Toronto Raptors: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Storyline 1: Will Kawhi Leonard remain a Raptor after this season?

The Raptors’ season will go one of two possible ways: Either they do really well in the regular season and postseason, and Kawhi Leonard is happy to stay in the 6ix, or they get knocked out early on in the playoffs, prompting him to “take his talents” to the Los Angeles Clippers/Los Angeles Lakers/Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron-esque fashion.

As mentioned before, Kawhi’s decision will most likely hinge on whether the Raptors kill it not only in the regular season, but in April, May and even possibly June. When an organization has a mixed-feelings superstar of this caliber trying to build his brand in its hands, it has to take this process carefully. Luckily, Masai Ujiri does have experience dealing with these types. He had to deal with Carmelo Anthony‘s forced exit from the Denver Nuggets when he was the general manager in Denver.

Dealing with Kawhi’s needs might be more challenging for him. After all, his Spurs exit was reportedly fueled reportedly by his uncle and agent, Dennis Robertson. The signing of former Spurs assistant and friend of Kawhi’s, Jeremy Castleberry, should aid the Raptors’ pitch to make him stay.

Expect a slow start as the team tries to jell, but have strong confidence in them that they’ll be fine by season’s end.