Kawhi on his decision to leave Toronto in 2019 “I made the decision to go back to LA based on family. I had older people I was able to see who have passed, have seen babies being born. All those times I cherish”. On the investigation “I did release a statement that you could go back to and look at”
Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard declined to address questions about the Los Angeles Clippers’ alleged salary-cap circumvention investigation during Raptors media day.
Leonard opened his press conference by acknowledging that the situation had become a distraction over the past couple of months and made it clear that his focus is now entirely on basketball and his new chapter in Toronto.
“Everyone, thanks for coming. I know I’m excited to be here. I know why some of you guys came. You want to hear about the investigation, but talking with the NBA and the PA, I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor,” Leonard said.
“I already was a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn’t able to meet my teammates, do any of that mini camp stuff with them. So, moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors today.”
“I did release a statement that you could go back to and look at. But, yeah, like I said, I just want to focus on basketball again and being a Toronto Raptor,” he added.
With the investigation talk put aside, Leonard shifted his focus to basketball and the role he expects to take on with a young Raptors team.
The veteran forward said he plans to be a vocal presence for younger players and make himself available whenever teammates need guidance.
“I’ll be leading, trying to help guys get better. The rookies, anybody that needs help, I’m here,” Leonard said. “Good teammate, cool dude, so I think they could reach out to me at any time, text messages, or calls or even on the floor.”
Leonard also believes his defensive mentality should fit naturally with Toronto’s identity.
“I’m a defense-first guy. I like to play defense. I don’t like my man running off 40 or 50 points, so yeah, I enjoy it,” he said.
Leonard reflects on leaving Toronto in 2019 Leonard was also asked whether he ever looks back on his decision to leave Toronto after leading the Raptors to the 2019 NBA championship.
He made it clear that he does not spend much time dwelling on that choice, explaining that returning to Los Angeles allowed him to spend important years close to his family.
“I don’t go back and think much about it,” Leonard said. “I made the decision to go back to LA based on family. I had older people I was able to see who have passed, have seen babies being born. All those times I cherish.”