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Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard finally speaks…sort of

By Paul Taylor

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands during player introductions prior to Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriorsc at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 14: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs stands during player introductions prior to Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriorsc at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard made his first official comments since his stunning trade to the Toronto Raptors, by releasing a statement to thank the San Antonio Spurs.

Ever since Kawhi Leonard became a member of the Toronto Raptors, fans have been waiting to hear from him. This finally changed on Thursday, in a manner of speaking.

As reported by the Score’s Wael Saghir, Leonard has released his first official statement since being traded by the San Antonio Spurs. The statement read:

"San Antonio,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!My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.THANK YOU to every one of my teammates I’ve played with over my seven years in the NBA.THANK YOU Pop I’ll always be grateful for my growth under your guidance.THANK YOU to the fans! There is not a more passionate or dedicated fan base than what I’ve witnessed in San Antonio.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.While I’m Looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio!THANK YOU!— Kawhi Leonard"

Almost immediately, the statement was met with criticism from fans, accusing Leonard of just putting together a collection of generic comments. Some fans questioned if he’d even written it himself.

There were those who claimed San Antonio Spurs fans deserved more from the 2014 NBA Finals MVP. More specifically, it was claimed they deserved an explanation for what happened last season and why he bailed on the team?

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In this respect, there are a lot of uncertainties from the 2017-18 campaign with the Spurs. Leonard only played nine games due to an ongoing issue with a right quadriceps injury.

The situation was magnified, when it was reported the Spurs’ medical staff ruled the 27-year-old was healthy enough to return to action. However, he overruled this and got a second opinion from his own Doctor.

Then there was the tense and emotional players-only meeting where Leonard’s teammates pleaded with him to play again, as well as public criticism from Tony Parker. All in all, the relationship between the two-time Defensive Player of the Year and the team did not end on good terms.

As such, while Leonard may have thanked his former team in the statement, you can appreciate why some people would find this less than genuine. But at least everyone, i.e. Gregg Popovich, the players, the organisation and the fans, got a mention.

Which is more than can be said for the Toronto Raptors. All the Los Angeles, California native would say in reference to them, was that he was looking forward to the next chapter in his career.

Ultimately though, the truth is no one should be surprised by Leonard’s statement. He’s always be a shy and private person anyway; why would that suddenly change now?

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What is your take on Leonard’s statement? Does anything stand out, or is it just a run of the mill release? Further, what kind of impact are you predicting he will have for the Toronto Raptors this coming season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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