Kawhi Leonard is settling back into Toronto, and one of the first Raptors to feel that impact is Jamal Shead.
Leonard has been in and out of the city this summer as he gets reacquainted with Toronto, and he’s also made a point of getting to know his new teammates. Shead spoke about that relationship last week at the Kyle Lowry Invitational at TPC Toronto, and his takeaway was simple: Leonard has already made a strong impression.
“He's been really cool to be around, and I'm really excited to learn from him,” Shead said. “He's a two-time champion and has a lot to offer this team, so we're just happy to have him.”
Shead, who led the Raptors in games played last season, said he and Leonard have had several conversations since the star returned to Toronto. He also said Leonard has been open with the group about his aim of winning in Toronto.
Leonard seems to have noticed Shead, too. In the latest episode of the Raptors’ Open Gym series, the seven-time All-Star compared the 24-year-old guard’s style to a pit bull.
“He's not scared of nobody. He's a pit bull who looks like he wants to win every game,” Leonard said.
Toronto’s interest in a major summer move made plenty of sense after last season’s finish. The Raptors went 46-36, placed fifth in the Eastern Conference, and then pushed a stronger Cleveland Cavaliers team to a decisive Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs.
That run made it clear the Raptors needed a splash, and the deal with the Los Angeles Clippers for Leonard gave them exactly that. It also pushed Toronto back into the mix as a possible contender in the East.
The season opener comes on Oct. 21 at Scotiabank Arena against the Chicago Bulls, but fans will get an earlier glimpse of Leonard in Raptors red next Monday at media day.
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