The Toronto Raptors goals this season are set to be markedly different than in 2017-18. DeMar DeRozan being shipped out to San Antonio alongside Jakob Poeltl for the stoic star, Kawhi Leonard, and ‘3-and-D ‘specialist, Danny Green, changed the trajectory of the franchise short term.
Last season they finished with the 2nd most wins in the league during the regular season before fizzling out yet again in a disappointing playoff performance. Raptors fans would surely take a less successful regular season if it meant greater outcomes in the postseason.
Boston seem to the unanimous pick to come out of the East next year. Their coaching and elite talent combined with enviable depth leave them in a prime position to take hold of the now LeBron-less Eastern Conference. Toronto with their new coach, Nick Nurse will hold no fears though. They possessed the best bench last season and have increased their postseason ceiling with a proven playoff performer and MVP caliber player.
A healthy Toronto squad could put some much needed fears in Golden State with big man Serge Ibaka having the potential to be an X-factor. There are still a few holes in the Raptors armour. They lack any real frontcourt presence despite the improvement of Jonas Valanciunas and the addition of former Celtic, Greg Monroe. Kyle Lowry will have some naysayers to prove wrong especially with the departure of his backcourt partner in crime.
Taking all that into account, let’s dive into 3 goals for the team heading into the 2018-19 season.
