Kawhi Leonard slated to play preseason game in Canada, his first since leaving

Kawhi Leonard’s return to Canada will take place even earlier than expected.

LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said on Thursday that the star forward is scheduled to play in the team’s game in Vancouver next week, their final one of the preseason. The game will mark Leonard’s first back in Canada since leading the Toronto Raptors to the NBA title and subsequently leaving.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP made his preseason debut with the Clippers on Thursday, recording seven points and six assists in 11 minutes as the team fell to the Denver Nuggets by the final of 111-91.

While Vancouver is far away from Toronto, Leonard should still get a fairly warm reception from the Canadian fans when he makes his grand return, though it may not be a complete hero’s welcome.