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Toronto Raptors: Danny Green gives great insight on Kawhi Leonard

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors sit on the bench reading the half time stats during the second half of an NBA preseason game against Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors sit on the bench reading the half time stats during the second half of an NBA preseason game against Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Since being traded to the Toronto Raptors, Danny Green has been the perfect buffer for Kawhi Leonard with the star forward clearly embracing his new team.

When the Toronto Raptors introduced their prized offseason acquisitions, all the attention was on Kawhi Leonard which was unfortunate for Danny Green but he embraced it like he’s embracing his current role.

There is no player on the Raptors who knows Leonard better than Green and the team is using it to their advantage in many ways. While many have been sceptical about Kawhi’s future in Toronto, Green continues to provide optimism that the star forward is warming up to his new home.

So far, Toronto has seen more personality from Leonard with the laugh that went viral and some encouraging words by head coach Nick Nurse on Leonard’s work ethic and leadership.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Green made it a point to commend Kawhi on taking his role seriously during training camp.

"“He’s definitely more vocal than he’s ever been, on and off the court,” Green told Josh Lewenberg of TSN. “It looks like he feels comfortable. It looks like he feels at home.”“He’s talking to guys, he’s leading by example, in the huddles he’s chiming in, saying what he feels, saying his opinion,” Green added. “Before he didn’t really show or tell his opinion much… He’s leading vocally more than ever before.”"

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In his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard was around great veteran players and future Hall-of-Famers like; Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Safe to say he might have learned a thing or two from them and since he’s the clear-cut top player on the Raptors he seems to be embracing that role.

Now we wouldn’t know this if it weren’t for Green who has been around Leonard long enough to know that he’s taking a different approach in Toronto. Masai Ujiri clearly knew what both players were bringing both on and off the court for the Raptors and the benefits it will have going forward.

There’s no doubt that Kawhi will be a dominant player for Toronto but seeing him interact with the younger players should mean a lot considering how much of the team revolves around guys like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet.

Whether it’s just leading by example or pulling the players to the side and offering advice, it’s something that should be appreciated even if Leonard decides to leave at the end of the season. To know that he’s giving a sincere effort is expected but embracing a leadership role on top of that should be exciting for Raptors’ fans.

Next. Is Norman Powell a genuine trade candidate?. dark

What do you think about the comments from Green on Leonard? Does this make you more optimistic about the future? Let us know in the comments below. 

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