Prediction #1 – He Will Play As Close To A Full Season As Possible

Despite reports that Kawhi has “no interest” in playing in Toronto and others even saying he’s threatened to sit out the season, it would be in his best interest to honor his contract and play as much of this upcoming season as he can. For one, he is a free agent after this season. Playing well could mean that he would ensure a big payday once the market opens up for his services next July.

If he were to sit out a majority of the season again, it would essentially mean two years of his career lost to fear of further injury, something that would definitely make other teams in the league nervous about signing him to a long-term deal.

Finally, Kawhi is in the Eastern Conference for the first time in his career, and this is the most unpredictable the East has been in nearly a decade. With the departure of LeBron James to the Lakers, several teams in the East could potentially make a run to the Finals, the Raptors being one of them.

Leonard and his new teammate Kyle Lowry, if they find a way to gel with one another, could be one of the better tandems in the league. The Raptors were the East’s top overall seed last year, and with Leonard replacing DeMar DeRozan, arguably have a better roster. If Kawhi can lead the Raptors to the Finals, or even a long playoff run, the events of the 2017-18 season would become ancient history.

Next Up: He Will Average A Career High in Points