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Raptors 2019 core vs 2026 core

The blueprint isn't new, but the roster wearing it is. Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors, and suddenly the 2019 comparisons write themselves. He's healthy, and a healthy Kawhi is still a problem for anybody guarding him. Nobody on this team is a carbon copy of the guys who won it, but the roles line up the same way. Scottie Barnes slides into the Pascal Siakam spot as Kawhi's Robin, and there's a real argument Barnes is a better fit next to him than Siakam was back then. Immanuel Quickley isn't giving you Kyle Lowry's toughness or defense, and that's fine, because his speed and offense cover the gap. RJ Barrett becomes this year's Danny Green, except the shooting volume shrinks and the playmaking and slashing pick up the slack. People counted the Raptors out in 2019 too. This group is younger, running a formula that already produced a banner. Jurassic Park is loud again.

1mo

Yutaofficial@yutaofficial

Follow

Raptors 2019 core vs 2026 core

The blueprint isn't new, but the roster wearing it is. Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors, and suddenly the 2019 comparisons write themselves. He's healthy, and a healthy Kawhi is still a problem for anybody guarding him. Nobody on this team is a carbon copy of the guys who won it, but the roles line up the same way. Scottie Barnes slides into the Pascal Siakam spot as Kawhi's Robin, and there's a real argument Barnes is a better fit next to him than Siakam was back then. Immanuel Quickley isn't giving you Kyle Lowry's toughness or defense, and that's fine, because his speed and offense cover the gap. RJ Barrett becomes this year's Danny Green, except the shooting volume shrinks and the playmaking and slashing pick up the slack. People counted the Raptors out in 2019 too. This group is younger, running a formula that already produced a banner. Jurassic Park is loud again.

1mo