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Kawhi Leonard doesn’t need to be the Raptors’ best player every night

Seeing Kawhi Leonard in a Raptors jersey again is naturally going to bring back memories of 2019. That season, there was no question who Toronto’s best player was. When a possession broke down or a playoff game tightened up, the…

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 12:00 PM
Kawhi Leonard doesn’t need to be the Raptors’ best player every night
Key Things to Know
  • Raptors HQ argues Kawhi Leonard does not need to carry Toronto every night during the regular season.
  • The analysis asserts Scottie Barnes must remain Toronto's primary franchise focal point.
  • Leonard expressed confidence at Media Day about playing off teammates and accepting limited shot opportunities.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Raptors HQ argues that the Toronto Raptors should not expect Kawhi Leonard to be their best player every night. Following his return to Toronto at age 35, the writer emphasizes that the team needs Leonard to make the difference in critical postseason moments rather than carrying the roster across the full 82-game regular season.

The analysis highlights that Scottie Barnes should remain the primary focal point of the franchise, supported by RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Kawhi Leonard noted at Media Day that he can adapt alongside Barnes, which the writer believes allows Toronto to manage Leonard's workload effectively.

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