Masai Ujiri Knows the Key to Kawhi's Heart Isn't a Title but His Uncle Dennis
By Max Scoli
Despite Kawhi Leonard's calm demeanor, there is one thing that he is truly passionate about: Family.
Among his biggest supporters is his uncle Dennis. He has acted as a mentor to Kawhi, regularly traveling with the Raptors to see his games while giving advice on how to improve his craft. The bond between Leonard and his uncle is unbreakable, and Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri hopes to create a similar relationship with Dennis in hopes of convincing Kawhi to stay.
Kawhi Leonard's Uncle Dennis' relationship with Masai Ujiri is a reason for Raptors fans to be optimistic Leonard's staying. ? MORE @ https://t.co/5KKfvTsPGF pic.twitter.com/Ob2rDU7FIq
— BarDown (@BarDown) May 29, 2019
Once again, Ujiri proves to be a genius.
Uncle Dennis publicly cited a "lack of trust" as the reason for Kawhi's departure from the San Antonio Spurs. To build this trust that was missing in San Antonio, Ujiri has befriended Dennis to make it that much harder for Leonard to leave in free agency.
Kawhi Leonard initially didn’t want to be traded to Raptors, but his Uncle Dennis says he won’t decide whether to re-sign or go elsewhere until the NBA Finals are over. https://t.co/4JZwIkl8qx pic.twitter.com/GJomwXJy0W
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) May 28, 2019
While an NBA Championship would certainly help in accomplishing that goal, the fact of the matter is that hardware isn't going to be a determining factor in the Klaw's decision.
He left a championship contender in the Spurs willingly, showing he cares more about how comfortable he is with his teammates than anything else.