The Toronto Raptors are the defending champions of the NBA. After losing their Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, they are currently sitting at second place in the Eastern Conference and are posed for a deep playoff run this season. How are they maintaining such success after their best player began playing in Los Angeles? A team that has one veteran All-Star, surrounded by a roster of young players, and a team built on defense and hardnosed basketball: Who are the Toronto Raptors?

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is the leader of this team. On the court and off this is Lowry’s team as he is a vocal leader as well as a leader by example. Lowry has been with the Toronto Raptors since 2012. Lowry is the franchise all-time leader in 3-Point Field Goals and Assists, and Steals. He is also on pace to play the most games and minutes in franchise history. Lowry played in his sixth All Star game this year and is having one of the best years of his career in his thirteenth season. On a team with only 3 players that have over 4 years of NBA experience, the leadership Lowry brings could be his most impactful asset. The consistency from such a young team can be credited to the leadership of Lowry, helping players get through the grueling NBA season, teaching them what it takes mentally and physically, and helping players evolve their game as Lowry has had to do over his entire career. Kyle Lowry is the glue, and the face of this franchise and the team would be much different without his presence.

Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam has been a breakout star for the Toronto Raptors this year. In the previous season, Siakam was a key starter and was a solid piece on a championship team. But this year, he has taken it to the next level. Siakam, the third-year player out of New Mexico State, has broken out as an All-Star and team leader in scoring. He has posted career highs thus far in points, assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals. Siakam has improved in every facet of the game and has been a leader in the current run for the Toronto Raptors. Siakam is a tall, quick forward who is quick enough to guard the perimeter and strong enough to bang in the post. Among those in the running for the award for Most Improved Player, Siakam is at the top of the list. With the departure of Kawhi Leonard, there was an obvious void in the offense. Siakam had large shoes to fill, but Siakam has stepped up on both sides of the ball to produce in a big way. Siakam is the perfect fit for the Toronto Raptors and is exactly what they need for a deep playoff run.

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet has been another breakout player this year. VanVleet started in only half of the Raptors game in 2019-20, and only averaged 11 points a game. He has now evolved into an everyday starter for the Toronto Raptors, posting career high averages in every statistical category. VanVleet is a hardnosed player from Rockford, Illinois, who was overlooked by college scouts as an undersized guard who isn’t a volume shooter. VanVleet was a four-year player for Wichita State, and went undrafted in 2016. He broke out in the 2019 NBA Finals playing stellar defense on 2-time MVP Steph Curry. VanVleet also averaged 14 Points and had the second best 3-Point Percentage among players who took at least 10 three-point attempts in the NBA Finals. Fred has proven that he was not just a one hit wonder in the finals and is a force in the NBA. What he lacks in size, he makes up in hustle and intensity. The scrappy play of VanVleet fits perfectly with the defensive minded Raptors. Despite this being only his fourth season in the association, VanVleet plays like a veteran player. He has put in incredible work to play at the level that he does, and it looks like we have only seen the beginning.

Nick Nurse

Nick Nurse has been coaching in the NBA since 2013. Nurse was an assistant coach under former Raptors head coach Dwane Casey his entire career. After a 59-win season and being named NBA Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey was let go from the franchise. The Raptors decided to stay in house and promote a coach with a small amount of NBA experience who had never been a head coach. This proved to be one of the best moves in franchise history as the rookie coach led the team to win the 2019 NBA Finals. Since being hired, Nurse has maintained a top 5 defensive rating in the NBA. Nurse’s defensive game plan has payed huge dividends for the Toronto Raptors. Despite fighting injuries, roster changes, and a team with little veteran leadership, Nurse has been able to get it done. Nick Nurse has a solid argument as the best coach in the NBA in only his second season. Much of the Raptors success can be attributed to Nurse, and his ability to get his players to buy in and play hard night in and night out. It will be interesting to see the troubles Nurse and the Toronto Raptors will give teams in the playoffs. They will be a tough team to beat 4 times in any series with such great defense. The Raptors are poised to make noise in the playoffs and are a dark horse to defend their title in the 2020 NBA Finals.