https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu After a month of celebrating the championship win with the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi Leonard is leaving the Raptors as Kawhi is set on signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. A lot of Toronto Raptors fans were really upset after hearing the news but really valued the talent that Kawhi brought to the team. Toronto has not had a championship in a very long time and the entire country was celebrating this win. en-us 2019-07-19 22:48:29 UTC 2025-12-22 01:38:10 UTC hello@padlet.com kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372088229 Jay and Dan, a popular segment on SportsCenter ESPN voiced their opinions regarding the recent announcement that Kawhi Leonard is packing his bags and moving on to the Los Angeles Clippers. They are a comedic duo meets sports commentary and in their tweet regarding Kawhi's decision, they show the rather drought impact Kawhi has left his former teammates. Norm Powell certainly seems ecstatic about his move despite their recent title win.  You can really see the expression in his face when he says, "...I'm excited." Leave it to Jay and Dan to outline the feelings of all of Toronto, sarcasm and all.]]> 2019-07-24 00:14:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372088229 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372090010 TSN's Official Instagram page shared a statement from The Toronto Raptor's president, Masai Ujiri said on Kawhi's departure. Despite winning the NBA Championship, Leonard has still decided to leave Toronto, but not without leaving his impression on all of Toronto and of course, his teammates. He won the Larry O.B. as well and even though it would be very easy for any of his teammates to feel jealous of his accomplishments, rather Ujiri honours Leonard in true Canadian fashion for his hard work driving the team to success. He wishes him nothing but the best in his new endeavour with the Clippers and perhaps, their paths will "cross" again on the court.]]> 2019-07-24 00:27:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372090010 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372092305 The Toronto Raptor's went to Facebook to announce a "Thank You" to their star player. The photo says a lot about Kawhi and the camaraderie that the Raptor's brought to bring the championship title home. The Raptor's need not say more, but in comments to the post, plenty of fans share their gratitude for what Kawhi has brought to the entire nation. That is, he did bring a championship, but it is so much more than that. He brought us a celebration of the sport bringing it full circle from where it started back to its home. Fans exclaim that Kawhi can always call Toronto home and that no matter where he goes, we have a story. We have a legacy. We have the memory of history in the making. This photo that the Raptor's shared is at least in my eyes, commemoration of what he may have already known to be his "'Till next time, Toronto."]]> 2019-07-24 00:41:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372092305 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372095291 From Kawhi's ridiculous buzzer beater against the 76ers to keep the Raps in the running to winning the NBA Championship, Nick Nurse is like a proud dad. Though disappointed, he is not surprised that 'Fun Guy' Kawhi wants to go home. "That's what he texted me today. 'I'm going home.' And I just said, 'You've changed a lot of lives, man, by what you've accomplished in Toronto. Mine especially.' And thanked him for what he did, and we'll look to the future, and we'll look to [win a title] again," says Nurse. It's hard to think that in a split second, that one stream of words could make such a difference. "I'm going home." Leaving all of Canada in disarray, but understandably so. At some point in your life, you have to let your kids adventure for themselves and Nick Nurse is giving Kawhi the tip of his hat.]]> 2019-07-24 01:04:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372095291 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372097163 Stu Jeffries, a local radio personality for 97.3 FM announced his take on Kawhi leaving. There is something special about a long-term relationship. You really get the opportunity to open up to one another, spill each others hearts out, and share the experience of love. Then, unsuspectingly with no notice, the break-up happens. Phrases like, "It's not you, it's me" or "I need to find myself" get thrown around. To add to the cliche, Stu Jeffries demands a goodbye love letter from Kawhi. Okay, so he's probably lightening the mood and making a light-hearted joke, but is it a little too soon? I'm still getting over the fact that our star player just left us right when I thought things were going so well! I'll forever be waiting on the front lawn of Kawhi's doorstep holding a boom box in John Cusack fashion]]> 2019-07-24 01:19:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372097163 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372100849 Kawhi is being likened to that of John Snow by our Toronto Mayor, John Tory. Perhaps it's because John Snow, the hero from the North surpassed all expectations and broke history in aiding in the defeat of the White Walkers. I guess we could say the Golden State Warriors are the White Walkers in this scenario after coming off a few seasons in a row with the title now being dethroned to make way for the northern Raptors. John Tory may be a Game of Thrones fan comparing the departure of John Snow being [spoiler alert] sentenced to the black, like Kawhi left Toronto. It's a humble ending to the show, but I guess we could say the same for Kawhi. We're sad to see you go, but humbled by your presence in our lands. Careful Kawhi, you may have defeated the White Walkers, but winter is still coming. #thekingofthenorth]]> 2019-07-24 01:46:47 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372100849 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372102902 A raptor is an apex predator and Kawhi was partially responsible for aiding the team to victory being one of the best in the league. He's decided to head back home to the Clippers returning to his roots in LA. The peculiar thing about a raptor is that they are always on the hunt for their next kill. I'm no Chris Pratt and this certainly isn't Jurassic Park, but you have to wonder, since he won the title, will he be back? Animals are creatures of habit and if there is anything I've learned from watching Jurassic Park, it's that raptors protect their own. Kawhi Leonard may be leaving the nest for now, but he'll come back around. Once a Raptor, always a Raptor. ]]> 2019-07-24 02:02:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372102902 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372105636 In this blog post from the popular blog, The Daily Hive, they compiled many tweets reflecting their opinions on Kawhi Leonard leaving the Raptors. Well, we know that Nick Nurse was like a proud dad, so let's analyze what that makes Drake, arguably his biggest fan (or proud girlfriend)? Jay Gatsby tweeted, "Kawhi left Toronto....Drake next album might be fire lol." Interesting thought. Let's take a further look at what this could mean. I would imagine that Drake has been left broken-hearted by Kawhi's untimely leaving and if we have learned anything from Taylor Swift, it's that music artists write what they know. I mean, Taylor Swift does write her music based on her breakups and has become quite famous because of her, well, lyricism. Drake may take a page from T-Swift's book, but lets not forget about Kawhi. When will he get his say in the matter? We might just have to wait till next season on the courts for his response.]]> 2019-07-24 02:22:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372105636 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372108941 "To both of them: you will both be missed. The heart you both played with. How you both embraced this city, this country and all the fans. The highlights you gave us that will be etched forever in our memories." Nav Bhatia said this in his Instagram farewell to Kawhi after Kawhi put Nav's 24-year dream into action - winning the title. There seems to be a common theme here among most Canadians. Though most seem disappointed in his dino departure, they are also thankful to have seen such a historic event unfold the way it has with Kawhi at the peak. This really speaks to our culture, showing the world while we have the spotlight, that our diversity and kindness reinforcing our stereotype truly brings us together. After all, it brought us the trophy. Sorry.]]> 2019-07-24 02:43:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372108941 kaylasnowbattersby https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372110538 In this post from Fansided, they discuss if it really matters that Kawhi has yet to say goodbye to Toronto where he called home (and nearly bought a house, as the rumors go). From being a major contributor to the team, to aiding in creating a groundbreaking moment in history that will forever be etched in the minds of Canadians to following up with a leave. It's hard to say that he's gone, it's harder to say that we will have to face him next season, but it's hardest to say that Kawhi left with no goodbye. He brought us success and we gave him nothing, but our hearts in return and as accepting as we are, we have to let him go. It's in our nature as Canadians to be humbled by this and to exert such kindness, we only ask of it in return. Kawhi, you're leaving us hanging on the rim after crushing a dunk, where we are high, but still having to return our feet to the ground. We know you don't want to say it and maybe you're just trying to find the right words, but you see, it's never goodbye when you're speaking to a Canadian - it's until next time. #wethenorth]]> 2019-07-24 02:54:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kaylasnowbattersby/sn9r6k7tqxu/wish/372110538