NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference playoff picture prediction

3rd seed: Toronto Raptors

The biggest question mark in the NBA

The Toronto Raptors offseason has just been a rollercoaster ride. Firing and trading the best coach and arguably the best player in franchise history was probably not anticipated by anyone in the league to happen in the same summer.

The Raptors success will depend on Kawhi Leonard. There are some rumours that he may sit out, but I highly doubt that. I don't doubt it because of the fines, which may play a part, but it is unlikely he will sit out because Kawhi needs to prove himself.

It may sound odd a top 4-5 player in the league needs to prove himself, but everyone must remember those praises of Kawhi were a year ago and at a time where he wasn't causing drama around the league. He needs to play and play well or else his brand that his uncle is so focused on won't be as great as it could have been.

He needs to return at an elite level and show that he wasn't just a player of Popovich's system and that he can strive anywhere he plays. The Raptors can be happy they did not trade away many of their younger pieces.

OG Anunoby will need to step up his game after a successful rookie year and provide some more scoring. The bench mob with Delon Wright, Fred Van Vleet, and Pascal Siakam will be missing Jakob Poeltl, but they should be able to still carry their load.

Nick Nurse hasn't been in the NBA for a long time in comparison to fellow head-coaches, but he will look to prove why he can be a quality successor to the best coach the Raptors have ever had.

There is just so much confusion and new pieces that will let the Raptors repeat as Eastern Conference regular season champions. With Kawhi, Toronto has a shot of going to the NBA finals, but they still aren't the favorite.