MVP wasn’t just there for the photo shoot; helped unveil a new mural featuring his iconic player from Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The artwork features the quote: “You are stronger than you think.
Leonard’s connection to Canada goes deeper than just a championship ring. He noted that his son was born in Toronto, joking that he often talks about bringing him back to show him his roots.
“I just wanted to leave the draft here,” Leonard said. “This won’t be the last thing. I’ll be doing something else here.”
While Leonard has been busy inspiring the next generation in Ontario, his production on the court for the Los Angeles Clippers remains as clinical as ever. In the Clippers’ last outing before the knee injury, a convincing 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards, Leonard looked like a superstar.
He finished with 33 points, three rebounds and four assists while shooting 9-of-22 from the field. His teammate James Harden added 22 points and eight assists, but Leonard’s defensive presence in the fourth quarter sealed the deal. However, now he was sent home from the Clippers trip due to knee injury.
For Toronto Raptors fans, seeing Leonard embrace the city is bittersweet. Since his departure in 2019, the franchise has entered a complete rebuild.
He may be wearing clippers strings now, but as Leonard made clear this weekend, a part of him will always belong to 6ik. With his son a Canadian citizen and his dedication to local youth, Cloe’s legacy in Toronto is far from over.
2026-01-19 01:34:00
