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Toronto Raptors: Hiring close friend won’t impact Kawhi Leonard’s decision

By Paul Taylor

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on from the bench against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on October 27, 2016 in Sacramento, 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)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on from the bench against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on October 27, 2016 in Sacramento, 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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The implication is clear after the Toronto Raptors hired Kawhi Leonard’s close friend, but bringing Jeremy Castleberry on board won’t influence the 2014 NBA Finals MVP when he makes his decision next summer.

An intriguing move took place on Monday, when the Toronto Raptors hired San Antonio Spurs assistant video coordinator Jeremy Castleberry as a player development coach. The news was reported by Yahoo Sports’ NBA Insider, Shams Charania.

What makes this news intriguing, is the fact Castleberry is a close friend of Kawhi Leonard. The two have a history which dates all the way back to high school, when they played basketball together.

Almost immediately, the implication was the Raptors were doing this to influence Leonard. More specifically, persuade him to stay in Toronto long-term.

Ultimately though, hiring Castleberry is not going to impact the two-time All-Star next summer. He will sign with whoever he wants to, regardless of where his close friend is based.

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For example, what if Leonard truly does not like living in Toronto due to the weather during the winter months? Do you really believe he’s going to stick it out year after year on a long-term deal, just because of his friend?

And even if Castleberry decides he wants to remain in Toronto long-term, the two can keep in touch easily enough through technology. In addition, Leonard can easily afford to fly to Southern Ontario to catch up with his friend (especially when he signs his next deal) or pay for him to visit him in Los Angeles, or wherever he ends up.

Besides, let’s be honest. Wherever Leonard goes, the chances are he can get his friend a position on that team as well.

In that respect it is worth noting, regardless of it the Raptors are trying to influence the 27-year-old’s thinking, Castleberry is no token hire. He has been with the Spurs since 2013 and worked his way up in the organisation.

Plus, do you think Greg Popovich would have Castleberry on the staff all this time just because of his connection to Leonard, if he wasn’t proving to be a valuable asset? No, neither do we; that’s not how a successful franchise like the Spurs operate.

Ultimately, we don’t blame the Raptors for hiring the San Diego State graduate, even if it is an attempt to have an influence over Leonard. Just don’t expect it to work on the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.

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What’s your opinion of the Toronto Raptors hiring Castleberry? Do you believe it will influence Leonard’s decision next summer, or do you agree that it will have no impact on what he does? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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