NBA: 7 random thoughts heading into the 2018-19 season

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 5: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Danny Green #14 of the Toronto Raptors looks on from the bench during the second half of an NBA preseason game against Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

The Raptors will be the best team in the East, in the regular season

I love the Boston Celtics this season (and we’ll touch on them later), but I believe that the Toronto Raptors are going to be mightily impressive during the regular season. Perhaps enough to give them the top seed in the conference heading into the playoffs.

As for the playoffs, well I’m still sort of scarred by what this team has failed to do in the postseason over the last few seasons. The good news is that LeBron James is no longer in the conference to terrorize them. However, I’m still not sold this team has the DNA to make it to the NBA Finals.

I just love what Kawhi Leonard is going to bring this season. When healthy, he’s arguably the second or third best player in the NBA. He’s in the conversation for best two-way player in the conference when he’s on top of his game. Toronto is going to be good this season. Really good.