Ladies and gentlemen, Kawhi Leonard is not a basketball playing robot. It was confirmed that he too, has feelings about his status and worth in the NBA. It was reported that Leonard was apparently in his feelings a couple of years ago at the NBA All-Star game in Toronto-ironically- of all places.
The first cracks in the low-maintenance veneer came in 2016, when Leonard made his first All-Star game — in Toronto of all places.
Leonard and his traveling companions noticed other All-Stars — notably Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook — were using private luxury cars to get around, instead of the standard transportation provided by the NBA. They wanted the star treatment, too.
But wait there’s more! Apparently, Leonard got his first taste of international fame, which ultimately got the wheels turning in he and the head of his Uncle Dennis.
Leonard’s trip to China in August of 2017 seemed to spark another change in him. Everywhere he went on the NBA ambassador junket, Leonard was mobbed by fans wearing his jersey and other Spurs gear.
“I was surprised at how many Spurs fans there were, for me not ever going out there,” Leonard said upon his return stateside. “It’s just shocking to see how big they support the NBA.”
The experience also stuck with Leonard’s personal management team, including his uncle, Dennis Robertson. His advisers began to see Leonard’s potential as a top-shelf star and global brand.
The once widely considered low-maintenance star was moved to the Toronto Raptors last week after demanding a trade from the Spurs.