- Bobby Webster wants the Kawhi Leonard deal to mean more than a familiar trip back to the 2019 championship run.
- The Raptors’ president of basketball operations is selling the move on two tracks at once: a higher standard for the team on the floor, and a clear message that Toronto did its homework before making the deal.
- “The expectation this year is to win every night,” he said.
- Leonard played 65 games, five more than he did in 2018-19, and averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.5 per cent from the field and 38.7 per cent from three-point range.
- Webster said he believes the team will have multiple chances to find out.
- That long view is built into the contract, too.
- Webster has made that standard unmistakable: win every night, compete for 48 minutes, and do it without treating the 2019 title team as the only reference point.
With Kawhi Leonard in tow, Bobby Webster is raising the bar — and trying to move the Raptors past 2019
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Sources & Referenced Reporting
- Sportsnet, “With Kawhi Leonard in tow, Bobby Webster setting bar high for Raptors,” Sept. 24, 2026.
- Sportsnet, “‘Did our due diligence’: Raptors’ Webster felt confident in Kawhi Leonard deal,” Sept. 24, 2026.
- raptorshq.com, “It’s not 2019 anymore: Bobby Webster puts Kawhi, roster concerns to rest,” Sept. 24, 2026.
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