The Toronto Raptors took a step in the right direction last year, as they got back to the playoffs, and pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. If it weren’t for some unfortunate injuries, the Raptors could have made it to the second round.
This offseason, Toronto was at the forefront of headlines, as they agreed to a trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back north. The trade has not been made official yet, as Leonard was under investigation due to potential salary cap circumvention with the Clippers, but the NBA did not find any foul play according to reports.
The trade will likely go through at some point this month and if it does, then the East has to prepare themselves for a dangerous Raptors squad.
Toronto is set to make some serious noise in the East next year
Leonard’s arrival would greatly help Scottie Barnes, who was the ultimate swiss army knife for the Raptors last year. Barnes was an All-Star and in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. He was absolutely sensational in the series against the Cavaliers, showing off his elite two-way ability.
Barnes and Leonard have the chance to be the best two-way wing duo in the sport next year. Leonard quietly had one of the better years of his career last season and if LA was just a little bit higher in the standings, he would have a legit case for All-NBA first team and maybe even the MVP conversation.
The Raptors also have great supporting pieces to surround them in Immanuel Quickley, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and others. RJ Barrett offers them a secondary scoring threat and picking Allen Graves late in the first round was a home run selection.
This Toronto team is littered with defending, rebounding, and switchability. They were one of the best defensive teams in the league last year and that will likely be the case again. Now, they have a dynamic scoring duo to help the offense, which was a struggle in the playoffs. Having two versatile scorers in the halfcourt in Leonard and Barnes will make life easier for everyone.
The East is going to be loaded next season, but the Raptors will very much be in the mix. They took a step last year and with a new star duo on the way, they seem primed for another leap this year.
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