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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Toronto Raptors are in a different kind of position right now than a lot of NBA teams. They're kind of in a pickle.
While other teams around the league made moves and reshaped their rosters this offseason, Toronto has been stuck in neutral as it waits for the conclusion of the Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration investigation. Until that situation is settled, it's difficult to know what this team will actually look like when the season begins.
That's a pretty big swing, too. If the Raptors are able to bring back Leonard, that's huge. Adding a two-time Finals MVP with championship experience would instantly raise the expectations around the franchise and give Toronto one of the most talented groups in the Eastern Conference.
A healthy Leonard still changes games. His ability to create offense, defend multiple positions and handle pressure situations is something very few players in the league can provide. For a team looking to make a serious playoff push, that kind of experience is super valuable.
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But if the deal doesn't happen, Toronto will be moving forward with a roster that looks very similar to last season's group.
The Raptors did lose Sandro Mamukelashvili in free agency, which takes away a useful piece from the bench. He gave Toronto energy and versatility in limited minutes, and replacing that production won't be automatic. The team did add first-round pick Allen Graves, giving the roster another young player to develop.
For now, the biggest question isn't about what Toronto added. It's about what the team is still waiting on. And, they wait.
Leonard has already shown he can perform under pressure and on the biggest stage. If Toronto gets that version of him, the entire outlook is positive. If not, it's not negative but not quite as good.
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Really, if not, the Raptors will have to focus on continued growth from their current group and hope another season together brings out more consistency.
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