5 reasons to be optimistic about Raptors entering 2026-27 season
It was pretty easy to be optimistic about the Toronto Raptors back in May, when they were coming off a dramatic seven-game first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was the exclamation point on a 46-win regular season that represented a 16-win jump from the year before. Scottie Barnes opened eyes around the NBA with […]
1. The Toronto Raptors showed improvement from a 46-win regular season in the 2024-25 season to a more competitive roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
2. The signing of Kawhi Leonard, a seven-time all-NBA selection, significantly boosted the team's expectations and overall competitiveness.
3. Leonard's impressive playoff performance for the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 27.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, highlights his value to the team.
4. Leonard's strengths, such as his ball-hawking ability, elite three-point shooting, and defensive prowess, align well with the Raptors' defensive identity and offensive strengths.
5. The addition of Leonard and the departure of RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram suggest that the Raptors will be a stronger team overall, possibly challenging the Eastern Conference elite and reaching the conference finals or beyond.
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