There was a thought, after a certain someone decided to head west, that the defending NBA champs would take a considerable step back — perhaps not to where they would miss the playoffs entirely, but likely to second-tier status at best, if not the middle of the pack in the East. That thought seems silly […]
The Toronto Raptors’ championship last summer was unique in NBA title history. First-time NBA champs are rare anyway — Toronto became only the fourth of the 2000s, joining the Cavs in 2016, the Mavericks in 2011 and the Heat in 2006 — but it’s even more rare for a team to acquire a new best […]
Last week, NBA All-Star Kawhi Leonard was inactive for the Los Angeles Clippers’ nationally televised matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kawhi’s absence was attributed to ongoing load management, which led to public debate over whether the practice has gotten out of hand and could ultimately hurt the league. On today’s […]
After losing superstar Kawhi Leonard in free agency last month, it’s highly unlikely that the Raptors will repeat as NBA champions in 2020. But on some level, Leonard’s departure could make Toronto the league’s most interesting club this season. The team was an impressive 17-5 during the regular season when Leonard sat out. The Raptors […]
Keep track of the chaotic NBA offseason with our Free Agency Diary. Dear NBA Diary, Well, so much for the speculation that Kawhi Leonard would join the Los Angeles Lakers (or stay with the Toronto Raptors). After the Los Angeles Clippers stunned the NBA by signing Leonard and trading a massive haul of picks for […]