Before the NBA shut down in March, the Raptors were able to operate with Kawhi Leonard and all the memories of his contributions to the team’s 2019 championship at a safe, manageable distance.
Yes, these days you can watch any NBA team, or teams, as much as you like. But having Leonard out in L.A. with the Clippers dulled the pain of losing him to some degree for Raptors fans. Out of sight, out of mind. Extended social distancing.
Having Leonard three time zones away was different than having Doc Halladay in Philadelphia, where those inclined could still cheer for the ex-Jays hurler and hope for him to have the success he never had in Toronto.