Toronto Raptors: Five reasons Toronto is a title contender

The Toronto Raptors are poised for the best season in franchise history. Here are five reasons why the Raptors are title contenders this season.

The NBA season is underway, and the Toronto Raptors are off to an exciting start. Through the first five games of the season, the Raptors remain undefeated and poised to be a true contender this year.

Here are five notable factors for the team’s success.

Kawhi Leonard is good, really good.

Raptors fans didn’t know what to expect when the team traded for Kawhi Leonard. Would his quad injury linger and damper his play this season? Would he return to his MVP caliber form?

Through the first four games of the season, it is easy to say that Kawhi Leonard is back. He looks as good as ever and should the Raptors continue their success, he will be in the running for MVP and defensive player of the year once again.

So far he is averaging 25.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 2.7 APG.  Kawhi Leonard is shooting exceptionally efficient from the field and the free throw line while continuing his lock-down defensive play. He is proving why he is the best player in the Eastern Conference, and why the Raptors should be considered a force to be reckoned with.

His conditioning and teammate-chemistry will continue to improve as the season progresses, but so far Leonard looks very promising.

If Kawhi Leonard can remain healthy all year (knock on wood), he could lead the Raptors to their first ever finals appearance.