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

[makeready]

Whenever Woj reports facts he's bulletproof.

Whenever Woj reports feelings - a story that cannot be proved or disproved - he's doing someone a favor. This is how he gets the access that he has.

[Black Mage]

If he goes to LA it's simply because he wants to be home, I don't think anyone should be mad at him if he does leave that's the reason. Cause I don't see how the Clippers are a better basketball situation than the Raptors are right now.

Clippers have Jerry West. That's pretty much all I'd need to hear as a player. Their talent is also much younger and upcoming.

Honestly, Kawhi had to play practically perfect basketball to get Toronto past Philadelphia and Lowry/Gasol/Ibaka are all older or reaching the end of the road.

I'm not saying it's a slam dunk in favor of Clippers, but there's definitely some obvious advantages.

Most players dont give af about Jerry West...im tired of this out of touch forum narrative lmao especially a guy like Kawhi

Omg they have a 90 year old wizard who gave Gasol to the Lakers for then a lopsided return...

Feel free to name all the other active GM's to have created dynasties with two separate teams. I'll give you a hint, Masai ain't on that list.

[Lego Legs]

How is the NBA's leading reporter providing an update on the NBA's most sought after free agent not newsworthy?

Why, what has Zach Lowe said?

Would you guys not be crying like children if Zach Lowe had reported it?

If Zach had reported it I'd believe it. Woj on the other-hand is doing the publicity work of some agents and teams while also pushing a narrative about a team in LA so they can keep high viewership figures for ESPN.

[mtcan]

Clippers have Jerry West. That's pretty much all I'd need to hear as a player. Their talent is also much younger and upcoming.

Honestly, Kawhi had to play practically perfect basketball to get Toronto past Philadelphia and Lowry/Gasol/Ibaka are all older or reaching the end of the road.

I'm not saying it's a slam dunk in favor of Clippers, but there's definitely some obvious advantages.

Most players dont give af about Jerry West...im tired of this out of touch forum narrative lmao especially a guy like Kawhi

Omg they have a 90 year old wizard who gave Gasol to the Lakers for then a lopsided return...

Feel free to name all the other active GM's to have created dynasties with two separate teams. I'll give you a hint, Masai ain't on that list.

That's nice but he's also 81 years old...

And he's just an advisor. Not sure how much he actually contributes.

[Roronoa]

If I'm Kawhi I come back for 1 year trying to win back to back titles. Gasol and Lowry are old but probably have 1 more run in them. Siakam will improve. With GS not favorites anymore its realistic we can win another title next year. Then bounce to L.A. summer 2020.

Toronto's great basketball situation for him. He can rest 25 games in the east no problem we'll still be a top 2-3 seed. Winning back to back titles and finals MVP and then going home would be amazing for him.

[Son Goku 25]

WE THE CHAMPS BABY THE TORONTO RAPTORS BEAT THE BOSS WARRIORS AND SAVE THE WORLD

[wherescomegys]

It is pretty obvious what he is saying to anyone with basic reading comprehension skills. That notwithstanding the title, Kawhi is not a lock to return. Sorry if you disagree with that but pretty sure Kawhi doesn't care.

Oh so reporting "Kawhi is not a lock to return" is newsworthy? May as well report when Leonard takes his next dump at least that will be something new.

Yes, it's clearly newsworthy, which you can tell because it seems to be coming as such a shock to Raptors fans that its ruined their first championship.

That's a reach. I think Raps fans are doing aight. Even though everyone on this board will play the result of his decision and lay claim to its obviousness - cause that's what this gasbag forum is all about - nobody has any idea what he's gonna decide.

[wherescomegys]

Clippers have Jerry West. That's pretty much all I'd need to hear as a player. Their talent is also much younger and upcoming.

Honestly, Kawhi had to play practically perfect basketball to get Toronto past Philadelphia and Lowry/Gasol/Ibaka are all older or reaching the end of the road.

I'm not saying it's a slam dunk in favor of Clippers, but there's definitely some obvious advantages.

Most players dont give af about Jerry West...im tired of this out of touch forum narrative lmao especially a guy like Kawhi

Omg they have a 90 year old wizard who gave Gasol to the Lakers for then a lopsided return...

Feel free to name all the other active GM's to have created dynasties with two separate teams. I'll give you a hint, Masai ain't on that list.

Pat Riley. Anyway...

[Steelo Green]

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?

Sent from my LM-Q710(FGN) using RealGM mobile app

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.

Shamet is a selling point. Wow.

OG is better and he didn't even play.

SGA, sure, but only homers would say Kawhi would be like "oh damn that rookie 22 year old Shamet who was a mediocre prospect".

LA would only be for LA, nothing else basketball wise.

[BullyKing]

Why, what has Zach Lowe said?

Would you guys not be crying like children if Zach Lowe had reported it?

If Zach had reported it I'd believe it. Woj on the other-hand is doing the publicity work of some agents and teams while also pushing a narrative about a team in LA so they can keep high viewership figures for ESPN.

Such obvious BS. They both work for ESPN but you would believe the opinion commentator over the reporter.

[TheNewEra]

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.

Shamet is a selling point. Wow.

OG is better and he didn't even play.

SGA, sure, but only homers would say Kawhi would be like "oh damn that rookie 22 year old Shamet who was a mediocre prospect".

LA would only be for LA, nothing else basketball wise.

Or he doesn’t trust the players to hold up for another run. Let’s not act like the Raptors supporting cast was consistent and always dependable

[seorang]

All this Clippers Front office is top tier ish seems to be clever marketing. Yes they've made some good moves but front offices should judged only on one thing IMO - Titles . Same goes for Brooklyn . ALL these media articles about how 'great' they are read like paid media

[Clemenza]

I don't get how the Raptors "have a lot of work to do" statement.

[Steelo Green]

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.

Shamet is a selling point. Wow.

OG is better and he didn't even play.

SGA, sure, but only homers would say Kawhi would be like "oh damn that rookie 22 year old Shamet who was a mediocre prospect".

LA would only be for LA, nothing else basketball wise.

Or he doesn’t trust the players to hold up for another run. Let’s not act like the Raptors supporting cast was consistent and always dependable

Yes because Harrell, Lou Wil, SGA and Gallo he thinks will be more dependable than a only getting better Siakam (better than anyone on the Clippers), Kyle, Serge, Fred, Gasol, Powell and OG (key piece no one discusses).

The PO have ups and downs. The Raptors made the finals and Kawhi only really carried them in one series, he's had pretty good performances otherwise.

He won a title with them, to think he's going to the Clippers for their core is laughable.

[mtcan]

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.

Shamet is a selling point. Wow.

OG is better and he didn't even play.

SGA, sure, but only homers would say Kawhi would be like "oh damn that rookie 22 year old Shamet who was a mediocre prospect".

LA would only be for LA, nothing else basketball wise.

Or he doesn’t trust the players to hold up for another run. Let’s not act like the Raptors supporting cast was consistent and always dependable

They got 16 wins in the playoffs. They won 58 games in the regular season...17 of them without Kawhi. When you have a deep team, as long as someone is hitting and you win...it doesn't matter who on a given night. That's what makes this team deadly. Can't say that about even "super teams" or the so-called elite teams like the Sixers or Bucks...where if you shut down the top 1 or 2 options...rest of the cast fails you.

[Harcore Fenton Mun]

This is a team that was popping Champaign when they made the playoffs.

Wrong priorities.

[OkcSinceSGA]

Shamet is a selling point. Wow.

OG is better and he didn't even play.

SGA, sure, but only homers would say Kawhi would be like "oh damn that rookie 22 year old Shamet who was a mediocre prospect".

LA would only be for LA, nothing else basketball wise.

Or he doesn’t trust the players to hold up for another run. Let’s not act like the Raptors supporting cast was consistent and always dependable

Yes because Harrell, Lou Wil, SGA and Gallo he thinks will be more dependable than a only getting better Siakam (better than anyone on the Clippers), Kyle, Serge, Fred, Gasol, Powell and OG (key piece no one discusses).

The PO have ups and downs. The Raptors made the finals and Kawhi only really carried them in one series, he's had pretty good performances otherwise.

He won a title with them, to think he's going to the Clippers for their core is laughable.

I cannot wait for next season. I'm saving this crap from you man. You probably thought Clips would win 30 this year too. People love being proven wrong.

[Lego Legs]

Would you guys not be crying like children if Zach Lowe had reported it?

If Zach had reported it I'd believe it. Woj on the other-hand is doing the publicity work of some agents and teams while also pushing a narrative about a team in LA so they can keep high viewership figures for ESPN.

Such obvious BS. They both work for ESPN but you would believe the opinion commentator over the reporter.

Sorry but it's not BS, don't tell me who I trust and don't. Not all journalists are as ethical as others.

[itsme23]

As a raps fan watching all this play out, I think he will leave to the clippers.

I firmly believe Kawhi might be the only superstar maybe ever that would leave a team and a country like this but I just think he’s a different kind of person and once his mind is made up nothing can change it.

Either way I will always cheer for him no matter if he stays or if he goes. He brought the Raptors a championship and nothing can take that away.

[PrinceV]

Woj is talking out of his ass. Kawhi isn’t going to get the same treatment in LA like Toronto from fans. LeBron will be always the bigger star in that town. Plus, the home he bought is like 2hrs away from LA.