NBA 2018-19: Why Kawhi Leonard should not play in the 2019 NBA All-Star game

#3 Raptors management should have a say in whether or not Kawhi Leonard plays at the 2019 All-Star game

Cleveland Cavaliers v Toronto Raptors

Raptors team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster should have final say, in whether or not Kawhi Leonard plays in the 2019 All-Star Game. In the summer, of 2018, the Raptors management team made a huge decision to sacrifice the team’s best player and Raptors’ loyalist, DeMar DeRozan, to make the team better, in acquiring Kawhi Leonard.

If an injury develops shortly after the All-Star game, to Kawhi Leonard, that affects his ability to finish out the season or represent the Raptors in the playoffs, the Raptors future would not look very bright. In trading DeRozan and Poeltl, the Raptors obtained Danny Green, whose contract ends this summer, and Kawhi Leonard, who is expected to opt out of his deal this summer and play elsewhere.

Therefore, this season and the 2019 playoffs need to be successful, for the Raptors management. If Green and Leonard, are dissatisfied, in anyway, with the Raptors organization, the Raptors wind up, with nothing to show, for DeRozan.

However, if the dream of winning the NBA title occurs and or just a Finals appearance, the departure, of Leonard, and or Green is more palatable. Under no circumstances should management take a chance. If Leonard will listen, Raptor management should not suggest that its okay for their star to play, in the 2019 All-Star game.

From the management’s perspective, Leonard’s immediate goals should be staying or getting healthy, playing as many regular season games, as possible this year, and the 2019 NBA playoffs. The 2019 NBA All-Star Game is not a Raptors' priority, in the immediate future.