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Predicting The Makeup Of The Toronto Raptors In 2021

By Gavin Axelrod

Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 4: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on April 4, 2018 in Toronto, 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 4: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on April 4, 2018 in Toronto, 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

We flash forward three years in the future to envision what the Toronto Raptors may look like.

It has been a busy summer for the Toronto Raptors. A coaching search has come to an end and Kawhi Leonard was acquired in a blockbuster trade. The 2018-2019 Raptors will look much different than the past season.

With all things considered, imagine what this team would look like in three years time. Where will Kyle Lowry be? Will Leonard stay in Toronto? Do the Raptors’ young studs evolve or fade away?

It’s time to do a little bit of time travel and make some bold predictions.

It is the 2021-2022 season. These Toronto Raptors look the same yet different.

Kyle Lowry is now 35. Although he still plays like a young pit bull, it is clear that Lowry’s career is drawing to a close. The aging veteran has passed the torch to  Fred VanVleet.

At 27-years of age VanVleet is in his prime. He has blossomed into a strong leader both on and off the court for Toronto. Once a member of the bench mob, VanVleet now possess the keys to the entire ship.

Another member of the old bench mob is thriving too. Pascal Siakam has flourished in his role as a new breed of “point forwards.” He has become a hybrid of big man and point guard, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists per game.

Siakam’s development comes largely in part from his mentor Serge Ibaka. The now 32-year old took Siakam under his wing and it paid off big time.

As for Jonas Valanciunas his time as a member of the Toronto Raptors ended in 2020. With the NBA going smaller-and-smaller every year Valanciunas quickly became expandable. However, JV did raise his three-point shooting percentage from 40.5% in 2018 to 48%.

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