Toronto Raptors: 3 players set for breakout seasons

After a pivotal free agency, the Toronto Raptors are still sitting on their throne as NBA champions, though some guys will have to step up in 2019-20.

These past few months have been insane for the organization of the Toronto Raptors and its fanbase.

First, they secured their first NBA Finals appearance, engraving their name in history as the only non-U.S. team to achieve this feat. Then, they dethroned the –at the time– two-time defending NBA champions, Golden State Warriors, by defeating them in six games.

What followed was a great and emotional championship celebration in Oakland which took place a couple of days before the main parade which took place in Canada in front of a horde of countless Raptors fans cheering and applauding the team’s performances.

Unfortunately, though, not everything would turn out to be pleasant in the 2019 offseason, after an otherwise delightful NBA season. The team’s superstar, Kawhi Leonard, decided against resigning with the team, taking his talents straight to LAX to play for the LA Clippers.

Fellow ex-Raptor Danny Green also opted against re-signing with the team, joining cities and stadiums with Kawhi, though their jerseys would ultimately be different for the first time in the NBA as he inked a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, set for the defending season of the trophy, the Raptors will face numerous difficulties on their quest as forever NBA champions.

Saying that these Raptors have remained NBA contenders is preposterous. They just don’t have the offensive firepower to keep up with some of the NBA’s scoring colossi. But they have continued being an elite defensive team and a certain lock for a mid to high playoff spot.

It is a common occurrence whenever a team loses a big star to see some of the other guys step up and have a breakout season. The question is, who will it be for the Toronto Raptors? Here are three of the hottest candidates for the job.