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LA Clippers: Kawhi’s uncle seen celebrating with Toronto brass

By Matt Chong

TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors leaves the court after sinking a buzzer beater to win Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 12: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors leaves the court after sinking a buzzer beater to win Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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After Kawhi Leonard hit one of the greatest shots in NBA playoffs history, his uncle was seen among the group celebrating with Raptors brass.

As Kawhi Leonard’s historic buzzer-beater (the first of its kind in a playoff game seven) dropped, the Toronto Raptors home crowd reached a fever pitch. People high-fiving, hugging, and screaming out of elation. The players on the floor surging around Leonard himself, as even he couldn’t help but let the emotions flow. Cameras captured every moment as the city of Toronto rejoiced.

What none of the television cameras caught, though, was Leonard’s uncle, ‘Uncle Dennis,’ hamming it up and sharing this enormous moment with top Raptors brass; the likes of Masai Ujiri, Larry Tanenbaum, and others.

On the surface, this is simply a group of guys who are all heavily invested in Leonard’s success for a multitude of differing reasons. However, it can’t be ignored that from purely an LA Clippers fan’s standpoint, this doesn’t exactly inspire hope.

Kawhi’s uncle is a notoriously influential figure in his life, and was rumored to be one of the key people involved in Leonard’s decision to force his way out of San Antonio. A father figure of sorts, by whom Leonard is closely advised. So to see him being chummy with higher-ups in the Raptors organization certainly doesn’t make you feel better about their chances of signing him, come July 1st.

Now, context is certainly important. I mean, it was one of the more incredible things you’ll ever see in sports, let alone the NBA Playoffs. I’d be high-fiving and hugging people I’d never even met before after witnessing something like that. The point being, we should probably take any reactions after such an emotional moment with the appropriate grain of salt.

Next. Why Kawhi's game-winner probably doesn't help LA's chances. dark

Moments like these won’t be the totality of a player’s decision-making process in free agency, but they aren’t insignificant, either. Ultimately, this is just another thing that LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors fans will have to either stress over or take solace in. Free agency truly can’t get here fast enough, if only to put all of this to bed.

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