Nicholas Buchanan+FollowFred VanVleet says Kawhi told Raptors on Day 1 that he wasn't stayingAccording to Fred VanVleet, Kawhi Leonard’s first message in Toronto was blunt: “I don’t know why they traded for me. I don’t want to be here. I’m not staying here.” He still delivered an all-time rental—2019 Finals MVP, a title, and a shot that bounced four times into franchise lore. One of the most honest (and successful) one-year stints ever. #NBA #Raptors #KawhiLeonard #FredVanVleet #NBAHistory 30Share
Andrew Anderson+FollowFred VanVleet says he overheard Kawhi after 2019: “I’m better than Kobe.”This is one of those stories that instantly turns into a comment-war. Fred VanVleet said that after the Raptors won the 2019 title, he overheard a conversation where the sentiment from Kawhi was basically: “I’m better than Kobe.” VanVleet emphasized Kawhi didn’t say it directly to him — he just caught it in the room. KD’s reaction on the pod was interesting too: he didn’t say he agrees with the all-time ranking, but he understands the mindset after a run like that — the “drop me anywhere in history, I can do this” confidence. #NBA #KawhiLeonard #KobeBryant #Raptors #KevinDurant #FredVanVleet #NBADiscussion 10Share
