D’Antoni Believes Raptors Are Still A Threat
It has been a summer of change at the Toronto Raptors following the departure of Kawhi Leonard to the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, one man that believes it is too soon to rule out the Raptors as potential NBA champions is Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.
Speaking to media outlets, he said: “They’re one of the teams again, that even without Kawhi Leonard will be contending for a title. They have a lot of players that can play. Now, will it be harder? Maybe. Kawhi is obviously Kawhi, but they’ll still be one of the top teams (in the NBA).”
Of course, Leonard was the diamond the in rough that nothing would have been possible without, but there was far more to that championship winning side than just him.
Make no mistake about it, there is still high-quality in this team. Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry will be at the front of that.
Meanwhile, Serge Ibaka will be back for another season, and Fred VanFleet has some serious talent. That isn’t even mentioning that there will be more to come from Pascal Siakam this season.
Very few players have ever won back-to-back most improved accolades but a strong season for him and he could break that duck.
It’s hard to see where his claims could be misplaced. One player doesn’t make the team, and the Raptors will be expected to compete.
Peace,
Burke.
