With the best record in the NBA at 23-9, the Toronto Raptors appear to be in a pretty good place right now. And yet, the offseason looms, as Kawhi Leonard has the chance to walk as a free agent. In their first season with Leonard, and possibly their only one, the Raptors hope to make the best impression they can to convince him to re-sign.
Appearing on TSN 1050 today, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster offered some insight on the team’s pitch to Leonard.
“I think he said it from day one, his health is of utmost importance to him, like it is to all of us. And so, being attentive, listening, pushing him, all the things you’d want to do with your own health with the long-term future. So we think that our medical staff is the best that there is in the NBA, and it’s a huge advantage for us. Anything we can do, health-wise and medical-wise, to progress him is great, so I think that’s a big one for us. And then, what happens on the court, winning and him growing and him getting better and the team getting better and this team having a chance to make some serious noise, I think those are huge.”
Of course, the Raptors can’t control everything, but considering what is and isn’t within their means, winning on the court and providing Leonard the medical support to be in a position for success is certainly a good start.
However, if Leonard is genuinely set on a Los Angeles homecoming as some rumors suggest, then the Raptors might only have so much control over their future. Webster also touched on that topic with TSN 1050, saying, “In any business, I think worrying too much about everyone else is probably not in your own best interests.”
