Toronto mayor, superfan Nav plead Raptors fans to give Kawhi Leonard space

Kawhi Leonard is inarguably the biggest sports star in the city of Toronto and unfortunately his privacy is quickly being invaded, as fans everywhere can’t help but mob him with free agency on the horizon.

Leonard led the Raptors to their first title, but could end up leaving this summer, and fans everywhere are pleading their case for him to stay.

However, some folks are doing way too much and Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia teamed up with Mayor John Tory in an effort to leave Leonard alone, at least until he makes his decision.

“I want to put a request in the media right now because our superstar, Kawhi Leonard, he’s going out in the city and he’s being, like, paparazzi, he’s being harassed. You know, followed. We’re not giving him the space, which he deserves to have the space. We have won the championship. NBA champions, we are. Let him enjoy the city right now, let him enjoy his privacy right now with his family. Just leave him alone, let him enjoy the city,” Bhatia said.

“Please, when you see him somewhere, don’t run after him for the pictures or anything. Just say thank you to him for getting us the championship, being part of the team which got us the championship. Because you all fans, you were also a part of getting the championship, you played a big role. But right now, I want you to play a bigger role.”

Bhatia perhaps has as much insight into Leonard’s thoughts as anyone, given his status as the team’s superfan and the fact that he’s developed several strong relationships with players off the court as well, most notably with DeMar DeRozan.

“You know what this represents for people? This represents a way in which we can be passionate about getting Kawhi Leonard to stay in Toronto, but to do it in the Toronto way,” Tory said. “The Toronto way says we do it quietly, we do it in a determined way, but we make sure made our voice is heard through something like a petition, so he can enjoy the city.”

We’re not quite sure if a petition is going to get it done, but the point is made. Leonard’s a fun guy, but he’s also someone who values his privacy and family above all. We all want Leonard to stay, but for now, it’s time to give the man some much-deserved space and rest before he potentially runs it back for the Raptors.

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