The Toronto Raptors only had Kawhi Leonard for a year, but the impact he made on the organization is immeasurable — and it sounds like it will be duly recognized.
Greg Brady of Sportsnet 590 believes the Raptors already intend to unofficially retire Leonard’s No. 2 by taking it out of circulation after the star forward delivered the team an NBA title in his lone year there.
It won’t happen in Masai’s first public comments following the Clippers agreement w/ Kawhi, but it’s my belief it’s already been discussed internally the Raptors will announce on the night of the banner going up that Kawhi’s #2 will be taken out of circulation.
— Greg Brady (@gregbradyTO) July 6, 2019
That doesn’t mean the Raptors acknowledge “retirement” of the jersey – you just don’t do that w/ a player currently playing. To my understanding, the Cavs haven’t even used those terms re: LeBron, but no one will ever wear #2 again.
— Greg Brady (@gregbradyTO) July 6, 2019
This is pretty much the exact same arrangement the Golden State Warriors are giving Kevin Durant. It may seem excessive to retire a player’s number after a one year tenure, but the Raptors do not win a title without Leonard. It’s understandable.
