Toronto Raptors: Take Kawhi Leonard’s latest comments with a pinch of salt

Kawhi Leonard was inevitably asked about life with the Toronto Raptors, but don’t read too much into his comments at All-Star weekend.

Statistically speaking at least, Kawhi Leonard is on course for his best season yet in the NBA, with the Toronto Raptors being the main beneficiaries. He’s averaging career highs for points and rebounds, while throwing in three assists and essentially two steals per contest.

Whenever Leonard plays — and keep in mind he has sat out 16 games so far this season — he makes you believe the Raptors are genuinely one of the league’s elite teams. The question is, how long will this last for?

As has been the case ever since the three-time All-Star was traded to the Raptors, you wonder if he really will be one-and-done, in line with the overriding belief. Or, will he surprise everyone by signing a long-term contract extension to remain in Southern Ontario after this season.

With this in mind, it was inevitable that Leonard would be asked about life in Toronto during Saturday’s media availability at All-Star weekend. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Steven Loung, he said:

"“It’s a great energy out there. The fans come out, they’re very supportive. It’s a great city, there’s a lot to do, it’s just been cold. The snow does look nice on days, but you just need a jacket to go outside. I’m not used to wearing boots and everything. But as far as the whole city, team, coaching staff, organization, fans, it’s been great.”More from Toronto RaptorsToronto Raptors: Christian Koloko Highlights 2022 Summer League rosterToronto Raptors re-sign Chris Boucher, add Otto Porter JrToronto Raptors should not enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakesToronto Raptors reportedly closing on extensions with VanVleet and YoungToronto Raptors get what they need in drafting Christian Koloko"

No doubt people will focus on Leonard’s comments about the weather. This has often been one of the more negative aspects surrounding Toronto and the (in)ability to entice big name players to sign contracts North of the Border.

The thing is, this lazy narrative has become frustrating, boring and redundant. Last time we checked, the weather gets pretty damn cold in other big cities such as New York and Chicago.

The reality is, what Leonard does won’t be impacted by the weather. He will sign a long-term contract with a team which can pay him well and offer the opportunity to compete for a contender, two things which the Raptors can offer.

Having said that, don’t let the two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year’s more positive comments about Toronto get you too excited. He’s not exactly going to come out and publicly criticise the organisation (as much as we do believe he’s being genuine with what he said).

Ultimately, what we do know is that Leonard will not be influenced by anyone else. In line with his personality he will do what’s best for him, regardless of how it is perceived by other people.

(For clarification, this is meant as a positive. Leonard walks his own path, rather than trying to fit in and behave like others for the sake of it.)

In this respect, to try and read too much into the 27-year-old’s comments on Saturday is a waste of time. Further, we have a strong suspicion that he already knows what he’s going to do.

As Masai Ujiri told Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports on Wednesday, Leonard will do the right thing. Whether that means re-signing for the Raptors remains to be seen, because he’ll be doing the right thing for himself.

Did you take anything away from Leonard’s comments on Saturday? Percentage wise, what do you think the chances are that he will re-sign for the Toronto Raptors after this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.