1. Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their first ever NBA title, earning Finals MVP honors to boot during one of the most dominant individual postseason runs in recent memory. No one could blame him if he left for L.A. now, given that he brought the Larry O’Brien up north past the U.S. border for the first time ever.
With that being said, it’s also hard to see the Klaw leaving a group he just won a title with. The top of the East is far more competitive than out West, but the bottom is much easier to navigate during the regular season. “Load management” isn’t as much of an option out West, and while Kawhi might want to live in L.A. still, the Raptors look like the best basketball fit.
Most points ever scored in a single postseason:
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) June 14, 2019
1. Michael Jordan (1992): 759
2. LeBron James (2018): 748
3. Kawhi Leonard (2019): 732
Kawhi is the only player in NBA history to tally at least 700 points, 200 rebounds and 50 made 30-pointers in one postseason run. https://t.co/W8RlUtaRcn
Kyle Lowry will be another year older, but after watching him shrug off years of playoff demons against the defending champs on basketball’s grandest stage, no one should doubt him anymore. Pascal Siakam became a legitimate star and will likely win Most Improved Player honors for it. Fred VanVleet is a killer off the bench, and Marc Gasol remains a stout defensive presence despite his age.
Gasol would be foolish to opt out of his $25.6 million player option for next season, which makes Danny Green the only other notable free agent Toronto has to worry about this summer. This group could very easily run it back next year, with a healthy OG Anunoby stepping in for Green if he leaves. If Kawhi Leonard wants to win more titles, he’ll re-sign with the Raptors. And if that happens, especially with the Warriors on the mend, they would be the heavy favorites to repeat in 2020.