The Toronto Raptors are off to a scalding hot start this season. After road wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, some even feel they may be the best team in the NBA.
Now, on one hand, the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard has obviously played a significant role in that. But then, one sees the Raptors' 7-1 record without Leonard this season and realizes that Toronto's success runs deeper than just Leonard.
The Raptors have a ton of depth, which was a major strength of theirs last season, as well. But this year, youngsters like Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby have been even more impressive, and veterans like Greg Monroe have become more accepting of lesser roles.
With Toronto going small, Monroe has essentially been stuck at the end of the bench for most of the year, but after Jonas Valanciunas went down with a thumb injury against the Warriors, Monroe stepped in with five points and five rebounds in seven minutes.
Once a top option on the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks, Monroe could find it easily to lament his lack of playing time, but instead, he is rolling with the punches.
“It’s about winning,” said Monroe, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic. “That’s what good teams have to do to win. People have to sacrifice. People have to make adjustments. That’s what happened. The change in the team was huge, the lineup changes. We have different players. Guys have done a great job of being unselfish, not letting it affect how they’ve played.”
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse certainly seems to be doing a solid job of building a positive culture in Toronto, and that may end up playing a pivotal role in Leonard's free agency decision over the summer.
While many feel Leonard will bolt for Los Angeles, a good atmosphere in T-Dot could go a long way in convincing him to re-up with the Raptors.
Toronto is currently 23-7 and owns the best record in the NBA.
Follow Us
Subscribe