What a crazy 18 months it has been for the Toronto Raptors. First trading away one of your franchises best players in Demar DeRozan, but in turn landing arguably the best player in the NBA at the end of all this in Kawhi Leonard. After a successful year with Leonard at the helm, they finally get over their playoff woes and knock off the Golden State Warriors to win their first NBA Championship. But just as fast as Kawhi came, he left for Los Angeles. Toronto now finds themselves in a weird spot: commit to a rebuild, or work on building their team for another title run?
Key Additions: None
I’ll get hate for this, and thats ok. Look, no knock against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson or Stanley Johnson. Very nice, young rotational pieces. But key additions lists are for big-name signings who will make a significant impact, and I don’t see these guys as that. Stanley Johnson has never averaged more than 9 points in a season. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had one decent year back in 2017, but has shown he doesn’t have the most durable body. Like I said, these guys are very solid options to come off the bench in limited roles, maybe 15, 20 minutes a night. But that’s all.
Key Losses: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, NBA Finals MVP this past year in Toronto, took his talents to south beach to pair up with Paul George on the Clippers. This will leave a massive hole in this teams starting lineup, one they will feel all year long. Kawhi Leonard averaged 27 points and 7 rebounds a night, while guarding the opposing teams best player. He proved he can be clutch, just ask 76ers fans, he is a known lockdown defender and overall a great leader. His presence on the floor will be greatly missed.
Expectations and Prediction
This isn’t Chicken Little. The sky is not falling in Toronto. This team will be just fine. Let’s not act like a lineup with Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and OG Anunoby is nothing to sneeze at. High-level players who will be motivated to go out and prove they can win without Kawhi Leonard. I see the Toronto Raptors in the mix around the 4-6 seed, and will be a tough out this year for sure.
Official Prediction: 48-34
