Toronto Sun: Leonard might be what Raps need

jeffb · 06-16-2011, 10:55 AM

Pretty good article, put the whole article up. Love what I'm hearing about him. If it's too much, let me know I'l cut it down...

Quote:

He’s a tenacious defender and rebounder with a well deserved reputation as a gym rat.
Is there anything else the Toronto Raptors need to know about Kawhi Leonard?
Leonard may not bring the kind of name recognition in the 2011 draft class that a Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams or even Brandon Knight do, but what he does bring are the kinds of tools that were decidedly lacking on the Raptors roster this past season.
The 6-foot-7 small forward out of San Diego State may as well be the poster boy for everything the Raptors wished they had this past season.
Leonard was one of six draft prospects, including GTA products Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph, who worked out for the Raptors on Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre.
Leonard is one of those player’s whose draft stock has improved since the process began and while he’s not about to put any faith in what a mock draft published by some media outlet might say, he did acknowledge teams he has worked out for have been impressed with his improved shooting.
Leonard’s shooting, particularly his shooting from long range was one of, if not the weakest part of his game this past year.
“Nobody sees me working out from the public but the coaches who have seen my workouts have told me they can see the development in my shot and how hard I have been working,” Leonard said. “They like how my release point comes off now. It feels good right now and I’m more confident.”
Leonard shot a dismal .291 from the NCAA three-point line last season but then he hooked up with agent Brian Elfus who immediately set out to change that perception.
Elfus has had him training at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas for the past 3 1/2 weeks — working on his shooting with well known shot doctor Joe Abunassar
There’s no question that outside of an improved defence and better rebounding the next need on the Raptors wish list is a consistent outside shooter.
Leonard may not be there yet, but he’s making progress.
Jim Kelly, the Raptors senior director of player personnel and a guy who is based on the west coast, has seen Leonard enough to know the player he saw Wednesday and the one he watched in game action over the past two years are not the same player.
“His shooting touch has definitely improved since late in the season,” Kelly said. “I think his proficiency at three-point shooting was probably as good as anyone here today.”
Leonard is not a talkative sort by nature, but he knows the process entails selling himself and he was playing along Wednesday.
He had never been to Canada before the workout but says he would have no problem coming to Toronto if he were drafted. “I want to be an NBA player no matter who drafts me,” Leonard said.
And don’t misinterpret his off-court, laid back style to what he does once the lights go on.
“The game of basketball is a totally different thing than just being with your fans and chillin’,” Leonard said. “Once I get on the court it’s a different story. It’s a game of basketball and I put my passion and love into it.”
Leonard doesn’t do anything half way when it comes to basketball.
Abunassar learned that early on in their relationship.
“We literally have to kick him out of the gym,” Abunassar told Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union Tribune. “It’s like, ‘You have to go home.’ He’ll keep a ball after a workout and go over to a side basket and get someone to rebound for him. Before you know it, he’s into another shooting session.”
The secret to Leonard’s defensive and rebounding prowess can be found in his impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan that is a tad freakish on a 6-foot-7 frame. And if his wingspan doesn’t impress, the size of his hands will stop a stranger in his tracks. Palming a basketball is child’s play to Leonard whose hands measure 9 3/8 inches or about two full inches larger than the average male.
Leonard may or may not wind up in Toronto on draft night, but there’s no denying his skill set is exactly the type the Raptors lacked in their lineup last

http://m.torontosun.com/2011/06/15/k...s-missing-link

moremilk · 06-16-2011, 11:18 AM

Love the profile+ he fits the biggest need

carp · 06-16-2011, 11:30 AM

gym rat? This the guy that put up 3 reps at 185lbs? I know it's not everything..... but I don't see SF as the biggest need on this team, rather top talent and abrasive defence is. If this is that guy, fine.

Being a potential defensive freak really helps.... but I'm also wary of yet another guy that has been a poor shooter. Is this guy another Julian Wright? Asking, don't know enough about him really.

jeffb · 06-16-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carp

gym rat? This the guy that put up 3 reps at 185lbs? I know it's not everything..... but I don't see SF as the biggest need on this team, rather top talent and abrasive defence is. If this is that guy, fine.

Being a potential defensive freak really helps.... but I'm also wary of yet another guy that has been a poor shooter. Is this guy another Julian Wright? Asking, don't know enough about him really.

When someone calls a basketball player a gym rat I'm guessing they don't mean they're in the gym pumping weights and benching 300lbs. As for the SF position, if Weems isn't re-signed all we have is JJ who is still a big question mark. I'd prefer a PG, but beyond that I'd take Leonard over a project big.

carp · 06-16-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffb

When someone calls a basketball player a gym rat I'm guessing they don't mean they're in the gym pumping weights and benching 300lbs. As for the SF position, if Weems isn't re-signed all we have is JJ who is still a big question mark. I'd prefer a PG, but beyond that I'd take Leonard over a project big.

a gym rat can mean anything to do with physical activity.... I never said anything about benching 300lbs though. I agree he'd be better than a project big unless that big has immense upside. This team needs talent that makes itself hard not to reward with a starting spot. Depth at this point should not be a concern, even at SF. Heck, sign Weems for cheap, he's a good practice guy that hopefully can learn a role and learn to consistently defend.... but this pick needs to be best player, not filling depth concerns.

I like how he's praised for freakish attributes... but many before him have as well.

jeffb · 06-16-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carp

a gym rat can mean anything to do with physical activity.... I never said anything about benching 300lbs though. I agree he'd be better than a project big unless that big has immense upside. This team needs talent that makes itself hard not to reward with a starting spot. Depth at this point should not be a concern, even at SF. Heck, sign Weems for cheap, he's a good practice guy that hopefully can learn a role and learn to consistently defend.... but this pick needs to be best player, not filling depth concerns.

I like how he's praised for freakish attributes... but many before him have as well.

Well for me, baring someone falling in our laps it should be one of Knight, Walker or Leonard, The only big that sort of intregues me is Biyombo.

**finstock** · 06-16-2011, 01:13 PM

The more I see him the more he reminds me of a sober Ron Artest.

Superjudge · 06-16-2011, 01:21 PM

well if he's artest.... sign um up!

carp · 06-16-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superjudge

well if he's artest.... sign um up!

get him a few drinks too. Nothing better than a drunk Artest! Love it.

TORaptor4Ever · 06-16-2011, 02:18 PM

Hands 2 inches bigger than the avg male....

a 7'3" wingspan for a guy who's 6'7"...

AND he's a hard-working gym rat?

I'm sold on this circus freak. If the kid's got a good attitude I'd LOVE to take him with a later pick if he's still available. You can't teach stats like those. If he can put that body to work he could do some CRAZY things.

Blaze · 06-16-2011, 04:12 PM

I don't want another wing who can't shoot starting. Unless we have a player who can stretch the floor we are going to be in trouble, but considering what we have to choose from, he's a good prospect. There have been people comparing him to Gerald Wallace. The first time I noticed this guy's hands was in his draft profile, he was palming the ball like it was a volley ball or something. This guy seems like he'll either be really good or a huge bust...

jeffb · 06-16-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blaze

This guy seems like he'll either be really good or a huge bust...

Which can be said about anyone beyond Irving/Williams by the looks of it.

thought · 06-16-2011, 04:31 PM

i'd love to see leonard and demar running the wings on the break. that shit would be scary.

not to jinx it but his body sort of reminds me of vince

Northern Neighbour · 06-16-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thought

i'd love to see leonard and demar running the wings on the break. that shit would be scary.

not to jinx it but his body sort of reminds me of vince

I thought that as well. His game is also reminiscent of Carter's when he first came out - a slashing wingman who needed work on his perimeter game.

The timing is also similar in that the NBA had a work stoppage in Carter's draft year and we could experience another one this year.

Dark Knight · 06-16-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thought

i'd love to see leonard and demar running the wings on the break. that shit would be scary.

not to jinx it but his body sort of reminds me of vince

Kawhi and DeMar, the new T-Mac and Carter?

jj33 · 06-16-2011, 06:06 PM

Wizz gonna draft him when we draft Kemba!!

Alex · 06-16-2011, 06:15 PM

If we get 8th take him. Him or Biyombo. We need SOME D.

0nekhmer · 06-16-2011, 06:37 PM

that would be SO awesome if we did get detroit's 8th and get him with it.

i watched this vid a while ago and after reading this article, i hope we get him!

YouTube - ‪Spotlight on Kawhi Leonard of...

Dark Knight · 06-16-2011, 06:46 PM

jeffb · 06-16-2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-16-2011, 11:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
moremilk is whatever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 7,198 Representing:	Love the profile+ he fits the biggest need

06-16-2011, 11:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
carp is the rebirth of thick Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 10,706 Representing:	gym rat? This the guy that put up 3 reps at 185lbs? I know it's not everything..... but I don't see SF as the biggest need on this team, rather top talent and abrasive defence is. If this is that guy, fine. Being a potential defensive freak really helps.... but I'm also wary of yet another guy that has been a poor shooter. Is this guy another Julian Wright? Asking, don't know enough about him really.

06-16-2011, 01:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
finstock is baking the cookies of discontent. (Terrence) Ross Geller Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,024 Representing:	The more I see him the more he reminds me of a sober Ron Artest.

06-16-2011, 01:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Superjudge is pounding the rock! Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 17,593 Representing:	well if he's artest.... sign um up!

06-16-2011, 02:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
TORaptor4Ever is embracing change Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 15,073 Representing:	Hands 2 inches bigger than the avg male.... a 7'3" wingspan for a guy who's 6'7"... AND he's a hard-working gym rat? I'm sold on this circus freak. If the kid's got a good attitude I'd LOVE to take him with a later pick if he's still available. You can't teach stats like those. If he can put that body to work he could do some CRAZY things.

06-16-2011, 04:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
Blaze is waiting for Casey to get fired Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,104 Representing:	I don't want another wing who can't shoot starting. Unless we have a player who can stretch the floor we are going to be in trouble, but considering what we have to choose from, he's a good prospect. There have been people comparing him to Gerald Wallace. The first time I noticed this guy's hands was in his draft profile, he was palming the ball like it was a volley ball or something. This guy seems like he'll either be really good or a huge bust...

06-16-2011, 04:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
thought is looking for clunge Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 4,056 Representing:	i'd love to see leonard and demar running the wings on the break. that shit would be scary. not to jinx it but his body sort of reminds me of vince

06-16-2011, 06:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
jj33 is editing this message! Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 3,367 Representing:	Wizz gonna draft him when we draft Kemba!!

06-16-2011, 06:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
Alex is grabbin boards, droppin dimes, and lightin them up Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1,943 Representing:	If we get 8th take him. Him or Biyombo. We need SOME D.

06-16-2011, 06:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
Dark Knight is waiting for the sun to come out so he can let his guns out. Jamario Moon! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Electric Avenue Posts: 15,069 Representing: