This is a title that I truly believe, there is simply no place like home. Even if you are raised in an area that you wouldn’t want to raise your kids in, it still holds a special place in your heart. Let me know in the comments where you are from and what you think.
Kawhi Leonard has been a top news story for the NBA the last
two years that started after he pretty much sat out the season last year. Why
he was not playing was a mystery, because the team doctors reported that he was
cleared to play, however his personal doctors didn’t clear him? I still am not
sure exactly how that shook out, the spurs do not release a lot to the press
and Kawhi Leonard talks about as much as Silent Bob or Teller. This drama lead
to him demanding to be traded and winding up in Toronto, who hopes to sign him
this off-season, but that is not going to happen. Silent Bob told me.
The two time defensive player of the year and NBA finals MVP went to Martin
Luther King High School in Riverside California, which is around an hour or so
from Los Angeles California depending on traffic. This is important because
there are two NBA franchises in LA that would love for him to return. It was all
over the news last year that he wanted to be traded to the Lakers, but the
Spurs were never going to trade him into the same conference. This summer as a
free agent Kawhi will be able to sign with any team he wants.
How do we know Kawhi thinks there is no place like home, if he would have
stayed in San Antonio, he would have been signed to a Super Max deal for 219
million over 5 years. He decided to pass that up, if he stays in Toronto he
could still earn this 219 million, but no one in his or her right mind thinks
he is going to stay. Everyone, even his teammates in Toronto, thinks he is
returning to LA. To go back home, the
largest contract he can sign is 141 million for 4 years. The length of time is
important because we are talking about a person who can be hurt and lose value at
any time. That is almost 80 million he is literally walking away from to be
home.
For 80 million, most people would just move home in the off-season, athletes are on the road half of the regular season anyway. That’s more money than the majority of us can dream of having, more than most powerball jackpots. Why isn’t he chasing the money? Because there is no place like home! There is nothing like mom, a meal prepared by your mom, whether you’re 12 or 30. There is nothing like hanging with family, seeing old friend or your extending family. It is also easier to enjoy success, when you get to share that success with the people most important to you in your life. He may also be ready to settle down and start a family, and when this happens grandma and family are priceless! If you are reading this and have kids, you know exactly what I mean.
Turning this money down should be a surprise if you follow the all start very much. As far as I know, he still drives a 1997 tahoe, when asked why he still drives the 22-year-old SUV he responds “it’s paid off”. This is the statement of man who has his priorities in a different order than most stars, and must not find happiness in lavish material things. I hope he makes it home, I hope happiness for everyone, and I am sure the tax rate of 55% in Toronto is making it much easier for him to leave.
Where will he go? Let us know in the comments!
Big thanks to today’s sponsor Williamsport Honda, check them out if you into anything motorsports, motorcycles or outdoor motoring. They also have a nice used selection.
