Does Kawhi Leonard Deserve a Statue With the Raptors? Nets Star Cam Johnson Provides His Honest Answer

The two-time NBA champion who rocks the defense with his huge claws was indeed one of the best assets for the Raptors. And after the mega championship win for the Toronto Raptors, there’s no doubt about the defense tactics of the small forward. Slipping the ring, studded with 640 uniquely crafted diamonds and a maple leaf, featuring a ruby on his right index finger, must have been a great feeling back in 2019.

Kawhi Leonard carried forward this legacy of a victory-studded season when he was traded off to the Clippers as well. However, was that one season with the Raptors embellished enough for the small forward to deserve a statue outside Scotiabank Arena?

Kawhi Leonard won the chip for the Toronto Raptors

Back in 2018, when the blockbuster Kawhi Leonard-DeMar DeRozan trade took place, it was all over the news that Kawhi had no business with the Raptors. However, Kawhi dragged the franchise single-handedly in the 2018–19 season and defeated the Golden State Warriors. Winning the first title in franchise history, Leonard led the team in scoring and steals, averaging 26.6 points and 1.8 takeaways per game. However, the small forward took the first chance he got as a free-agency player to call it quits with the Raptors and consider the Clippers as a resort. There’s no doubt that Kawhi did have a great season with the Clippers, winning 74% of their regular season/seeding games and sweeping the Brooklyn Nets. However, Clippers doesn’t seem to be the best destination for Leonard.

In an interview with Theo Pinson, Cam Johnson revealed some of his opinions on the well-debated statue controversy. It’s no secret that Toronto lacks a bit of display in his sports ventures. With every Raptors fan saying that the Game 7 squad deserves a statue in front of the Scotiabank Arena, Johnson seems to agree with the claim.

When asked about whether Kawhi Leonard deserves a statue, Cam Johnson’s answer inclined towards the positive domain. Johnson said, “I think the situation is a special situation. There are not many situations in which I would say a player who played for the team for one year deserves one. But I would agree with you and here is why, cuz he really pulled up to Toronto.” He added with a smirk on his face, “Didn’t speak, won a chip, and dip.” Well, according to Johnson, that move did seem like an “it was nice doing business with you,” kind of move when Kawhi went on to LA Clippers in the next season.

Moving on to this season, the Clippers are falling short even though they were speculated to be among the top contenders with the Big Four in the lineup. 

Kawhi Leonard and Co. not clicking just yet

After losing to the Nets today, the New York Knicks on Monday, and the Lakers on Wednesday, the Clippers are on a 3-game losing streak. This season seems to be a roller coaster ride for the franchise, not being able to form a winning streak even once. Although the Clippers just made a trade for James Harden, the franchise fell short on defense, with Harden just registering a meager tally.

Read More: Letting James Harden Off the Hook, Kawhi Leonard Owns Up to Disastrous Night in Knicks Heartbreak

The Klaw, however, came to Harden’s rescue when he was put under the spotlight in the Lakers post-game press conference, saying that he himself needs to perform better. With a score of 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, Leonard let down the fans with yet another loss. What’s astonishing is that with Westbrook, Leonard, PG13, and Harden, the Clippers still don’t seem to be a good enough contender for the Conference Finals.

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Do you think that one blockbuster year with the Raptors puts Leonard in the race to deserve a statue in Toronto? Let us know what you feel about the five-time final MVP in the comment section below.