NBA: Toronto Raptors-Media Day
Sep 28, 2026; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks to the media during Toronto Raptors-Media Day at Hotel-X. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
It has been a tumultuous offseason for Kawhi Leonard. He’s officially a member of the Toronto Raptors (again) after being dealt by the Los Angeles Clippers. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the Raptors. Many believe that they could do serious damage in the Eastern Conference.
There are questions and uncertainty as well. How will Kawhi play with Scottie Barnes? How many games does he play? Those are just a few of the questions that Raptors fans have been asking.
He won a championship in 2019, and Toronto fans are hoping Kawhi can do it again in 2026-2027. The Klaw hasn’t played in any preseason games.
Raptors fans might be getting their first look at him against the New York Knicks.
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Will Kawhi Leonard play in Raptors’ preseason game against Knicks?
Dec 3, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in action against the Denver Nuggets at Scotiabank Arena. The Nuggets beat the Raptors 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard is active for the Raptors’ preseason game against the Knicks. Head coach Darko Rajaković confirmed that the two-time NBA Finals MVP will be available.
They’ve been slowly ramping the 35-year-old so that he can be close to 100% for the regular season.
Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard 🍿 pic.twitter.com/wNKp3GO00e
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 10, 2026
Toronto will have a ferocious defense with Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles. The Eastern Conference is stacked, and it will be a fun watch all year. The Raptors will be in the conversation to make a deep postseason run.
Health will be a big factor for this squad, and whether they can stay healthy throughout the grind of a season.
Leonard played 65 games for the Clippers last season while averaging 27.9 points per game. He looked like the old Kawhi Leonard and was named to the All-NBA Second Team as well.
Raptors fans should be in a happy mood as long as Kawhi Leonard isn’t associated with any more fake tree-planting companies.