NBA: 5 teams that will take a step back in 2020-21

Toronto Raptors

During the 2019-20 NBA season, the Toronto Raptors were one of the most surprising teams in the Eastern Conference. For much of the season, the Raptors had separated themselves as the second-best team in the conference, behind the Milwaukee Bucks. They were likely setting themselves up for a deep playoff run before the hiatus.

However, there are some reservations when it comes to the Raptors’ prospects heading into the 2020-21 season. For one, the Raptors have to make some big decisions on a few of their players on expiring deals. A few of the biggest being Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, and Serge Ibaka.

VanVleet and Ibaka will likely see expensive offers on the open market and will force Toronto to make big decisions about their future. The fact that Kyle Lowry‘s contract expires after the 2020-21 season doesn’t make it any easier.

Part of the reason why I can see the Raptors taking a step back in 2020-21 is because of the uncertainty involving core pieces of its roster. Pascal Siakam is great, but I’m not sure he’s going to have his entire supporting cast back.