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The Raptors’ 2018-19 season ended in unbelievable fashion: with an NBA championship. Now let’s look back at how the year went for each member of the team.
With the title secured, let’s review the year for each member of the Toronto Raptors in 2018-19, from Kawhi and Kyle, right on down to Boucher and Loyd. Who rose to the occasion? Who needs to improve? Who is likely to be back with the team next season — and who is already gone?
All these questions — and more — are answered within.
The Raptors are still high on the potential of OG Anunoby, their forward of the future. But after a season filled with setbacks, where is OG at now with his career? Let’s review.
The Raptors welcomed Marc Gasol to the team at the trade deadline. In short order, the big Spaniard became the team’s starting centre, but also something more than that.
Chris Boucher made excellent strides development-wise last season, winning the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the G League. But can he get better in the NBA?
The Raptors needed depth in their guard rotation, so when Jeremy Lin popped up in the buyout market, Toronto jumped at the chance. Still, it didn’t quite go according to plan.
The Raptors know struggle, and they know pain. So does Toronto. As a result, no partnership between city and player has been more fulsome, and more complete, than the one between Toronto and Kyle Lowry.
No, Jodie Meeks and Eric Moreland didn’t play the biggest role for the Raptors this season. But as the 14th and 15th men, they backed up their team admirably, signing on for the playoff push.
Malcolm Miller’s injury forced his career to take a detour through Mississauga and the G League before he was able to regain his spot on the Raptors. It’s been something to watch.
Yes, they were traded to Memphis, but let’s not forget the contributions that Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, and C.J. Miles made to the Raptors.
McCaw was a mid-season pickup known for a couple of things: playing solid perimeter defense... and winning titles. His play on the Raptors kept at least one of those things intact.
Fred VanVleet is the present and future of this Raptors franchise. His 2018-19 season will live on Toronto lore.
Jordan Loyd proved his worth in the G League, but can he take his game to the next level and make the Raptors’ main roster?
A new coach, a new role, and a slight tweak to his game has brought Serge Ibaka closer to the rim, off the bench, and to the best version of himself.
One season ago, Norman Powell lost his starting job and began to see limited minutes. This season he bounced back and played a key role for the Raptors.
Though his play dipped in the post-season, Danny Green’s two-way play and veteran presence made him instrumental in the Raptors’ success.
In his third season, Pascal Siakam rose through the ranks of the Raptors’ roster, quickly becoming the team’s most reliable offensive weapon outside of Kawhi Leonard — while providing an exciting blueprint for the future.
This review seems superfluous, but we’ll make our case anyway: No one’s done it better than Kawhi did in 2018-19.