Toronto Raptors starting lineup: Locks, fringe, potential break-ins

The championship contention window is closing on the Toronto Raptors quickly. How should their 2020-21 starting lineup take shape?

The Toronto Raptors offseason may be more defined by what was lost than what was gained. Seeing both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka walk out the door hurt, even if both are clearly past the prime of their careers. They both contributed greatly to the Raptors’ first title and they’ll never be forgotten because of it.

Still, the Raptors made the key move of retaining emerging guard Fred VanVleet for the next four years. Combined with the presence of Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, Toronto remains contenders in the Eastern Conference for 2020-21.

In VanVleet and Siakam, the Raptors have their building blocks of the future. In Lowry, they have a centerpiece for now. And in OG Anunoby, they have a player who the franchise expects and hopes will become a major part of the core going forward.

This is going to be a highly unusual season for the Raptors. While most teams are coping as best they can with the coronavirus pandemic, the Raptors are on the move, as playing in Canada wasn’t a feasible option this year. The Raptors will be making Tampa their home for the coming year.

Just because the Raptors are uprooted, however, doesn’t mean they can’t contend for their second title in three years. The Eastern Conference is gaining strength, but it’s still ripe for the taking. Here’s how the Raptors’ starting lineup is taking shape for this pivotal season.