Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s biggest question

By Ben Ladner

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kawhi Leonard
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up before the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors: How healthy (and engaged) is Kawhi Leonard?

When healthy, Leonard is the sort of player that can almost singularly vault a team into title contention. With has a readymade supporting cast with an All-Star point guard and qualified role players at every position, Toronto is a championship contender at best. But that upside relies heavily upon Leonard’s health and commitment to the team this year.

Leonard (or Uncle Dennis) made no secret of his desire to play in L.A. and discontent after being traded to Toronto. The possibility that he might coast through the season in order to get to free agency is a real – though drastic – one. But whether he re-signs with the team or not hardly matters within the scope of this season. The Raptors acquired him with the knowledge that he could be a rental, and Leonard, in asking out of San Antonio ceded control over his destination. A team with a shot to win a title – even an unlikely one – is one worth fully committing to in the short term. If Leonard walks, Ujiri can take comfort in a well-executed process, even if the result leaves him wanting.

To expect Leonard to return to peak form would be unrealistic, but a slight regression from his electric 2017 campaign would still place him among the elite players in the NBA. He matches DeMar DeRozan’s isolation and midrange prowess, but adds a level of 3-point shooting and defense that the Raptors missed on the wing during DeRozan’s tenure. Toronto can assemble some of the most frightening defensive lineups in the NBA, and Leonard’s undeniable and well-rounded offensive skill set should help cure the dry spells that have ailed the Raptors in the playoffs. Place around him capable shooters and versatile defenders like Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Danny Green and Serge Ibaka, and the potential for this group becomes all the more visible.

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