Shocking Kawhi Leonard reality is an absolute game-changer for the Raptors

In one of many extra stunning NBA offseason strikes, the Toronto Raptors traded for his or her former star, Kawhi Leonard. His return is years within the making and will flip the Raptors into contenders as soon as once more.

In fact, it price them a fairly penny with them having to surrender an All-Star in Brandon Ingram, a former lottery decide in Gradey Dick, and two unprotected first-round picks. Nonetheless, that could be value it to the Raptors.

Though Leonard remains to be a reasonably polarizing participant, he’s additionally among the finest within the NBA. In actual fact, final season, on the age of 35, he had, arguably, the most effective season of his profession. Nonetheless, there are damage considerations with him solely enjoying 68 video games final season.

Regardless of that, the Raptors desperately wanted a giant transfer to enter title rivalry, and one statistic confirms that Leonard is the participant to assist get them there.

Kawhi Leonard actuality is an absolute game-changer for the Raptors

There was lots of scrutiny over the quantity of belongings the Raptors gave up for Leonard, and rightfully so. They gave up a haul for a 35-year-old who routinely misses 30 video games a season.

Nonetheless, the hole between Ingram and Leonard cannot be understated. Leonard is an enormous improve over Ingram, and the numbers solely affirm that.

Contemplating that the Raptors received 46 video games final season and made the playoffs, they might be meaningfully higher with Leonard within the fold.

The East remains to be up for grabs, regardless of the New York Knicks being the reigning champions. Making a giant push may make Toronto the darkish horse candidate to make the Japanese Convention Finals subsequent season.

The Raptors are nonetheless Scottie Barnes‘ crew even with Kawhi

Kawhi could also be their famous person as soon as once more, however Barnes remains to be their future. Due to this fact, he ought to be their centerpiece. Having Kawhi as his 1A co-star is actually higher than what they’d final season.

Enhancing the caliber of gamers round him will solely up his recreation, with him making massive strides offensively and being an elite defensive participant. Kawhi is type of a bridge, serving to a youngish crew contend now whereas setting Barnes and firm up for the long run.

With the East nonetheless up for grabs, the best-case situation is that Barnes positive aspects loads of playoff expertise and ups his recreation to match Kawhi’s. If that occurs, then this already large gamble by the Raptors turns into a no brainer.