Raptors' Starting Lineup Ranked Top-10 in NBA with Kawhi Leonard

This NBA offseason for the Toronto Raptors has been drowned in news and opinions surrounding the trade for seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard. The main story is derived from the fact that the deal hasn’t been completed yet due to the ongoing investigation involving Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers, and former lead sponsor Aspiration. With training camp just under two months away, people are beginning to worry that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will not be able to reach a resolution in time for the trade to be finalized. 

Moving past the drama, the Raptors still have work to do to complete their roster before next season. Trade rumors have surrounded Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl since the midseason deadline last season. At this point, it’s expected that general manager Bobby Webster will not make any drastic moves until Leonard is officially a Raptor or not. However, ideas will always come up during the offseason, including the minor possibilities of trading for stars like Stephen Curry or Jamal Murray. 

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Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (9) | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, despite the minor drop-off in starters from Scottie Barnes and Leonard to the other three, the league has taken notice of the jump Toronto could take. 

Greg Swartz with Bleacher Report supplied his rankings on the different starting lineups in the NBA, and the new-look Raptors made the top-10. It’s unexpected what role former All-Rookie Second-Team selection Collin Murray-Boyles will have next season, but it’s expected that he will obtain some of the center minutes behind Poeltl. Last season, he replaced the Austrian big man in the starting lineup while he sat out 24 consecutive contests due to a lower back strain. 

The defensive potential with Murray-Boyles, Leonard, and Barnes is a nightmare to think about for opposing teams. The three of them are all exceptional at isolation defending, blocking the passing lanes, and helping on the interior. While the former South Carolina Gamecock doesn’t quite possess the height of a typical NBA center (6-foot-7), he makes up for it with his wingspan (7 feet, 0.75 inches) and athletic ability. 

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (12) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Poeltl provided an outstanding impact before his injury as well. Providing offense out of the pick-and-roll while using his physicality in the paint allowed him to open up the spacing for the primary ball-handlers. Assuming he can return to form next season after getting fully healthy, the tandem of Murray-Boyles and Poeltl can provide an excellent one-two punch on the inside, one that the team will desperately need if it wants to contend next season.

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