After the departure of Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2019, after the title won against the Warriors, one would think that the Raptors would fall in the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference.
But between the explosion of Pascal Siakam at the highest level, the progress of Fred VanVleet and the inventiveness of Nick Nurse, Toronto has managed to maintain and hold its rank as defending champion. Until the suspension of the season in March, the Raptors were indeed one of the most impressive teams in the league and one of the most enjoyable to watch, especially on the defensive level with its patterns intended to stifle the opposing stars.
Then, on the restart, something broke for Pascal Siakam. The star could not find the rhythm and it was a hell of a handicap to pass the obstacle in the playoffs. Admittedly, the Celtics needed a Game 7 to eliminate Toronto in the conference semifinals, but we remember that with an improbable shot from OG Anunoby close, the Raptors were perhaps out in four small games. …
SHORT CONTRACTS UNTIL 2021 …
While there was no revolution in Toronto this fall, changes have nevertheless taken place. Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, two executives in the conquest of the 2019 title, left for Los Angeles – the first to the Clippers, the second to the Lakers. It is therefore the sixth man and the starting pivot in less, and it is not an easy duo to replace. On paper, Masai Ujiri didn’t really succeed. The rookies Aron Baynes and Alex Len bring size and weight, but less technical and offensive guarantees all the same.
In the wings, the arrival of DeAndre ‘Bembry also goes in this direction. A powerful player who can help the rebound, the former Hawks is not a 3-point threat. With Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, even if both are aging, the Raptors have lost technical finesse, points and experience and especially recovered muscle in return (even if Aron Baynes can now shoot from afar). This is especially useful with a view to a duel against the Bucks, the Sixers or the Heat in the playoffs, and no doubt that Toronto will still display an excellent defensive level in 2021, but that may not be enough.
It must be said that Masai Ujiri has done everything to keep a maximum salary margin for the free agency 2021, offering almost only guaranteed contracts only the first year, so that the Raptors can position themselves to welcome Giannis Antetokounmpo if the latter wants leave the Bucks …
A REVENGE FOR SIAKAM, A CONFIRMATION FOR VANVLEET
Good news in the short term all the same for Toronto: Fred VanVleet has extended for the next four seasons. His duet with Kyle Lowry, who has found his balance, will thus continue. From now on, the “combo guard” will have to assume his new contract. Since he exploded during the second part of the 2019 playoffs he has progressed, but there, between the starts and his status, we will expect even more from the small back.
Pascal Siakam, he owes revenge to his teammates. Unrecognizable in the “bubble”, less sharp and clumsy at the worst moment, the Cameroonian is now the leader, with Kyle Lowry, of the Raptors. Its very barometer. He and Fred VanVleet have an obligation to take it up a notch in order to provide solutions to Nick Nurse.
The latter’s mission is to keep this collective alchemy installed since 2018 and which works, in attack as in defense, so well. The coach has lost talent in recent weeks, but last season, he found ways to fill the void left by Kawhi Leonard.
The rookies, Nick Nurse, Pascal Siakam or even Fred VanVleet: everyone will have to evolve at their best if the Raptors want to stay in the Top 4 in the East, which is constantly the case since the 2013-2014 season!
Especially since a data is still to be taken into account: because of the sanitary situation and the closure of the USA / Canada border, the franchise will not operate in Toronto this season, but in Tampa, Florida. To what extent can this change of environment upset the players?
THE SUMMER MOVEMENTS
Arrivals : Malachi Flynn, Fred VanVleet, Chris Boucher, Aron Baynes (Suns), DeAndre’ Bembry (Hawks), Alex Len (Hawks)
Departures : Serge Ibaka (Clippers), Marc Gasol (Lakers)
THE PLAYER TO WATCH: PASCAL SIAKAM
Kyle Lowry has passed the age of being the “franchise player” of the Raptors and he is above all the soul of this team. Fred VanVleet does not yet have the shoulders and he must already digest this new contract, and confirm.
With his trophy for best progress in 2019, then his participation in the All-Star Game and finally his election in an All-NBA Teams in 2020, it is therefore Pascal Siakam the true face of Toronto. He also has the salary that goes with it since he begins his contract extension signed in 2019 and will receive $ 29 million in 2020-2021.
His passage in the “bubble” can be considered as a mishap, a simple departure from the road as happens in a career, if it bounces back this season. This will require the return of Pascal Siakam, cutting edge on the sequences of transitions, precise near the circle and progressing to 3-pts.
Without their winger at his best, the Raptors won’t get as far as the last two years.
