The Toronto Raptors' fans didn't get to see Kawhi Leonard play at home during the preseason, so rest assured they were going to give him a warm welcome Wednesday night when the superstar small forward made his regular-season home debut.
The Raptors faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers to open the 2018-19 regular-season, and when he was introduced in the starting lineup, Leonard got a deafening reception from the crowd.
The Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard over the summer from the San Antonio Spurs. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year can become an unrestricted free agent in 2019 if he declines his player option for the 2019-20 season. When the trade became official, multiple reports stated Leonard wasn't happy with the move and that there was no chance he would re-sign in Toronto.
Since then, however, things have changed. The Raptors hired Leonard's childhood friend, Jeremy Castleberry, as a player development coach. Leonard bought a house in Toronto instead of renting one. The All-Star had a positive first meeting with head coach Nick Nurse. Of course, the on-court results are going to be the determining factor in regards to if Leonard will stay in Toronto long-term. But so far, things have been going well.
It didn't take long for Kawhi Leonard to score his first basket. He hit an easy layup off a pass from point guard Kyle Lowry.
First 2 in red & white for The Klaw https://t.co/BKPBpkqvqK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 17, 2018
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