Former Toronto Raptors player C.J. Miles has stirred the debate on whether Kawhi Leonard deserves a statue in Toronto, expressing his reservations on the matter. In a recent appearance on the Run Your Race podcast hosted by Theo Pinson, Miles, who played a significant role as a sharpshooter for the Raptors, offered a nuanced perspective on the idea of immortalizing Leonard in statue form.
“It’s hard to say yes, but I could see why you could argue with it. It’s hard to say yes, but it’s the first one, and he makes the shot that gets them there. Getting a statue, It’s a lot of groundwork in getting a statue.”
“Like, he kinda’ get handed stuff that was already there too – not disrespecting what he did. And if you look at the other statues, it’s all guys that went through the hard times in their place to get there.” (1:21:00)
Miles acknowledged the argument for giving Leonard a statue, citing his pivotal role in the Raptors‘ historic success, particularly the iconic shot that secured their championship. However, Miles hesitated to give a definitive “yes,” pointing out the significant groundwork that goes into earning such an honor. He also alluded to the notion that Leonard inherited a team that was already well-established.
The Raptors were already a well-built playoff team and they were always one of the favorites in the East. But they had to face a monster called LeBron James, who knocked them out for three years in a row.
In Miles’ view, statues in sports are typically reserved for individuals who endured and contributed to a team’s journey through challenging times, ultimately achieving success.
He implied that Leonard, while undoubtedly impactful during his tenure, didn’t go through the same struggles as others who have been immortalized with statues. Miles emphasized the importance of considering what other players endured, how they carried the team through tough periods, and the accountability they took for not reaching certain milestones.
The debate around whether Kawhi Leonard merits a statue in Toronto reflects the complex nature of sports tributes, where individual achievements intersect with team legacies. While Leonard’s contributions were undeniably crucial, Miles’ perspective sheds light on the nuanced criteria some former players may consider when evaluating the worthiness of such iconic honors.
What Does An NBA Player Have To Do To Get A Statue?
Getting a statue outside an NBA arena is a rare honor, reserved for the most iconic players who have left an indelible mark on their franchise and the league as a whole. To warrant such a monumental tribute, a player must transcend the ordinary and achieve legendary status, contributing significantly to the team’s success and leaving an enduring legacy.
Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who were integral parts of dynasties and played pivotal roles in building up their respective franchises, have earned statues. Their impact went beyond individual brilliance, shaping the identity of the team and influencing the course of NBA history.
LeBron James, for instance, earned the right to a statue in Cleveland for putting the Cavaliers on the map and delivering their first NBA title. His tenure with the Miami Heat, though only four years, included four NBA Finals appearances and two championships, making a compelling case for a statue. However, whether he attains the same honor with the Lakers may depend on factors like the duration of his stay and the team’s overall historical context.
Players who have spent their entire careers with a franchise or have given their entire basketball lives to one team, like Reggie Miller, also find themselves immortalized in statue form. It’s not just about on-court achievements but the connection and impact a player has on the community, the team, and the fans.
Looking ahead, players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Russell Westbrook could potentially be candidates for statues, provided they continue to leave an indelible mark on their franchises and the league as a whole.
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