Toronto Raptors Roundtable: NBA Finals keys to the series, predictions, and more
How will Kevin Durant and DeMarcus cousins potential return impact the Warriors/Raptors chances?
Mark Birdsell:
The trio of Curry/Thompson/Green is one of the toughest to defend in the entire NBA. The fact that the Warriors were able to add Kevin Durant is just unfair to the rest of the league. The Warriors have won two straight titles since they added Durant and he has been named Finals MVP both times.
Despite all of the drama that has surrounded the Warriors this season, they still entered the playoffs as heavy favourites to repeat. If Durant is healthy the Raptors will have to play perfectly in order to have a chance in this series.
Mike Bossetti:
Kevin Durant gives the Warriors another option, particularly when the game slows down, to attack the Raptors defense. He’s a skilled isolation scorer, and the Warriors best option to attack switches.
Boogie? I’m not sure it really matters. With Durant out, he can help the team by giving them another guy to score when Curry sits. However, his defensive limitations and high usage can actually be a detriment at times. Cousins is probably a slight positive, but nothing compared to the impact Durant has.
Go Paolo:
Durant is a game-changer. With him, the Warriors can go into another mode in the halfcourt. Having him impacts Leonard as his defensive assignment changes. And Durant can also neutralize Leonard. Cousins could also be the low-post presence, another gear, for the Warriors although his presence has been more of a detriment to the team than a boon.
William Ricks:
KD and Boogie’s returns will greatly impact each team’s chances. Durant alone will make things hard for Toronto. Before his injury, he was dominating the playoff alongside Kawhi Leonard. That would be a hell of a matchup to watch, but KD would greatly help the Warriors and hurt the Raptors. Boogie would give GS another scorer and respectable defender at least on the interior. Both additions would hurt a Raptors’ team on a short rotation.