Let’s not beat around the bush, Toronto Raptors fans. If last June was the climax of this team’s story, then this season is the falling action. You’re probably still disappointed, maybe even annoyed about Kawhi Leonard’s departure – regardless of whether or not you choose to acknowledge those feelings.
As Eric Koreen of The Athletic (subscription required) outlined so eloquently in July, it’s healthy to feel that way. The NBA, just like life, is never fair or equal. The Lakers can stumble into LeBron James despite a half-decade of incompetence, while the Raptors can play it perfectly with Leonard and still lose him.