Toronto Raptors’ five biggest questions going into the 2018-19 season

2. How does Kyle Lowry adapt without DeMar DeRozan?

Despite a widely publicized friendship between Lowry and DeRozan, the Raptors chose to take a chance, trading away the latter.

Lowry has yet to comment in the offseason on the organizations’ falling back on their word, shipping off his backcourt mate days after publicly denying trade rumors.

The two formed one of the greatest guard duos in the league, combining to average 39.2 points and 12.1 assists per game.

On the third team of his career, Lowry already has a grasp of the way business is done in the NBA. Recovering from the loss of not only his teammate but a friend off the court will be a big storyline for a team that chose to risk the future of their franchise on the likes of Leonard.

If Leonard is unable to live up to his top-five billing, rumblings of unhappiness are sure to leak from Lowry’s camp. A disgruntled Lowry would all-but destroy the Raptors’ chances at advancing in the Eastern Conference postseason.

Lowry has been part of trade rumors himself during his tenure in Toronto, and would likely seek a transaction if the Raptors’ front office fails to handle the situation properly.