Kawhi Leonard returns to Raptors, focuses on basketball after investigation
The star forward, back with the team after a 70-day absence, said he wants to move past an investigation and focus on playing.
QUEBEC CITY — Kawhi Leonard returned to the Toronto Raptors for training camp in Quebec City on Tuesday, addressing media for the first time since an investigation kept him away from the team for 70 days.
"I know why some of you guys came," Leonard said. "You want to hear about the investigation, but, talking with the NBA and the (players' association), I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor. I already was a distraction for the past 70 days, and wasn't able to meet my teammates, do any of that mini camp stuff with them. So, moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors today."
He referred reporters to a previous statement and said his focus is now on basketball.
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"I'm excited to be back," Leonard said, praising the team's playoff run last season. "The team played amazing last year. Obviously, Scottie leading with Scottie, (Brandon Ingram) did a great job for the team as well. (Jamal) Shead, RJ (Barrett), (Immanuel Quickley), young fellow (Collin Murray-Boyles), some shooting from Ja'Kobe (Walter). They played great basketball."
He said the team's defensive, transition-oriented style is a good fit for him.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic said he was excited by the news of Leonard's return. "I think a lot of intangibles that he brings, I think he's going to bring a lot of value to our team," Rajakovic said.
The coach expressed confidence in managing the 33-year-old forward's health, citing Leonard's dedication and the team's medical staff led by Alex McKechnie. "Having players in the league who are in their late 30s and in their 40s and playing and being super efficient, Kawhi is one of those guys," said Rajakovic.
Leonard said a connection with the city and its fans played a part in his return. "A big part of it was the fans' legacy," he said. "The people walking around was nice, even before we won... The fans always gave me a liking coming back to play in the arena."
He also noted his son was born in Toronto and is happy to be back.
On the court, Leonard anticipates a strong partnership with star Scottie Barnes. "I think it's going to work great, just because we're coming in to play defence first," Leonard said. "Scottie's a great passer. He can dribble the ball up the court at his size. So I think it'll work out well."
He also joked about the return of a local 'Kawine and Dine' promotion. "I want to know who told him I like to eat. And I'm older now, so I can't eat as much," Leonard said.
Rajakovic outlined the team's continued development, highlighting second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles. "We already have a plan for him that he's going to be offensively playing Position 4, Position 5," the coach said, noting the player worked hard over the summer after an injury.
The coach also noted improved conditioning across the roster, joking that he himself lost 10 pounds. He pointed to Ja'Kobe Walter adding 10 pounds of muscle.
Rajakovic said the playoff experience from last season, which ended in a Game 7 loss, was crucial. "For me, it was super important that we get in the playoffs so we can understand what it takes to compete," he said.
He framed the heightened expectations that come with Leonard's return as a positive. "For me, pressure is the is the privilege," Rajakovic said. "We believe in our team. We believe in our work. We believe in our fans. We believe in this city. I think it's going to be a great year for us."
With files from Sportsnet