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NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Will Kawhi Leonard make the Toronto Raptors contenders?

By Kane Pitman

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 2, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 2, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
(Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Small Forward

Starter: Kawhi Leonard

Depth: OG Anunoby, C.J. Miles

Out of all the narratives heading into the 2018-19, the form of the returning Kawhi Leonard may just be the most influential.

The question marks surrounding the legitimacy of Toronto’s ability to contend are unquestionably based around the physical and mental health of Leonard.

Is the quadriceps injury fully healed?

Does he want to be in Toronto?

Can he get back to his absolute best form after a year out of the game?

Via the National Post, Raptors president Masai Ujiri insists all is well on the Leonard front on the eve of the regular season tipping off.

"“He is happy,” Ujiri said. “From what everybody has told me he is healthy. He spends a lot of time with our coaches. He went to L.A. to meet our guys out there.”"

Leonard himself presented a smiling, laughing — I think that’s what it was? — figure at the team’s media day but until he delivers on the floor, those questions will linger.

The impressive OG Anunoby and veteran C.J. Miles both present valuable rotation options off the bench and will likely split minutes at the 3 and 4 in what is a quietly stacked frontcourt roster.