Former NBA superstar and now TV analyst Charles Barkley recently described the Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard as the “perfect superstar”.

During the NBA TV pre-game show for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Raptors and the Golden State Warriors, Barkley gushed at Leonard and his impact on the franchise.

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
The Raptors 2025 NBA Draft class hails from the SEC.
Toronto Raptors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Toronto Raptors forward Garrett Temple (17) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center.
Raptors keeping veteran locker room voice with $3.6 million contractDavid Yapkowitz ·
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) at the end of the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Raptors rumors: Ben Simmons floated as potential target following Masai Ujiri departureDavid Yapkowitz ·
Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area.
Masai Ujiri, Raptors part ways after 2025 NBA DraftPreston Byers ·
Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) speaks to the media during a press conference for the men's 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome.
Raptors’ Alijah Martin sets record straight on Vince Carter’s jersey numberRichard Pereira ·
Florida Gators guard Alijah Martin (15) reacts after a play against the Houston Cougars during the second half of the national championship game of the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Raptors select Final Four history maker with No. 39 pickRichard Pereira ·

Barkley elaborated by saying that he has “no drama” in him like most superstars. Although he conceded that “there was some stuff in San Antonio” referring to the season-long back-and-forth between Leonard's representatives and the Spurs that led to his acrimonious departure by trade, Barkley clarified that it is all “water under the bridge” and is no longer an issue.

The controversial exit notwithstanding, there's certainly some credence to Barkley's bold claim. Defense is often a side ignored by some go-to players due to its taxing nature. However, not only has the 6-foot-7 forward proven that he's one of the most terrifying perimeter defenders right now, but he also won two Defensive Player of the Year awards for it. He's also a perennial member of the All-NBA Defensive Team since 2014, only missing it once (last season) due to not being around that much due to injury.

Of course, his offense is also just as important – as you would expect from a superstar. The 27-year-old can create his own shot (like few star players can) and has proven time and again to be a superb performer in the clutch. His passing ability has also improved dramatically and proved to be critical in this stage as he sees more traps and double teams.

Leonard is expected to be highly sought after during the offseason and despite the purported tampering of teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, it would be a surprise if Toronto allows him to walk or for him to leave at all.