It takes more than the starting five to put together a winning streak, and it will take contributions from the entire rotation when the Raptors try to defend their NBA title this spring.
Team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster opted against altering the roster at last Thursday’s trade deadline — banking on the growth the current lineup has shown despite the departures of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, while maintaining payroll flexibility for the summer of 2021, when the free-agent class is expected to feature Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Raptors sit second in the Eastern Conference, 61/2 games behind Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks heading into Monday night’s home date with the Timberwolves, with the all-star break just days away.