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Toronto Raptors: Answering all offseason FAQs

By Mike Bossetti

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The NBA offseason is almost finished. With the offseason nearly over, we decided to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Question: Besides Kawhi Leonard, did the Raptors make any significant acquisitions?

Kind of. Unless you consider Chris Boucher a significant acquisition, Toronto didn’t make any additional moves. However, in the same trade they also added Danny Green. A starter on one of the best teams in the league the past 6.5 years, Green’s value is being undersold.

Question: Will Kawhi Leonard re-sign with Toronto beyond this year?

Probably not, but it is possible. I’d say 15-percent for the time being, with the possibility to increase if Toronto is better than expected.

Question: Did the Raptors do anything wrong trading away DeMar DeRozan?

No! This is the NBA and players get traded. DeRozan was great for the franchise and Raptor fans should never forget what he accomplished.

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But, Masai Ujiri has a job to do and his job is to make the Raptors better. Sometimes that involves trading players. No one sheds a tear when a player is cut, so it feels hypocritical that Ujiri should feel guilty sending DeRozan to one of the best organizations in sports.

Question: What is Toronto’s biggest weakness heading into the season?

Probably the back-up center position, although those worries may be oversold. At this point in his career, Serge Ibaka should likely be playing a large percentage of minutes at center anyways.

Yes, the Raptors need a third center in case of injury, but those players are a dime-a-dozen on the free-agent market.

Question: Are the Raptors the best team in the East?

At this point I’d still say no. The Boston Celtics took the Cleveland Cavaliers (you know, the team that swept Toronto) to seven games without their two best players. Boston projects to be just as good defensively as Toronto and slightly more versatile on offense. Toronto is in the conversation, but not quite number one yet.

Question: Who is the starting five for next season?

I’m not sure even the Toronto coaching staff knows the answer to this question yet. Earlier I speculated on the possible starting lineup. However with so many versatile players, the Raptors have several viable options.

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Question: What are the chances Toronto makes the finals?

I’d say 35-percent at the moment. I’ll go with 50-percent Boston, 35-Toronto, 10-Philadelphia, and 5-percent other.

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