Kawhi Leonard has spoken for the first time since his blockbuster trade from San Antonio Spurs to Toronto Raptors.
DeMar DeRozan was sent to the Raptors as part of the deal and both players are now fully embedded in their new camps.
So after taking time to reflect on the move, Leonard released a public statement thanking his former side.
“San Antonio, I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!” Leonard began.
“My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organisation and the people and fans of San Antonio.
“THANK YOU to every one of my teammates I’ve played with over my seven years in the NBA.
“THANK YOU Pop I’ll always be grateful for my growth under your guidance. THANK YOU to the fans!
“There is not a more passionate or dedicated fan base than what I’ve witnessed in San Antonio. Through all the ups and downs — I’m glad there were many more ups! — I’ll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together.
“While I’m Looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio! THANK YOU! — Kawhi Leonard.”
Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant has been hailed as a better player than LeBron James by team-mate Andre Iguodala.
Iguodala reckons only Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar can be held in a higher regard than Durant.
“People don’t appreciate (Durant) enough,” he said.
“He’s the most talented scorer of all-time. Hands down. He’s a walking 30 points. He’ll get 30 on 12 shots.
“That’s very, very hard to do. Very efficient. Most guys need to feel the ball in their hands a lot to get a rhythm. He doesn’t.
“Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were the two guys with unstoppable moves. MJ had the fadeaway and Kareem had the skyhook, but KD is a 7-footer who can hit a hesi pull-up from 50 feet out. That’s his unstoppable move.”
In other news, Steph Curry has hit out at “racist” America president Donald Trump for his criticism of James.
Trump recently hit out at the NBA legend on Twitter, insulting his intelligence.
“Frustration,” Curry said.
“That rhetoric is all based in some long-standing racism in terms of black men with a voice in power.
“Unfortunately, that’s being revealed more and more as the days go on.”