NBA Notes: Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jazz

Raptors

The Kawhi Leonard trade remains unofficial, which is becoming more than just an offseason inconvenience for the Raptors.

Rocco Moschella of NBA on SI noted that Toronto’s media day is scheduled for Sept. 28, with training camp beginning one day later in Quebec City. Until the trade is formally completed, Leonard remains a member of the Clippers, no matter how many Raptors players he works out with in Miami.

That leaves coach Darko Rajakovic unable to fully install lineups and roles involving the centerpiece of Toronto’s offseason.

Perhaps Steve Ballmer’s sudden decision to accept the NBA’s penalties and abandon legal action will finally unclog the paperwork. The league reportedly is prepared to approve the deal whenever the Clippers and Raptors submit it.

So the NBA isn’t holding this up. Toronto wants it done. Leonard wants it done. Eventually, somebody in Los Angeles probably needs to locate a pen.

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does not need another scoring title for the Thunder to accomplish what actually matters.

That was the argument from Grayson Buchanan of NBA on SI, who pointed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s evolution during last season’s playoffs. With defenses loading up against him, SGA’s scoring dipped from 31.3 points during the regular season to 27.6 in the postseason, but his assists climbed to 7.9 per game.

That sounds more like growth than regression. With Jalen Williams returning and Oklahoma City hoping for additional offense from Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace, Gilgeous-Alexander should not have to hunt points simply to remain in the scoring race. He already has two MVP awards and a scoring crown.

The Thunder would undoubtedly prefer another championship banner to another individual trophy.

Jazz

Keyonte George as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year? Well, FanDuel apparently believes there is at least a chance.

Jared Koch of NBA on SI identified George as Utah’s best candidate for the award, although his odds stood at a fairly distant +7500. Jalen Brunson was listed as the favorite at +800, followed by Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards at +900.

George averaged a team-high 4.0 points in clutch situations last season, placing him among the league’s top eight in clutch scoring among players who appeared in at least 20 such games. He did so while averaging 23 points and six assists overall.

There is one fairly obvious obstacle: The Jazz won 22 games. Clutch awards generally require meaningful clutch victories.

George may deliver plenty of late-game points, but Utah will need to give voters a reason to remember them.