The Raptors always make early season statements; that's who they are. Luckily LeBron isn't there anymore to single-handedly destroy them when the real season starts.
They did the right thing by breaking up the Trash Bros, but the risk here obviously is whether or not they can lock up Kawhi long term. I doubt they will, as Kawhi will realize he needs another bonafide star to beat the Warriors.
I have to think they can challenge Boston this year if they stay healthy, but Kawhi's injury history is another reason to be cautious. Gut feeling is Boston takes the East. Toronto needs another trigger man to beat Boston in a seven-game series IMO.
We all have to remember that the Eastern Conference championship is just a ticket to get wiped out by Golden State.
They did the right thing by breaking up the Trash Bros, but the risk here obviously is whether or not they can lock up Kawhi long term. I doubt they will, as Kawhi will realize he needs another bonafide star to beat the Warriors.
I have to think they can challenge Boston this year if they stay healthy, but Kawhi's injury history is another reason to be cautious. Gut feeling is Boston takes the East. Toronto needs another trigger man to beat Boston in a seven-game series IMO.
We all have to remember that the Eastern Conference championship is just a ticket to get wiped out by Golden State.
Thanks, I actually wanted the Celts to deal for him when this all went down even if it meant giving up Tatum/other assets off his stellar 2018 playoffs. Kawhi Leonard is a different beast when healthy. This was an unpopular opinion at the time as most thought the Celts should just stand pat, get Kyrie/Hayward back and run it back. I thought this was a bit results oriented because the East was about to get a lot better. I like Tatum but his 2018 playoffs was a bit of an aberration, I mean I think he's good but I don't really ever see him reaching a top 10 level.
Maybe it wouldn't have worked out as perfectly for the Celts as Toronto but when these elite talents come available I think you gotta risk it. Ainge got a little too comfortable with the status quo and then the Celts had a lot of indians and no real chief this year.
http://www.therxforum.com/showthread.php?t=1109087&highlight=kawhi+leonard
Sometimes people just kinda have a way of romanticizing young talent and overrating their own players. Easy bias to have. Fans and front office alike.
