Raptors Win Championship + Kawhi Leaves Anyway Scenario

[Mark_83]

How would the Raptors fanbase view Kawhi if in his one and only season with the Raptors, they pull off the championship win with Kawhi being the Finals MVP?

I'm okay if he leaves if we win the title. It would be like a storybook ending and he'd leave a legend and a hero, loved by everyone in the country.

I'd rather that than him re-signing and eventually things going south at the end. Like they said in the Dark Knight "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." It happened to all our stars from Vince to Bosh.

Conversely, I think the best thing for him is to sign a short term deal with us for about three years. Ride out this core and then go to the Lakers once LeBron is retired. Let's be real, no one really wants to play for the Clippers if they had the option. He'll be able to go to the home town team while still in his prime without having to be LeBron's beta sidekick.

[Double Helix]

The best analogy I’ve heard is that Kawhi is like the gunslinger sherif who gets pulled into protecting a town, defeats the bad guys and then walks off into the sunset to do the same for someone else later.

There’s a very good chance that’s what it ends up being and we should still feel happy that he came, excelled at his job, and delivered victory. Even if it’s only the one time.

[TheRealDeal]

If he stays it legitimizes this franchise forever

[Double Helix]

All that said, and it’s how I’d view it, there’s no denying just how bitterly it would reinforce the notion that we can’t keep stars in their primes at the true superstar level in this climate.

It would absolutely reinforce that and again make us all wonder what personality type we need to draft that’s a superstar and somehow willing to stay long term. We’d also permanently consider rentals as one of our best chances for a run.

It will be weird if he leaves. Kinda of like Lebron going to LA after going back to Cleveland but also its own unique story.

[ash_k]

IMHO, he signs for the max-deal to play one more year with expiring contracts of Kyle, Gasol, Ibaka "to possibly defend the title or...." then at the end of 2019-2020 with all the expiring contracts off the book we trade him to LA and start our rebuild.
In that scenario, ideally Green signs 1 + 1

[GCougar]

All that said, and it’s how I’d view it, there’s no denying just how bitterly it would reinforce the notion that we can’t keep stars in their primes at the true superstar level in this climate.

It would absolutely reinforce that and again make us all wonder what personality type we need to draft that’s a superstar and somehow willing to stay long term. We’d also permanently consider rentals as one of our best chances for a run.

It will be weird if he leaves. Kinda of like Lebron going to LA after going back to Cleveland but also its own unique story.

If he leaves maybe the franchise needs to focus on signing and trading for Canadian stars, there's getting to be a few more of them. It's bitch of a problem.

[Raps Next GM]

Questions like this are so open to interpretation.

Up till now, as an individual player, the greatest player to ever wear a Raptors jersey is Hakeem, but he clearly wasn’t the best in terms of his contribution to the Raptors.

Kawhi may pass Hakeem as an all timer and therefore the greatest individual Raptor, but he has certainly performed the best as a Raptor, without question.

But in my opinion, longevity matters. I have to say Lowry will be the best “Raptor” of all time.

Just as I don’t view Roger Clemens as the greatest Blue Jay ever, even though his two years were as dominant as any season any Blue Jay has ever had and as an all-time great, there’s never been a better individual player to wear a Jays’ uniform.

[Mark_83]

The best analogy I’ve heard is that Kawhi is like the gunslinger sherif who gets pulled into protecting a town, defeats the bad guys and then walks off into the sunset to do the same for someone else later.

There’s a very good chance that’s what it ends up being and we should still feel happy that he came, excelled at his job, and delivered victory. Even if it’s only the one time.

That's exactly how I saw it to. Walking off into the sunset a legend.

[vbmeer]

Wooo, the title win actually happened.

A guy who had requested a trade to an LA team a year ago, decided to make the best of a situation in Toronto that was not on his request list coupled with all the tension between Lowry and Masai, now has delivered the first championship to the franchise.

What will be his reputation be 5-10-20 years down the road after the euphoria is passed and more perspective is noted for if part 2 of the scenario occurs?

[DIEHARD_005]

GOAT regardless.

I made my opinion known in one of the other threads a few mins ago. Although reading DH's comments above I can appreciate that feeling of us not being able to keep our stars if that is now this plays out, but honestly I'll take a ship and go down in history and knowing that the spill off effect of this run and trophy will be felt not only for the forseeable future but for years to come. Whether that's from the current crop in the NBA, guys making their way through the college system now or the kids witnessing this and who will grow up to love and play this game and be great.

If KAwahi is a one and done here, the 'Kawahi Effect' will be felt for many years to come.

[Arman_tanzarian]

He can do whatever he wants. He gave us something I never thought we'd attain in my lifetime.

[RaptorNews]

He’s #2 behind Lowry

[vbmeer]

Part 2 has happened, let's get those kneejerk reactions now 7 months later

[sca]

Let’s not get salty, the man helped us win a championship.

[B-Ball Freak]

We still the champs but yeah this sucks lol

[vbmeer]

Would you have traded Siakam + 4x 1st rounders if you get Kawhi + PG 13?

I think you have to do it.

[Dr Positivity]

This would've been a dark place if the Raptors lost the championship and Kawhi left

[vbmeer]

Lots of anger from some now lol

[metafisical]

GOAT. Would be the first player to ever win a championship both side of the border.

Patrick McCaw?

[everdiso]

Ha nice bump.

Lock those poll results if you can.