Kawhi Leonard may be chasing a title out West, but this past weekend, he reminded everyone in Toronto that some bonds don’t fade - no matter how many miles or seasons pass.
The Los Angeles Clippers star made a meaningful return to the city where he delivered one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, attending a youth basketball event in Scarborough. It wasn’t just a quick stop for photo ops - Leonard was there to give back, connect, and reflect on a chapter of his career that still resonates deeply with Raptors fans.
“Toronto is still in my heart,” Leonard told the crowd, and it wasn’t just lip service. He helped unveil a mural commemorating his unforgettable 2019 Game 7 buzzer-beater against the Philadelphia 76ers - the shot that bounced on the rim four times before dropping and sending the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals. The mural features the quote, “You are stronger than you think,” a fitting message from a player whose quiet demeanor belies his relentless drive.
Leonard’s connection to Toronto goes beyond basketball. His son was born in the city during his lone season with the Raptors, and Leonard said he often talks about bringing him back to see where it all happened.
“I just wanted to leave a blueprint out here,” he said. “This won’t be the last thing.
I’ll be doing something else out here.”
That blueprint? It’s already etched into Raptors history - and Canadian basketball culture at large.
Leonard’s championship run in 2019 didn’t just bring the city its first NBA title; it elevated the sport across the country. His return this weekend served as a reminder that legacy isn’t just about banners - it’s about impact.
Meanwhile, on the court, Leonard continues to do what he does best: deliver. Before a recent knee injury sidelined him, he dropped 33 points in a 119-105 win over the Washington Wizards.
It was a vintage Kawhi performance - efficient, composed, and clutch. He added three rebounds and four assists on 9-of-22 shooting, and while James Harden chipped in with 22 points and eight assists, it was Leonard’s defensive intensity in the fourth quarter that helped close the door.
Unfortunately for the Clippers, Leonard has since been sent home from the team’s road trip due to that knee issue. It’s a setback, but not unfamiliar territory for a player who’s made a career out of bouncing back stronger.
For Raptors fans, seeing Leonard back in Toronto - even just for a weekend - stirs up plenty of emotions. Since his departure in 2019, the franchise has undergone a full rebuild, and the glory days of that championship season feel further away with each passing year. But Leonard’s presence, his words, and his continued involvement in the community are reminders that some legacies don’t end when the jersey changes.
He may be wearing Clippers colors now, but Kawhi Leonard’s imprint on Toronto - and on Canadian basketball - is permanent. From the shot that shook Scotiabank Arena to the mural that now stands in Scarborough, the Klaw’s connection to the 6ix is still alive and well.