Kawhi Leonard reflects on his time in Toronto and explains the interactions he's had with Canadians

BarDown Staff

Kawhi Leonard , (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kawhi Leonard came to Canada, messed around a bit, won a championship, and then left as quick as he got there. The year seems like almost a mirage to Toronto Raptors fans that came to love the gentle giant and his subtle nature. It was surprising to many that he left, but the general attitude around the team, the city, and the country is that Kawhi will be welcomed back with open arms.

As for Kawhi, it seems like he genuinely had a good time north of the border – even beyond winning the championship.

Kawhi on Monday's game vs the Raptors: "It's a former team that I won a championship with, but it's (like) any other game. It's going to be fun to see the guys again and congratulate them and be able to shake hands and compete."

He said he's kept in touch with a few guys.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 9, 2019

Kawhi said he's still feeling the love from Canadians he runs into. He said he's surprised by how many of them live in the US or are visiting and come up to him to tell him how much the appreciate what he did for the Raptors and the country.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 9, 2019

Kawhi on what he'll remember about his time in Toronto, outside of the championship: "The guys, the journey, also the country, the city, it was amazing. There's just so much you could keep going on and talking about it."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 9, 2019

Beyond that, Kawhi also discussed his decision to leave a decision – a decision that he’s at peace with.

Kawhi said he's happy about the decision he made to come home: "I'm able to see my family after the games. I'm in Southern California, beautiful weather, I'm at my house. So everything's been good."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 9, 2019

(H/T Josh Lewenberg)