We’re officially less than two weeks, 13 days, out from the NBA Season and we’ve been getting our fair share of pre-season basketball so far. 10 teams went into battle today in some very exciting games. However, we’re moving onto our 13th spot on the Sneaker Reporter NBA Top 30, the Toronto Raptors.
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13. Toronto Raptors: Can the 6ix reassert themselves as reigning NBA Champions?
The Toronto Raptors came off a historic season last year, earning their first NBA Championship in league history. The off-season for the Raptors was not as great, however, losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to the Clippers and Lakers, respectively.
Despite having slight roster changes this off-season, it heavily impacts how the roster operates, especially due to the fact the Leonard held the biggest effect on the organization. This does not, however, mean that the Raptors are not in a position to succeed this upcoming season. With a very successful breakout season for Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, there seems to be a lot of potential upside for the organization. Also with the addition of newly acquired players such as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Stanley Johnson, the Raptors hope to fill the scoring void with a multitude of different options. Although there seems to be some overhang on the organization of Leonard and Green leaving, most seem to forget that the roster is still very solid without them. Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet, and Kyle Lowry are all very good players in their respective roles, and without Leonard in the line-up are given more opportunities to lead their team to victory.
Realistically, it’s hard to replace a franchise player, especially if that player is Kawhi Leonard. His abilities on both ends of the floor is what really separates him from a lot of other players in the league. So although the organization has made many additions in hopes of carrying that load, it’s hard to expect immediate success for this team. Losing Danny Green is a bit of a harsh blow as well, losing efficient scoring off the bench as well as an overall vocal leader for the team. It will be interesting to see, nonetheless, to see who on the Raptors roster steps up to try and fill the shoes of two players anyone would love to have on their respective team.
Looking at the big picture of this entire organization, the Raptors are still a very good team. It goes without saying, however, that their odds in repeating themselves as NBA Champions has decreased a fair amount. It should also be said that this doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no chance we’ll see the Raptors contending for the title, for it seems almost certain that they can at least make the Playoffs again this year. Whatever the case may be, the Raptors have many young players that they can and should focus on developing if they won’t to put themselves in a similar position as they did in the 2018-2019 season.
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