What to know
- Kawhi Leonard shared an emotional video tribute to Toronto on X ahead of the Raptors’ 2026-27 NBA season opener, reflecting on his return seven years after leading the team to its first NBA championship in 2019.
- Leonard, who recently rejoined the Raptors after seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, acknowledged the challenge of recreating the magic of his first stint, saying, “It wasn’t luck the first time. And I still know what it takes.”
- Leonard joined Toronto in July 2018 and helped the Raptors defeat the Golden State Warriors in six games to win the 2019 NBA Finals. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game before leaving for the Clippers that summer.
- Raptors fans welcomed Leonard’s return with enthusiasm online, sharing messages of love and excitement while expressing hope for another championship and anticipation of seeing him play alongside Scottie Barnes.
Kawhi Leonard reignited emotions as he excited Toronto Raptors fans by posting an emotional tribute to the city on social media, ahead of the team’s 2026-27 NBA season opener.
The seven-time NBA All-Star shared a video on his X account on Tuesday, ahead of the final game of the preseason. In the video, Leonard was reflecting on his return to Toronto seven years after leading the Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship in 2019.
“Toronto, it’s been a minute since I left, and one thing I’ve learned about time [is] people move on, things change, and even the greatest moments become memories,” Leonard said in the video. “But… some things stay with you. What we shared here, that’s forever.”
Leonard recently rejoined the Raptors after spending seven seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, in which he claimed the NBA All-Star title multiple times.
As he returns, Leonard talks about the challenge of trying to recreate the magic of his first stint with Toronto.
“They say the second time isn’t as good as the first, but we’ll see,” he said. “It wasn’t luck the first time. And I still know what it takes.”
The tribute to Toronto comes just one day before the Raptors open their regular season against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
Kawhi Leonard’s history with the Raptors
Leonard initially joined the Toronto team in July 2018, when the Raptors acquired him and Danny Green from the San Antonio Spurs.
It was a game-changing move. Leonard soon became the front man of the team’s playoff run, helping them to beat the Golden State Warriors in six games, and take their first NBA championship title.
Leonard was also named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, after he averaged 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game during the championship series.
Despite the success, Leonard’s time in Toronto lasted only one season. He left as a free agent in July 2019 to join his hometown team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Now, seven years later, Leonard is back in the Raptors uniform after a trade with the Clippers, in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and multiple future draft picks.
Canadian fan reaction
The video was positively received by Raptors fans online, with many praising Leonard for his return and love for the city.
“Love that you know what you meant to us 😭🇨🇦Canada adores you!!!” one fan on X wrote.
Another fan was impressed by Leonard.
“Call me naive, but I think he recognizes that the city who showed him the love is ready to take it for another ride, and therefore he is too,” he wrote.
“Welcome home even though in our hearts you never left! We the North!” another fan stated.
Along with the fanfare, many noted they may mean another championship under the Raptors’ belt.
“Let’s do it again goat😭❤️” one fan wrote on X.
“Can’t wait to see you and Scottie rip it up together,” another fan said about the anticipated teamwork to come.
“We Love You Kawhiiii go takeover this season!!!!!” a different fan wrote.
All in all, it’s clear the Raptors are in for an eventful season filled with fan spirit.
The Toronto Raptors Home Opener takes place tonight at Scotiabank Arena, against the Chicago Bulls at 7:30 p.m.
