30 in 30: Can Scottie Barnes lift the Toronto Raptors to contender status?
A dark horse threat in the Eastern Conference
If it all comes together for the Toronto Raptors this season, there’s no question that this team can emerge as a dark horse threat contender in the Eastern Conference. It’s what they were supposed to be last season. And if it weren’t for the late-season injuries, they would’ve been that in the postseason.
Toronto’s roster is hand-crafted to just slip a superstar in. On paper, the Raptors should be able to go 10-11 deep this season. And if a player like Scottie Barnes can take the next step for the team and take the reins as a star, the Raptors are not a first-round playoff exit team.
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The Raptors are too well-coached, too talented, and too deep to lose in the first round of the playoffs if they’re completely healthy. The Eastern Conference could be highly competitive this season and the Raptors are just one example of a team that could make some serious noise in the playoffs if things fall their way this season.