The Toronto Raptors‘ postseason has ended after they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a battle to remember. The Celtics now move on to the Eastern Conference Final of the NBA Playoffs, as explained on the Sportsbet website. For Nick Nurse’s team, the waiting game has started.
This offseason and the next could be some of the most important in Raptors’ history. After winning the championship last year, the spotlight is set on the team. They seem to have a great system but are missing a star player. Toronto is one of the likely destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could create a window of opportunity for the Raptors in the next few years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Can Take The Toronto Raptors Franchise to The Next Level
Toronto’s Current Contract Situation
Before the Raptors can think about Antetokounmpo, they need to formulate a plan for their current situation. Important players are on their way to free agency, but they must avoid overspending. Players like Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby are awaiting contracts.
Looking towards the future, VanVleet is one of the key pieces for Nick Nurse’s team. As the years roll by, he should be replacing Kyle Lowry as the primary point guard. At 26 years old, VanVleet is reaching his prime, and the Raptors need to sign him to a long term deal. He is the perfect type of player to link with Antetokounmpo, forming the core of a great championship team. Nevertheless, Toronto needs to be wary of overpayment.
After a great season for Ibaka, the likelihood of him re-signing are low, especially if Toronto keeps Giannis in mind. He will most likely leave for a lucrative deal, which could be his last big payday.
Marc Gasol is a player the Raptors should look to re-sign. The Spaniard is a very effective player, as shown by his plus/minus. Even as a back-up, Gasol is worth re-signing. He should be able to agree to a deal on the cheaper side to be a part of a great team.
OG Anunoby is another player the Raptors need to keep. At 23 years old, he is improving quickly and has very high potential. He has the maturity and talent needed to be a part of this journey.
The Toronto Raptors’ System
The Toronto Raptors have a great system, and a great set of players to execute the plan. Unfortunately, since Kawhi Leonard‘s departure, they have been missing a superstar type of player. This was supposed to be Pascal Siakam, but he wasn’t enough come playoff time.
After winning both the MVP and Defensive Player of the year awards, Antetokounmpo is the man for that role. A coach like Nick Nurse will be able to fix the problems Antetokounmpo is having with his current system. Furthermore, he will be able to lead the team for years to come.
If Antetokounmpo signs with Toronto, the narrative that the team is just a short pit stop in your NBA career will be gone. The championship has turned some heads, and now with the top player development program and a great coach, the Toronto Raptors have established themselves as way more than just a place to end a contract as Leonard did. This would create a window of opportunity, where the team could rack up a few trophies.
Starting a Championship Window
After falling just short of moving on to the conference finals, the Raptors still look able to compete for the championship. Adding Antetokounmpo to the team would make the team serious title contenders for years to come. Having already made the playoffs for seven years in a row, Toronto would be able to start a championship window.
Antetokounmpo would fit right into Nurse’s defensive system and would surely create the perfect ecosystem for him to strive on offense. Last year’s championship has put the Raptors under the spotlight, and they have now established themselves as a great team.
All there is left to do is wait. The 2020/21 NBA regular season is likely starting on December first, and the big question around the league is whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a Toronto Raptors player by then.
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