The Raptors’ decision to include Kawhi Leonard in their plan of action is a gift that keeps on giving. In the East, the Raptors are right there with the Bucks, on their way to a playoff run that could be deeper and stronger than ever. The front office and coaching staff have made every effort to succeed in the Eastern Conference during this LeBron-less era of basketball.
Only a few teams have two All-Stars in their starting line-up, and Toronto is one of them. The club has an impressive season win-loss record of 43-16(0.729) and an 8-4 record against opponents from this division.
Toronto Raptors
They have a sizable lead in the Atlantic Division and have only suffered five home losses in the 29 games they have played thus far. With some strong reinforcements in the form of Grizzlies veteran big man Marc Gasol and back-up point guard Jeremy Lin, the Raptors squad appears prepared to handle any kind of resistance going into the postseason.
There isn’t a single person on the Toronto Raptors who regrets their decision to treat Kawhi Leonard like they were renting him for a year; the move paid off handsomely when Toronto won the team’s first NBA championship.
Being successful is one thing.
Securing it?
Quite a different kind of struggle, in part because of the season-long target that will be following them. Additionally, because Kawhi Leonard, the key component of their success who signed with the Los Angeles Clippers during free agency, will not be participating in their defence of their championship. However, there are a number of returning players that will prevent the Raptors from completely disappearing from the basketball world, with Pascal Siakam being the player most crucial to that accomplishment.
He easily won this year’s Most Improved Player title and will have plenty of chances to continue on a successful season for Toronto this coming year in a more pivotal role. It will be interesting to see if he does so with a contract extension because if he doesn’t sign one by October 21, he will be a restricted free agent the next summer.
There are still a number of talented players from the previous season on the roster of the Toronto Raptors, therefore Toronto should once again be a playoff contender. However, Toronto did not fill the huge void left by their finest player leaving to pursue his abilities elsewhere, in contrast to Atlantic Division rivals like Boston and Brooklyn. Despite the fact that Siakam is a fantastic player, the Raptors will miss Leonard’s skill as well as the beneficial ripple effect that his presence on the court has on the other Raptors. They will also compete for a playoff spot.
Now is the start of Toronto’s post-Kyle Lowry era! The Raptors could have to work very hard to make the playoffs as they lose their best point guard.
About the Team
Record: 13-17, 10th in NBA Eastern Conference.
Last Game: L 110-126 vs.
Next Game: Monday, Dec. …
Coach: Nick Nurse (13-17)
Executive: Masai Ujiri.
Crucial Arrivals
Sam Dekker (F), Scottie Barnes (F), Precious Achiuwa (F/C), Goran Dragic (PG), and Svi Mykhailiuk (G) (rookie)
Vital Departures
Aron Baynes (C), Rodney Hood, and Kyle Lowry (PG) (SF)
Renewals and Extensions
Gary Trent Jr. (SG) (3 years, $51.8 million), and Khem Birch (C), (3 years, $20 million).
Probable Starting Line-up
Khem Birch, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., Fred VanVleet, and Khem (C). There is no escaping the truth that the Raptors‘ loss of Lowry has an effect on them. Even if VanVleet and Trent Jr. are exceptionally good, they will be able to manage the backcourt well. Siakam is without a doubt a major presence in this team and will be important for scoring points. Goran Dragic, Svi Mykhailiuk, Precious Achiuwa, Sam Dekker, Scottie Barnes, and Yuma Watanabe, among others, have depth to offer.
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