Clippers vs. Raptors Preview: The NBA’s sliding doors at work

One-time Raptors teammates Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry.I think a lot about sliding doors moments in sport, and there are fewer stages capable of producing them on the highest level than the National Basketball Association. From the order in which players get drafted, to free agent and trade decisions, to intricacies of plays drawn up in timeouts, or freak incidents late in close games.

Few stand out more to me in recent years than Kawhi Leonard’s time with the Toronto Raptors. From trading fan favourite DeMar DeRozan for a guy with one year left on his deal, to that shot against the Sixers, to the championship celebrations that will live long in the memes and memories. I can only imagine…