Toronto Raptors All-Star Kawhi Leonard —boy, does that feel weird to write— seems to have quite the ambitious uncle.
Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s uncle and someone who is considered a driving decision-maker in his life, apparently has dreams of managing the careers of NBA players other than his nephew. Consider what the San Antonio Express-News‘ Jeff McDonald wrote while assessing where it all went wrong for Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs:
Robertson’s influence grew steadily after Leonard returned from China. In March, Leonard turned down a $20 million shoe deal to re-up with Jordan Brand. Robertson reportedly believed Leonard — as a borderline MVP candidate — deserved more.
As months wore on, some around the league began to suspect Robertson — now known derisively among some Spurs fans as “Uncle Dennis” — harbored visions that went beyond handling his nephew’s affairs. Multiple agents say he has approached clients about becoming their manager as well.
I’m not here to exhaust the Spurs-Leonard-Uncle Dennis triangle any further. We still need more details on how things unraveled in San Antonio. Maybe Uncle Dennis is unfairly being made out as a villain in all of this. Or maybe not. The retrospectives and oral histories yet to come will help determine that.
For now, Leonard’s relationship with the Raptors will be more telltale of him and his camp, including Robertson. If their poor communication persists, or if word gets out that they’re isolating themselves from another team, then it won’t reflect well on Uncle Dennis and crew. Even if Leonard doesn’t plan on staying in Toronto, he’s getting a fresh start on a team that has every reason to bend to his every preference. If things fall apart with the Raptors before he actually leaves, chances are the bulk of the blame will be shouldered by him, and then, by extension, Uncle Dennis.
