That’s A Rap #113: Reflecting on the season that was and the off-season that will be

The Raptors have never played late-September basketball, but it certainly feels like they should be.

While the number of hotel guests at the Gran Destino dwindle, the discussion and accompanying pressure of the off-season continue to grow for the Raptors. Three of Toronto’s top seven players are unrestricted free agents, while a fourth looms large as a 2021 salary swing piece.

Enjoy the latest episode of That’s A Rap, as we eulogize the unforgettable 2019-20 season and project what figures to be an off-season full of franchise-altering decisions.

In This Episode:

4:30 — A season like no other

Why does this off-season feel different from any other? Is this what it will always feel like, post-championship? Or did this roster over-achieve enough to convince us all that they were championship contenders again?

16:05 — Fred VanVleet

Steady Freddy’s impending decision has significant ramifications for the free agency class of 2020, Toronto’s contender window, and the summer of 2021.

25:10 — The Others

Not to make light of the remaining Raptor free agents, but Toronto could find themselves in immediate need for size with Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Chris Boucher, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all seeking new deals.

37:20 — Trusting in Masai

Masai Ujiri has been putting in work to ensure his staff are set up for success. With Nick Nurse’s contract extension finalized and Bobby Webster’s all but done, all eyes are on if/when Ujiri does the same.

48:00 — #WhoTheChamps

With the Raptors, Bucks, and Clippers all out before the Conference Finals, a recalibration of sorts is needed to pick this season’s champion. Who do you think raises the Larry OB in October?