National Post (National Edition)
Raps’ Ujiri readying sales pitch for Leonard
TORONTO• Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri intends to make things “comfortable” for prized off-season addition Kawhi Leonard and he’s still thrilled to have acquired the former San Antonio Spurs standout.
Ujiri had a simple message for Leonard when they met briefly earlier this summer in Toronto.
“We wanted to tell him we believed in him, that we did this (trade) for a good reason, to think we’re getting a top-three player in the NBA,” Ujiri said this week during a podcast with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Leonard, a former NBA Finals MVP and two-time defensive player of the year, was only able to suit up for nine games last season, but by all accounts has looked superb in summer workouts.
Ujiri would not commit to Leonard being ready to go full steam ahead by the time training camp opens in less than two weeks, but he sounded encouraged.
“Everything you hear (about his workouts) is unbelievable. He’s very well, no verdict has been made, but he’s ramping it up,” Ujiri said, adding Leonard’s status will depend on what he and the medical staff say.
Ujiri was asked where the addition of Leonard and Danny Green put the Raptors in terms of contention.
“We’re really excited to see it come together ... there’s a new excitement and sometimes we need that,” Ujiri said.
Ujiri wasn’t taking a shot at either DeMar DeRozan, who was dealt for Leonard, or former head coach Dwane Casey, who was fired after being named coach of the year.
He reiterated the pair helped lead the Raptors to great heights and he gave them a chance to do that by keeping them around when he took over, something other incoming executives may not have done.
Ujiri again discussed his public apology to DeRozan after the deal, saying talks with the Spurs were up and down, and explained that you can’t keep players fully informed of every conversation and every peak and valley of discussions or else it would lead to consequences.
Ujiri said the Raptors will be “genuine” with Leonard and will try to sell him on the city, the fans and the “unique” atmosphere in Toronto in an attempt to convince him to stay long term.