VIDEO: Kawhi Leonard Admits He Expects More Boos Than Cheers From Raptors Fans
By Chris Russo
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is preparing to return to Toronto for the first time since winning an NBA Championship with the Raptors in 2018-19. Ahead of the Wednesday evening clash, Leonard admitted that he's expecting a mixed reaction from the crowd, but has prepared for the boo birds to be out in The Six.
Kawhi Leonard says he is expecting more boos than cheers as he steps back onto the court in Toronto for the first time since the Raptors championship run. https://t.co/GbmIHFyXQE pic.twitter.com/PRSpst5ElU
— CTV Toronto (@CTVToronto) December 11, 2019
In Leonard's typical rational fashion, he noted the fans will not necessarily be cheering for a player on an opposing team. However, Leonard, despite not changing his facial expression, was sentimental about his year in Toronto and talked about how cool it was to win a championship, not just for a city, but also for an entire country.
I've got plenty of mixed feelings on #Kawhi return night. But the truth is this may be my single happiest sports moment ever, period. This moment was everything. This run was everything. What a time to have been alive.
— Elton Hobson (@Hobbie_Hobson) December 11, 2019
For a year of moments - thanks, Fun Guy. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/y8pyRabry4
Even if Leonard only played a year in Toronto and left, he will still never have to buy a meal in Canada again. The Raptors went from a perennial second-round playoff team to finally getting over the top and winning their first-ever NBA Finals.
Hopefully Raptors fans surprise Kawhi and give him a warm reception at Scotiabank Arena.