As with the Leafs, the Raptors have also gone through some major changes since winning the 2019 championship. Most particularly, Kyle Lowry the longest-standing Raptor and basically the greatest Raptor of all time, has taken his talents to the Miami Heat to play alongside his buddy Jimmy Butler on south beach. This signals a new era where Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr, and Chris Boucher are the new leaders and best players on the team. I’m not sure how many people expect big things from the Raptors this season as it will most likely be a transition season. The Raptors situation is much different than the Leafs, and the pressure on this team is much less. Fans and media alike should temper expectations till we see what this team actually is. Having said that, it will be interesting to see how well this team fares because last year was basically a total write-off. They were in Tampa Bay and had the disadvantage of not being able to play in front of the home fans, no other team had to deal with this reality because of the pandemic. Personally, I’m looking to see growth from guys like Boucher, Fred, and Pascal because they are the ones who will take this team as far as it’s going to go. Also, last season I liked Yuta Watanabe’s game, looking to see more from him this season. Additionally, continued growth from hometown kid recently drafted Dalano Banton. Goran Dragic brings that veteran presence which the Raps lost with Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell gone prior to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Khem Birch has to step up and play like how Serge Ibaka played while he was on the team. Having a reliable big man who can not only make buckets but also be a good rim protector is vital to team success. Out of all the players on the Raptors roster in my opinion OG Anunoby has the most star potential, yes above even Pascal Siakam. He has been described as a Swiss army type of player who brings value in many different ways. This means that if he continues to develop and reach what people think he is capable of, we could have a second Kawhi Leonard on our hands, I wish lol. Yes yes, I know that’s a bit of a stretch but I’m sure he believes the sky is the limit for himself. If he continues his upward development/trend. He is only 24, people tend to forget that and is still growing into a more well-rounded player just entering his prime. My prediction for this team is that they just make the playoffs as an 8 seed, I’m willing to go as high as a 5 seed but only time will tell. Of course, the teams around the Raptors are pretty good too, so it will not be an easy feat to just make the playoffs. Lots of competition, not enough playoff spots though, it’s very possible they don’t make the playoffs, never know time shall reveal it all. Raptors have to play the Brooklyn Nets which are a powerhouse now, they have tons of star power. Boston plays the Raps tough because that team always seems to be good and fired up to play us for some reason. Philly has an ongoing rivalry with the Raptors since their legendary 7 game series in the 2019 playoffs which was ultimately a title year for the Raptors. Cleveland is an up-and-coming team with young talent, and last but certainly not least the Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champions, and they are a handful any time the Raps face them.
Ultimately, the Raptors will need to outscore their opponents on the backs of VanVleet, Siakam, Boucher, OG, and Trent Jr, if they hope to make any noise this season. However, it’s on the defensive end that will determine whether this team is just a playoff team or maybe a dark horse sleeper type team to go further in the playoffs. Remember that old saying, defence wins championships. At least that was the case when the Raps won in 2019. Yes, sure they could score but it was their ability as a team to defend the rim and block/steal plays, all the little things that get overlooked which took them to the promised land at the end of the day making the difference. Exciting to have the Raptors back home in TO! You know the fans will be fired up and raucous for every single home game. Toronto is known worldwide to have some of the best sports fans around, and Raps fans are case and point to that. If a player plays with heart and soul giving it their all, they are adored and cherished by the home faithful, that’s the beauty of playing here, you always get what you give in return and then some. Looking forward to the start of the season and checking out some games at the Scotiabank arena again, now that COVID is dying down (Hopefully lol). It is always a good atmosphere to be a part of. I’m not expecting this team to be a powerhouse, but I do expect them to be a gritty team that plays till the final buzzer and does not give up, basically hard to play against. This style of play is what has become known as the Raptors style of basketball on the court, they should not deviate, stay the course good things take time and patience to build.
Lastly, I think everyone surrounding the Raptors, fans, and media alike have a renewed sense of hope for a brand-new start. They are also quite sure Masai Ujiri (who re-signed in the summer) can bring them back to championship status. If anyone knows how to build a team from the ground up, its him and people can be very confident in knowing that. His signing specifically, was the single biggest one to this team because of the intangibles and value he brings as Raptors president. He represents much more than just basketball, has a real love affair with not only Toronto and the Raptors, but Canada as a whole. Ujiri brings optimism, positivity, and thinking outside the box, he is a true leader and role model for others to look up to, just the way he carries himself and speaks. Masai knows what building a true winner means to this community and how passionate the Raptors fanbase are here. Not to mention, he is also a really good recruit of players from the USA and abroad to come and play here. There are no words to describe how much of an asset he is, being as good at the business side of basketball as with the people part of it, very rare combo to have. His energy rubs off on everyone he comes in contact with and is the ultimate hype man for Toronto and Canada. I’m positive he will equip the Raptors sooner or later with the tools required to become another champion in the next few years, another bold prediction by me, your welcome lol!! Here is to a successful season and campaign for the Raptors because I can tell you one thing. If Masai can bring the Raptors another NBA title, building a statue of him outside the Scotiabank arena or city hall is not entirely out of the question, I could see that lol. That’s how crazy it would be, and much he would be loved and appreciated for sticking around long enough to see that magical run happen once again. Enough memories to last a lifetime is the best way to put it quite simply.
As always, LET’S GO RAPTORS!!
Until the next one, signing off
Matt
(Team 6ixhappening)