Kawhi Leonard makes a fine first impression on Raptors coach Nick Nurse

LAS VEGAS—When Nick Nurse, the new Raptors head coach, was preparing for his introductory meeting with Kawhi Leonard, the new Raptors all-star, Nurse spent time pondering certain possibilities.

Leonard, as much as he’s been one of the league’s best players, has a reputation as an incommunicative enigma who prefers silence over noise. He hasn’t spoken publicly since he was traded to Toronto in the deal that sent DeMar DeRozan to San Antonio. And Nurse only knew the player by his reputation.