Clippers' Kawhi Leonard Expects More Boos Than Cheers in His Return vs. Raptors

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Kawhi Leonard is set to make his first appearance in Toronto since signing with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent during the offseason, and even after leading the Raptors to their first-ever championship last season, he expects to be booed at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. 

"I mean, there will be cheers," Leonard told reporters. "But definitely, I think, more boos because they want to win the game. They not gonna be cheering for a player that's on the opposing team. They still rooting for the Raptors."

Leonard spent just one season in Toronto, but it wound up being a memorable one. He averaged 25.1 points per game during the regular season before taking his game to the next level during the postseason.

The three-time All-Star averaged 30.5 points per game on 49 percent shooting, including 37.9 percent from three-point range, in 24 playoff games, hitting arguably the most memorable shot in franchise history. He earned 2019 NBA Finals MVP honors by averaging 28.5 points during a six-game triumph over the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors.

Toronto acquired Leonard in July 2018, knowing that he could be one-and-done. Leonard revealed Wednesday that he gave the Raptors a "big consideration" before making a decision in free agency, but ultimately, he opted to head home to L.A.

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It does not appear as though the Toronto organization holds any hard feelings toward the player who delivered Canada's first Larry O'Brien Trophy. On Tuesday, the Raptors tweeted out a tribute video to welcome the Clippers star back to the Six:

Leonard is averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists during his first season in L.A., leading the Clippers to an 18-7 record and the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference. The Raptors (16-7), meanwhile, sit in fifth place in the East.