By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The blockbuster trade bringing two-time NBA champion and seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors has set a fresh trajectory for the franchise.
Behind the scenes, this transition marks a deeply personal homecoming captured by the Open Gym documentary crew. His return was heavily motivated by his family, especially his son, who was born in the city.
This new era formally started with a meeting between the 35-year-old forward and Serbian head coach Darko Rajakovic. Their connection actually dates back to the very beginning of Leonard’s NBA journey. Rajakovic happened to be in the San Antonio Spurs’ draft room back in 2011 when they landed the forward, creating a unique full-circle bond.
The coach knows exactly what the veteran brings to this young roster. “He’s going to bring a lot of experience, a lot of wisdom, a lot of on-court presence that he’s going to able to help us move the needle into the right direction,” emphasized the Cacak native.
During their initial conversations, Leonard made it clear that his return to Canada is driven by a deep personal bond rather than a superficial pursuit of rings. “I’m not really championship chasing,” he noted. “This city took a liking to my family, and I took a liking to this city.”
That loyalty extends directly to the locker room hierarchy. “If it’s Scottie’s team, it’s his team. I want to do whatever it takes to help you guys,” the two-time Defensive Player of the Year told Rajakovic.
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