Kawhi Leonard returns to Raptors lineup in preseason win over Knicks
The star forward made his first appearance for Toronto since being reacquired from the Clippers, receiving a loud ovation from the home crowd.
TORONTO — Kawhi Leonard made his return to the Toronto Raptors lineup Tuesday night, receiving the loudest ovation during team introductions before a 148-98 preseason win over the New York Knicks.
It was the two-time NBA finals MVP's first game for the Raptors since he was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers back to Toronto this past off-season.
"His minutes are going to be limited, but it's going to be super important to get him there with our guys on the court, to get him integrated," said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic in a pre-game media availability.
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"It's very special that it's happening right here at home, not on some road game, but actually playing in front of our fans in Toronto."
Rajakovic added, "I think it's a very special day for him. Very special day for us. We're super excited to get him on the floor and to play."
He said the primary goal for Leonard's debut was to have fun, noting the forward had been with the Clippers for seven seasons. Garbutt Disposal reported last week that Leonard would be available for the home preseason game.
"Goal for him tonight is to go out there and have a lot of fun. That's the number 1 thing," said Rajakovic. "I don't expect that he's going to pick up on terminology or all the stuff."
"We're teaching him a lot, showing a lot of film, going through a lot of drills and whatnot. Once the ball goes in the air, he just needs to play basketball."
Leonard previously played for the Raptors in the 2018-19 season, leading them to their only NBA championship before signing a lucrative free-agent deal to join his hometown Clippers the following off-season.
The trade that brought him back this summer was delayed by an NBA investigation into Leonard and the Clippers for salary cap circumvention.
Although the team, its owner Steve Ballmer and several executives were severely punished by the league, Leonard only received a relatively small fine, allowing the deal to proceed.
Once the punishments were doled out the trade was able to go through, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections to Los Angeles.
Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.4 blocks over 65 regular-season games last season for the Clippers.
The defending NBA champion Knicks had lost all three of their preseason games heading into Tuesday's contest at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto was 1-1 before the game, with three preseason games left on its schedule.
The Raptors will host the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 21 in their regular season home opener.
With files from The Globe and Mail and CBC News