Quoting: TMLSage
They said the same thing about Kawhi when he joined the Raptors. Crosby is the one hockey player in the world who could show Leafs how to win immediately and consistently. Interested in Penguin fans opinions about the postive effect Crosby could have on a team like the Leafs.
First off it was the American media who was claiming we couldn't do anything with Kawhi, because to them we're the redheaded stepchild of the NBA, and unless we win a minimum of 3 straight titles they won't look at us any differently because they don't like us. Also, raps fans we're pissed because Masai took a huge gamble that paid off by trading away the face of the franchise and one who wanted to retire a rap.
Second, the reason why people (American media) was saying Kawhi wouldn't help us win is because he played a grand total of 9 games the season prior and shut it down when he didn't agree with the spurs medical staff, and rightfully so because they were trying to rush him back so they could keep their playoff streak alive. Also, they didn't know how his leg would hold up over the course of a full season... Thankfully we have the "load management" guru.
Masai knew in his heart of hearts that Leonard was/is the best player in the league and both wanted nothing more than to win a championship. Kawhi didn't want to be here but if he would have sat out it only would have prolonged him hitting FA so he sucked it up for a year with a team that has more heart than the rest of the league and are willing to check their egos at the door for the betterment of the team and to achieve their shared goal of winning it all. That's what the Leafs truly lack or at least more so than what any one player can bring.
I honestly think Dubas should talk to Masai and see if he can put together a sit down with both teams so the raps can help the leafs realize that they need to do these things to win and until they do all they'll accomplish is making the highlight reels a couple of times a week. Just imagine K-low (the heart and soul/the engine of the raps) telling them first hand what it takes to be more than a fun albeit inconsistent team.
One last thing...when is the last time you've seen the raps lose 10 in a row? They can win ten in a row easily but they don't go on prolonged slumps like that and that's the difference between golfing early and making a deep postseason run. Also, the raps have a slightly better record now than they did this time last year FWIW.