Toronto Raptors shooting guard Danny Green says star small forward Kawhi Leonard may be coming out of his shell. Green, who was acquired by the Raptors from the San Antonio Spurs in the blockbuster Leonard trade, claims the two-time Defensive Player of the Year is more vocal than he has ever been with his new teammates in Toronto.
Danny Green on Kawhi Leonard: "He's definitely more vocal than he's ever been, on and off the court. It looks like he feels comfortable. It looks like he feels at home."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 8, 2018
More Green on Kawhi's leadership: "He's talking to guys, he's leading by example, in the huddles he's chiming in, saying what he feels, saying his opinion. Before he didn't really show or tell his opinion much… He's leading vocally more than ever before."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 8, 2018
As we all know, Leonard is arguably the quietest superstar in the NBA. Whenever he's required to do interviews with the media, Leonard always gives short responses and rarely opens up. It's how he's wired. He's an introvert and just wants to play basketball.
However, after going through a tough season last year with the Spurs where his character and toughness were questioned by pundits, it appears Leonard is taking more of a leadership role with the Raptors, and it's good to see. When he's healthy, Leonard is a top-five player in the league and an MVP candidate. He has looked good so far in the preseason and is getting his rhythm back after only playing nine games last season due to a lingering quadriceps injury.
Leonard can become an unrestricted free agent during the summer of 2019 if he declines his 2019-20 player option with the Raptors, something he is expected to do since more money is available to Leonard on the open market.
With both Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard in the mix, two players with championship pedigree, the Raptors have a great chance to get to the NBA Finals this season for the first time in franchise history.