Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto comes with plenty of nostalgia, but the Raptors aren’t bringing him back just to celebrate what happened seven years ago. They’re hoping to make some new memories, and Leonard seems to have the same idea.

Ahead of Wednesday night’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls, Leonard released a tribute video on social media Tuesday, reflecting on his time with the Raptors while looking ahead to what’s next.

“Toronto, it’s been a minute since I left, and one thing I’ve learned about time: People move on, things change, and even the greatest moments become memories,” Leonard said. “But some things … some things stay with you. What we shared here, that’s forever.”

It’s hard to forget what Leonard did in Toronto. He spent just one season with the Raptors, but led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2019. From his iconic Game 7 shot against Philadelphia to his performances in the Finals, he gave Toronto a season fans will never forget.

Now, he’s back, and there’s a reason expectations have changed heading into the new season. The Raptors are coming off a 46-win campaign and pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Truly, Toronto has something to build on. Leonard brings championship experience to a group looking to take another step.

He’s also not shying away from the pressure that comes with returning. “They say the second time around isn’t as good as the first, but we’ll see. One thing I know: it wasn’t luck the first time, and I still know what it takes. I’m not here to live in the past, I’m here for what’s next. Here in the north, we got a young team. Hungry and ready. And just like we had our moment, we’re trying to shock the world again,” Leonard said.

Wednesday will mark Leonard’s first appearance in a Raptors jersey since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against Golden State. Seven years later, Toronto gets to see him back on the court, with a new group and another opportunity to surprise the league.

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