Toronto Raptors 2020-21 NBA Season Preview & Prediction - Key Acquisitions, Complete Roster and Starting 5
The Toronto Raptors will go into the 2020-21 NBA season with high expectations, despite crashing out of the 2nd round of playoffs in the previous campaign. The Raptors will be looking to contend for a championship, and put their weak offseason, which saw them lose a few key players, behind them.
Toronto Raptors 2020-21 NBA Season Preview: The expectation will be to win a Championship
The Toronto Raptors had a strong outing in the 19-20 NBA regular season, as the team finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference. However, the 2019 NBA Champions failed to get past the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, losing the series in 7 games.
However, with the young talent at their disposal, as well as the presence of Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry, Nick Nurse and his men will set their eyes on the NBA Championship. The Raptors will depend on the backcourt pairing of Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet to lead them to their second title.
Toronto Raptors 2019-20 NBA Season Record
Regular Season: 53-19
Eastern Conference: Semi-Finalists
Key Acquisitions
Alex Len and Aron Baynes - Center, DeAndre Bembry - Forward
The Toronto Raptors had a quiet offseason by their standards, making only two signings of note. The biggest priority for the Raptors was to retain point guard Fred VanVleet, which they were able to do, as they tied him down to a 4-year contract.
The goal for the Raptors wasn’t to go after big free agents or high draft picks in this year’s draft; it was to continue the player development of their young assets. Aron Baynes and Alex Len will help the team's 3-point shooting and paint defense. Meanwhile, DeAndre Bembry will play a critical role in improving their perimeter defense.
Also read: Boston Celtics 2020-21 NBA Season Preview & Prediction - Key Acquisitions, Complete Roster and Starting 5
Toronto Raptors Predicted Lineup
Point Guard - Kyle Lowry, Shooting Guard - Fred VanVleet, Small Forward - Pascal Siakam, Power Forward - OG Anunoby, Center - Aron Baynes
Complete Roster
OG Anunoby, DeAndre Bembry, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Aron Baynes, Chris Boucher, Terence Davis, Stanley Johnson, Alex Len, Matt Thomas, Norman Powell, Malcolm Miller
Overview
The Toronto Raptors will expect to replicate their 2019 championship win. However, repeating the success of that historic season will be difficult, considering how weak the current roster is compared to two years ago. A realistic objective would be to make the playoffs in a stacked Eastern Conference and then make a run at one of the superstars in the 2021 Free Agency class.
Another objective for the Toronto Raptors would be to retain the services of Masai Ujiri, who has played a pivotal role in their ascent to contender status. Nick Nurse and the Toronto Raptors have a critical season ahead, and their attempt to form a dynasty will hinge on their on-court performances.
Prediction for Toronto Raptors 2020-21 season
Despite being projected as a title contender, the realistic ceiling for this Toronto Raptors squad is making the NBA Playoffs. The Raptors possess the ability to cause a few upsets in the postseason, but it will be difficult considering how strong the Eastern Conference is this year.
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