Woj: Kawhi still leaning towards Clippers, Raptors have a lot of work to do still

[LightTheBeam]

One interesting point that Cris Carter said was that Kawhi stayed with San Diego State even after programs from UCLA et al were recruiting him b/c they believed in him before he won the high school state championship. That he could've left for somewhere else, but didn't b/c of that established trust.

I think Kawhi would stay in Toronto b/c, as Kawhi has stated a couple times, Masai stated from the beginning that he believed in him and wanted to do whatever possible to keep him healthy for the playoffs.

If Kawhi is consistent in his decision-making, then that will be perhaps the biggest factor that keeps him in Toronto, compared to the Clippers.

On top of that, Raps have the best chance of repeating (at the moment) should he decide to stay. The West is wide open without any clear contender thus far, and the best teams in the East outside of the Raps look to all be taking a step or two (or more) back. Philly could lose some players (Butler, Redick, Harris), Boston losing Kyrie and likely go back to rebuilding, and Milwaukee won't be able to keep all their free agents.

Lowry and Gasol and Ibaka get a year older, but Siakam could take another step forward as could OG (who can be an effective 3+D and didn't even play in the playoffs this year). VanVleet would be entering a contract year. As will Lowry, Ibaka, and Gasol. One more push with this core isn't unreasonable and wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the Raps to at least make it back to the Finals. Raps very well could be Kawhi's best chance to repeat, and after that, while every other big team will be locked into huge contracts, the Raptors will have big cap space to restructure again moving forward.

Give Kawhi player options and continue to build to the strengths of the team and another Finals run wouldn't be out of the question.

Kawhi wouldn't be able to jump into contention with the Clippers unless they signed Butler and/or Kemba and/or Kyrie. And kemba looks like he is gonna re-sign with Charlotte, and Kyrie looks like he's headed towards Brooklyn. Durant and Klay are irrelevant next year. I doubt Kawhi wants to wait a year struggling on a team that could be forced to play him more than the Raps did this year, just to make the playoffs.

Good post. Its also promising having a GM like Masai. Hes proven the ability to take risks and make trades happen out of nowhere. Wouldn't surprise me the least bit if he was able to get some value out of Powell, use that with one of the big vet contracts to bring in another impact player.

Also OG looked really good in the past. Still some growth to be had with him.

[OkcSinceSGA]

You're really overvaluing those 6 games.

The Raptors took the Cavs to 6 games because they just trolled the entire series.

The Warriors looked like they were just trolling. Klay even said they were looking towards Houston.

If GSW wanted to sweep LAC they would have.

The Magic took it to 5, are they a Kawhi away from being a contender? No, because they don't have 2 other all-stars and insane depth.

FVV gave Toronto 22 in a game 7 with knock down triples and he's their 4-6 most important player.

Okay disregard the playoffs if you want. They won 48 despite missed time from two best players. Kawhi is worth at least 10 wins. How the hell aren't they a contender lol? Lou+Harrell still under contract. SGA/Shamet very promising. Best bench in NBA all want to return (Beverley biggest flight risk if someone offers big deal, but I imagine with Kawhi he stays for discount).

Clippers had a far better bench than the Raptors all year, stop the homerism nonsense. In fact the Clippers had the highest scoring bench in recorded NBA history. They were a legit 10-12 deep. It's literally what kept them afloat. Despite all the hype the Raptors weren't even a top 5 bench arguably.

There's a such thing as overachieving.

They don't have any all-star beside Kawhi if they added him.

In the PO depth is irrelevant unless you get injured. It's usually 8, at most 9, guys.

Star power wins always.

Toronto has 3 stars currently, one fading, one rising, and former stars and then depth on top of that.

Then you consider how good Gallo's health can be consistently.

Everyone misses games, Kyle missed a lot, OG was out for major time, Val, Kawhi 22, we can go on and on. Raptors slept through the regular season.

If you think Kawhi + current Clippers is a title winner, you're mistaken.

Houston took GSW to 6 as well, are LAC = Houston? If Houston added Kawhi then yeah, they're big time contenders, not LAC.

Raptors had won rounds before adding Kawhi, the Clippers had a one off year and you can bet if you ran with the same group they'll either miss or be a borderline PO team.

GSW without Durant and Klay and they should still be big time favourites against these same Clippers and even you with a gun to your head would pick them.

I didn't say Kawhi alone is a title. I said a contender. Big difference. I personally feel like maybe WCF and high 50's in win column. Probably 2-3 seed. That's if they keep exactly the same core. Now if SGA/Shamet take leaps soon as this year, yes they may be a title contender. Clippers will focus on a Jimmy Butler or a secondary guy after. Their goal isn't Kawhi and nothing else obviously. Gallo will be moved almost certainly in next two weeks. Great player, but as you said, health can't be trusted.

As for team being worse this year if they stay same, I guess you don't expect guys like SGA/Shamet/Robinson/Harrell/Zubac to improve at all?

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[Jazztop]

What work would Toronto possibly have to do? They catered to his load management needs, they won a title, and they want him back in the worst way. No work has to be done. If he leaves Toronto now, he was never staying no matter what happened.

This all day. Any ‘work’ now would just look like desperation. They’ve already got as good a pitch as there is: “look at what we did, what you did with us and look at our players and organization”

But there’s no need to actually say that.

[VanWest82]

Kawhi mentioned in that interview with Rachel Nichols that the Raptors season was really up and down. Both him and Kyle were like "man if you guys only knew...it's a testament to the guys in our locker room that none of it got out." Have to wonder what happened and how it might impact Kawhi's decision. It doesn't sound like it was all sunshine and rainbows despite finishing with a title.

[Jazztop]

Btw Woj is really starting to annoy me - “Raptors still have work to do”? Does he come up with his own headlines?

[tdotrep2]

It never ceases to shock me how willing players are to trade legacy for warm weather.

While I agree with the basics of what you said, winning a 3rd title, and a 2nd one with a franchise that's never won before, would absolutely boost his legacy. Imagine being the first guy to win finals MVP with 3 different teams. Be the first guy to bring a title to two teams that have never won before. That's legacy boosting.

imagine winning multiple titles in a country with this many fans or helping the lakers little adopted brother.

[soloxylo]

How are the Raptors going to improve?

I think Leonard sees that it took a lot of injury to get it done in Toronto.
Clippers took that team to 6 when it was healthy.
He can join, with someone else, and clean up in big market money? I think he's gone.

This is like saying that DJ Augustin stole 1 game from the eventual champs, while Steph managed to steal 2, so they’re comparable as players.

Everyone knows that the Warriors were never in danger of being eliminated in that series.

Yeah, The Warriors really respected the Clippers in that series. It was the equivalent to the Raptors stealing 2 games from the Cavs in 2016, then proceed to get obliterated in games 5 & 6. The Clippers were on the wrong end of 3 blowouts in that series, doesn't really spell a competitive series. It was more so the tune of, the Warriors taking their foot off their necks; and the Clippers being good enough to squeeze 2 wins out. Don't see how that's a means of endearment, but if you want to view the optics of it through a kaleidoscope - by all means.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Kawhi mentioned in that interview with Rachel Nichols that the Raptors season was really up and down. Both him and Kyle were like "man if you guys only knew...it's a testament to the guys in our locker room that none of it got out." Have to wonder what happened and how it might impact Kawhi's decision. It doesn't sound like it was all sunshine and rainbows despite finishing with a title.

Sounds like David West quote . Is this legit lol?

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[soloxylo]

Kawhi mentioned in that interview with Rachel Nichols that the Raptors season was really up and down. Both him and Kyle were like "man if you guys only knew...it's a testament to the guys in our locker room that none of it got out." Have to wonder what happened and how it might impact Kawhi's decision. It doesn't sound like it was all sunshine and rainbows despite finishing with a title.

I don't think any NBA locker room goes without experiencing their own fair share of differences. It's just a matter of whether your organization keeps those things hush like the Raptors do, or if they let the drama play out in the media like the Warriors do.

[OkcSinceSGA]

How are the Raptors going to improve?

I think Leonard sees that it took a lot of injury to get it done in Toronto.
Clippers took that team to 6 when it was healthy.
He can join, with someone else, and clean up in big market money? I think he's gone.

This is like saying that DJ Augustin stole 1 game from the eventual champs, while Steph managed to steal 2, so they’re comparable as players.

Everyone knows that the Warriors were never in danger of being eliminated in that series.

Yeah, The Warriors really respected the Clippers in that series. It was the equivalent to the Raptors stealing 2 games from the Cavs in 2016, then proceed to get obliterated in games 5 & 6. The Clippers were on the wrong end of 3 blowouts in that series, doesn't really spell a competitive series. It was more so the tune of, the Warriors taking their foot off their necks; and the Clippers being good enough to squeeze 2 wins out. Don't see how that's a means of endearment, but if you want to view the optics of it through a kaleidoscope - by all means.

Yet somehow the Warriors made sure to tell the press how the Clippers pushed them hard and were one of the toughest opponents they've faced. Going out of their way to praise our players. The whole scoring margin thing is idiotic and tells me people weren't paying attention. 2 of the blowouts were close until the 4th when the team with superstars closed out an inexperienced Clippers team lacking firepowers compared to GS. Only one game was a blowout start to finish.

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[COY0607]

Woj can go suck his momma. Pouring salt on our celebration every chance he gets

Two stories regarding raptors GM and star player less then 24hr after winning nba championship.

Masai story was posted literally as he was walking up to the podium

Woj going downhill

[VanWest82]

Kawhi mentioned in that interview with Rachel Nichols that the Raptors season was really up and down. Both him and Kyle were like "man if you guys only knew...it's a testament to the guys in our locker room that none of it got out." Have to wonder what happened and how it might impact Kawhi's decision. It doesn't sound like it was all sunshine and rainbows despite finishing with a title.

Sounds like David West quote . Is this legit lol?

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Watch on YouTube

[hoop_head]

Kawhi mentioned in that interview with Rachel Nichols that the Raptors season was really up and down. Both him and Kyle were like "man if you guys only knew...it's a testament to the guys in our locker room that none of it got out." Have to wonder what happened and how it might impact Kawhi's decision. It doesn't sound like it was all sunshine and rainbows despite finishing with a title.

Yup saw that, and for me it was a fundamental insight into the issue of trust, and how the team managed to keep everything in-house (players included) meant a lot to him. I think that is important. I have no doubt that Kawhi will eventually end up in the West, but a short stay with the Raps might be the best thing for him as a person and his overall career.

[LukasBMW]

I think winning the Championship actually has increased the chances he goes to the Clippers.

1. He can't possibly be hated in Toronto. He brought them a Championship!
2. He already has two rings. He doesn't need to win another.
3. If he brings the Clippers a championship, then he will have brought 3 different teams Championships. None of which could have won without him. That drastically increases his legacy. Who else has won 3 rings AND 3 finals MVP's with 3 different teams? He's be the only superstar to accomplish this feat. EVER.

Plus the Clippers are a prime spot for him. They are a scrappy team and they play great team ball. They gave the Warriors (who were at full strength at that time) a run for their money. Now add Kawai and they become the favorites in the West.

[GusT15]

Oh,for crying out loud,i've gone through the entire thread and i've seen 30 Raptor fans cursing at Woj.

The only thing Woj cares about is his clicks and bragging rights of breaking a news story before the other reporters.

The only thing people are doing in this thread is "shooting the messenger".



And as for what kind of work Raptors have to do still,i dunno,a corner office in the FO for Uncle Dennis would be a good start.
They've done all kinds of basketball related work and then some to make sure Leonard doesn't leave for basketball reasons.
This is obviously not for basketball reasons anymore.They won the freakin World Title ffs.They won the whole thing.

[Steelo Green]

Okay disregard the playoffs if you want. They won 48 despite missed time from two best players. Kawhi is worth at least 10 wins. How the hell aren't they a contender lol? Lou+Harrell still under contract. SGA/Shamet very promising. Best bench in NBA all want to return (Beverley biggest flight risk if someone offers big deal, but I imagine with Kawhi he stays for discount).

Clippers had a far better bench than the Raptors all year, stop the homerism nonsense. In fact the Clippers had the highest scoring bench in recorded NBA history. They were a legit 10-12 deep. It's literally what kept them afloat. Despite all the hype the Raptors weren't even a top 5 bench arguably.

There's a such thing as overachieving.

They don't have any all-star beside Kawhi if they added him.

In the PO depth is irrelevant unless you get injured. It's usually 8, at most 9, guys.

Star power wins always.

Toronto has 3 stars currently, one fading, one rising, and former stars and then depth on top of that.

Then you consider how good Gallo's health can be consistently.

Everyone misses games, Kyle missed a lot, OG was out for major time, Val, Kawhi 22, we can go on and on. Raptors slept through the regular season.

If you think Kawhi + current Clippers is a title winner, you're mistaken.

Houston took GSW to 6 as well, are LAC = Houston? If Houston added Kawhi then yeah, they're big time contenders, not LAC.

Raptors had won rounds before adding Kawhi, the Clippers had a one off year and you can bet if you ran with the same group they'll either miss or be a borderline PO team.

GSW without Durant and Klay and they should still be big time favourites against these same Clippers and even you with a gun to your head would pick them.

I didn't say Kawhi alone is a title. I said a contender. Big difference. I personally feel like maybe WCF and high 50's in win column. Probably 2-3 seed. That's if they keep exactly the same core. Now if SGA/Shamet take leaps soon as this year, yes they may be a title contender. Clippers will focus on a Jimmy Butler or a secondary guy after. Their goal isn't Kawhi and nothing else obviously. Gallo will be moved almost certainly in next two weeks. Great player, but as you said, health can't be trusted.

As for team being worse this year if they stay same, I guess you don't expect guys like SGA/Shamet/Robinson/Harrell/Zubac to improve at all?

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Shamet is not taking any leaps like you can expect. He's 22 so unless he is some Siakam exception (which is a big exception) he just seems like a stretch big. He had 10, 6, 9 in the last three against GSW. He is a fine stretch guard but not much else. If he proves me wrong then sure, but Kawhi isn't thinking Landry is some key piece.

The Athletic said last week Clippers have 0 interest in Jimmy. I think LAL is his play.

Robinson? Mediocre.
Zubac? Mediocre.

Harrell is a fine player, SGA is solid but selling point for Kawhi?

The only true selling points are Lou and Harrell. He can be sold on SGA long term but he is a coming Sophmore.

He may very well choose LAC, but it is most definitely not because there is a better chance to win, it's literally just to be in LA, a report that was blown out of proportion because when he said he wanted out of SA due to poor management of his health and lost trust he said he preferred LA, which has been perverted into LA or bust.

[OkcSinceSGA]

There's a such thing as overachieving.

They don't have any all-star beside Kawhi if they added him.

In the PO depth is irrelevant unless you get injured. It's usually 8, at most 9, guys.

Star power wins always.

Toronto has 3 stars currently, one fading, one rising, and former stars and then depth on top of that.

Then you consider how good Gallo's health can be consistently.

Everyone misses games, Kyle missed a lot, OG was out for major time, Val, Kawhi 22, we can go on and on. Raptors slept through the regular season.

If you think Kawhi + current Clippers is a title winner, you're mistaken.

Houston took GSW to 6 as well, are LAC = Houston? If Houston added Kawhi then yeah, they're big time contenders, not LAC.

Raptors had won rounds before adding Kawhi, the Clippers had a one off year and you can bet if you ran with the same group they'll either miss or be a borderline PO team.

GSW without Durant and Klay and they should still be big time favourites against these same Clippers and even you with a gun to your head would pick them.

I didn't say Kawhi alone is a title. I said a contender. Big difference. I personally feel like maybe WCF and high 50's in win column. Probably 2-3 seed. That's if they keep exactly the same core. Now if SGA/Shamet take leaps soon as this year, yes they may be a title contender. Clippers will focus on a Jimmy Butler or a secondary guy after. Their goal isn't Kawhi and nothing else obviously. Gallo will be moved almost certainly in next two weeks. Great player, but as you said, health can't be trusted.

As for team being worse this year if they stay same, I guess you don't expect guys like SGA/Shamet/Robinson/Harrell/Zubac to improve at all?

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Shamet is not taking any leaps like you can expect. He's 22 so unless he is some Siakam exception (which is a big exception) he just seems like a stretch big. He had 10, 6, 9 in the last three against GSW. He is a fine stretch guard but not much else. If he proves me wrong then sure, but Kawhi isn't thinking Landry is some key piece.

The Athletic said last week Clippers have 0 interest in Jimmy. I think LAL is his play.

Robinson? Mediocre.
Zubac? Mediocre.

Harrell is a fine player, SGA is solid but selling point for Kawhi?

The only true selling points are Lou and Harrell. He can be sold on SGA long term but he is a coming Sophmore.

He may very well choose LAC, but it is most definitely not because there is a better chance to win, it's literally just to be in LA, a report that was blown out of proportion because when he said he wanted out of SA due to poor management of his health and lost trust he said he preferred LA, which has been perverted into LA or bust.

Clippers have zero interest in Jimmy and the like as their only acquisition. The formula changes if you land Kawhi first. The main thing the team has made clear to all sources is they will NOT snag a B level guy like Butler by himself. It will ONLY be if they land a superstar, because the plan is basically to run it back and wait for 2021, while young guys develop if they strike out. Shamet absolutely will take a leap. Sure he just turned 22, but even throughout this season we saw constant growth. With a player in the Redick mold, it doesn't come down to a hugely expanding skillset. It has to do with learning the angles and nuances of getting open, creating space etc to go to the next level. He was supposedly a mediocre defender, but look what he did on Curry/Klay in the playoffs consistently? He is going to be a more athletic JJ Redick probably, which is one hell of a key player for any contending team. SGA is a bigger Sam Cassell with more defensive ability.

He didn't score very well in the playoffs, but his impact on both ends was huge. The Warriors (especially KD) emphasized that their entire defense was basically centered around stopping Shamet from getting going. They have the defenders and swarmed him all series long. I do think SGA/Shamet are key selling points in terms of young prospects.

[James40]

Unless Woj or anyone else here knows him personally, the opinions don’t matter, he brought a Championship to Toronto, if he leaves, oh well he doesn’t owe anyone anything, if he stays, good for him and for Toronto.

I hope he stays, next year it’ll be him bowing down to Embiid as the Sixers sweep his non personality having goofy ass.

[HBK_Kliq_33]

Winning three rings and three finals mvps with three different franchises would be goat-like. A sidekick like Butler going to clippers with Kawhi would be automatic WCF appearance and maybe even title. If Clippers were able to trade for AD and sign Kawhi thats a dynasty. Lowry has been the perfect compliment for Kawhi as his sidekick and the safe move for Kawhi right now is probably just sign a 2 year deal with Raptors, one where he can opt out at the end of next season. Unless he knows something I don't know like Clippers landing another star.

[OkcSinceSGA]

BTW Raptors fans I have a question. Apparently the Clippers recruitment methods all year have been shady or desperate right? Yet why no mention of how Toronto celebs, athletes, millionaires etc are literally offering to GIVE Kawhi mansions, cars, stakes in their companies etc BEGGING him to stay and trying to buy him off? If anything, THAT is far more pathetic to me. It's great the city loves him so much, but they are acting more desperate than Cleveland ever did with Lebron.

If they thought Kawhi wanted to stay, why would they do that?