Kawhi Leonard is already hitting it off with one of his new Toronto Raptors teammates

Kawhi Leonard has been in and out of Toronto this summer, getting reacquainted with the city.

The 35-year-old has also reportedly gone out of his way to get to know some of his new Toronto Raptors teammates.

We caught up with one of them, Jamal Shead, last week at the Kyle Lowry Invitational at TPC Toronto, where he shared his first impressions of the two-time NBA Finals MVP.

Shead, who led the team in games played last season, said he's excited to have Leonard around. But more than anything, Shead told Offside that he's looking forward to being a sponge and learning from the seven-time All-Star.

"He's been really cool to be around, and I'm really excited to learn from him," Shead said. "He's a two-time champion and has a lot to offer this team, so we're just happy to have him."

Jamal Shead was one of only 18 NBA players last year to play all 82 regular-season games. (Bob Frid/Imagn Images)

Shead said he and Leonard have had several conversations since the star returned to Toronto, adding that the 35-year-old has been open with the team about his goal of winning in Toronto.

Leonard appears to have the same respect for Shead, comparing the 24-year-old's style of play to a pit bull in the latest episode of the Raptors' Open Gym series.

"He's not scared of nobody. He's a pit bull who looks like he wants to win every game," Leonard said.

The Raptors finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season with a 46-36 record. The team made some noise in the playoffs, pushing a stronger Cleveland Cavaliers team to a decisive Game 7 in the first round.

That playoff run showed Toronto it needed to make a big splash over the summer, and the deal with the Los Angeles Clippers for Leonard was just that.

The acquisition put the Raptors back into the conversation as potential contenders in the East.

The Raptors' season will tip off in a month, on Oct. 21 at Scotiabank Arena against the Chicago Bulls, though fans will likely get their first look at Leonard back in the Raptors' red during next Monday's media day.