Title: Raptors Relaunch Preview: What it will take for the champs to repeat
Date: July 27, 2020
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, we teed up the NBA’s relaunch with a mega-preview on the Raptors, refreshing where they were, where they stand now, and everything readers may have missed.
The champs are here!
After a hiatus that will wind up checking in at five months, minus about two weeks, the Raptors will return to real, live, meaningful game action on Saturday with a contest against the Lakers that is being broadcasted nationally in two countries. So much for the traditional talk of the league not caring about the Raptors. Well, at least for now.
During the hiatus, we have written extensively about the issues facing the Raptors, and many of those will come into clear view over the next few weeks/months: Pascal Siakam’s development, their stylistic versatility and Nick Nurse’s ability to outcoach his adversaries. The Raptors are by no means a title favourite heading into the restart, but they have been the league’s best story in a rather dark year since November. They are going to look to ride those feel-good vibes through the longest season in league history.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 