In Toronto they feel with their hands the start of a new season in which the aspirations will not point to the same goal as the one embodied in the last eight years. An inevitable outcome after winning the 2019 championship. A success that was, in turn, a turning point. The gradual departure of Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka was joined this summer by Kyle Lowry, the main flagship of the Raptors, heading to Miami.
However, this change of cycle is not without green shoots. In the first place, because the Raptors will return to play their home games at Scotiabank Arena after more than a month and year of ostracism because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, secondly, because this reconstruction presents a very solid mold on which to build the new project. An interesting nucleus of young people with names such as Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn, Scottie Barnes or Gary Trent Jr. supports the spinal column formed by Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. special Well, at 22 years of age, he is the one who has the most experience and the most competitive baggage, in terms of assumed responsibilities.
In fact, the commitment to him by the offices of the Raptors was firm when they took over his services before the market close in exchange for Norman Powell, who until then added 19.6 points per night. Although he could not match his predecessor’s figures, the 16.2 points recorded in the 17 games after that operation were enough for the Raptors to sign their renewal during the offseason for three years and $ 54 million. An amount that plays an important role within the Nick Nurse scheme.
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