The 2018-19 NBA season was unquestionably the greatest year in the history of the Toronto Raptors franchise.
What began with a controversial trade to send beloved franchise hero DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for mercurial superstar Kawhi Leonard ended in glory. Leonard embarked on one of the greatest postseason runs in NBA history en route to the first championship in Raptors history.
The Raptors fan base was as impressive as Leonard's play throughout the postseason. They packed Scotiabank Arena and flooded “Jurassic Park,” rivaling Golden State as one of the loudest and raucous crowds in the league. Canadians around the country attended the team's championship parade.
For his part, Leonard became somewhat of a folk hero in Canada. His inspiring play and growing appreciation for the organization–not to mention the fact that the team won the NBA title–prompted a number of reporters to speculate whether or not he would return to Toronto when free agency opened.
However, though he gave the Raptors the opportunity to try to land Paul George and retain his services in the process, Leonard would eventually join the Los Angeles Clippers. “The Claw” may not be in town any longer, but the Raptors should still be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.
Here are three reasons for Raptors fans to be excited about the 2019-20 season.
3. What will happen to Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol?
Lowry and Gasol could be two of the more intriguing figures to watch this season. Gasol accepted his one-year player option with the Raptors, but his return to Toronto feels diminished without Leonard accompanying him as well.
Meanwhile, Lowry–who has a case as the best player in franchise history–will turn 34 next March, and he will be a free agent after this season.
There is a very real possibility that sees the Raptors dealing both Gasol and Lowry at or before the trade deadline in order to capitalize on their value before risking their potential departure(s) in free agency.
Alternatively, both Lowry and Gasol are instrumental to Toronto's success this season. Lowry has vanquished his postseason demons (though the Raptors will hope that he can stay healthy), and Gasol grew into his role as a stretch big in Toronto, especially in the playoffs.
What will the Raptors do with these two veterans?
If they cannot compete for a title, might general manager Masai Ujiri look to stockpile assets around the likes of Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet?
2. Still a beast in the East?
Yes, the Raptors lost Leonard, but are they still one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference? Remember, the Raptors had the best record in the East before Leonard arrived.
Sure, Toronto still had a second star in DeRozan at the time, but perhaps Siakam can take that leap and become a legitimate two-way star himself.
With most of the roster returning and Gasol feeling more comfortable with his new teammates, this is easily one of the better teams in the East. For good measure, the Raptors added Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson this summer, two players that should complement the roster very nicely.
Of course, it is rather unlikely that the defending champions would be able to defeat any of the elite teams in the Western Conference, but as this past year proved, you never know what can happen in the playoffs.
1. A new franchise player?
Speaking of Siakam, his development is easily the biggest storyline for the Raptors this season.
After showing some signs of growth through his first two seasons in the league, Siakam exploded onto the NBA scene last year. His scoring average jumped by close to 10 points per game (16.9), and he also averaged close to seven boards and three assists while shooting nearly 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Given his length and athleticism, Siakam suddenly looks like someone with unbridled potential.
His possible development into a star player could make him a building block in Toronto, and even alter the course of the Raptors season.
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