What Does the Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2020-2021 Season?

Published 11/30/2020, 8:52 AM EST

The 2019 NBA champions, the Toronto Raptors, were in the news during Free Agency for their two losses. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka left Toronto after successful seasons, but the Raptors still managed to have a solid Off-Season.

Their biggest move was to resign Fred VanVleet on a long-term deal. They also brought in Aron Baynes, DeAndre’ Bembry, Alex Len and drafted Malachi Flynn among their other moves.

After the 2020 Off-Season, the Raptors still have four of their five starters from last season. They only lost Gasol, who left for the Lakers on a two-year deal. So how will their lineup look like for the upcoming 2020-21 season?

Article continues below this ad

Raptors Assistant Coach Unhappy With Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka Signing With LA Teams

Predicted Raptors starting lineup for the 2020-21 season

Kyle Lowry will continue to start at point guard. Since his contract expires next season, he is likely to resign on a cheaper deal. Despite being 34, Lowry has proved he is still one of the best point guards in the league. His experience, hustle, and leadership will be key for them in the upcoming season.

Returning to the shooting guard position is Fred VanVleet. He is one of the best outside shooters in the league, and can also lock up taller guards. After signing that four-year extension, the undrafted star will be looking to live up to the money.

OG Anunoby will be expected to remain as the small forward. He is in the last year of his rookie contract now, so he will be eager to do his best and get an extension he deserves.

The Raptors will try and make him wait for an extension till the 2021 Off-Season so that they can go after a big free agent while also matching any offer Anunoby gets.

Heading into a redemption season, Pascal Siakam will the starting power forward for the Raptors. He had an excellent regular season last year but failed miserably in the playoffs. So he will be expected to do better as the best player on the team.

To complete the lineup, new signing Aron Baynes will be expected to take over the starting center spot. The Australian was on fire for the Suns last season, and he looks like he can be a great replacement for Gasol.

Article continues below this ad

Off the bench options

Since the Raptors weren’t able to get a like-for-like replacement for Ibaka and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Chris Boucher and Stanley Johnson will be expected to step up coming off the bench. They also have a quality scorer in Norman Powell and a capable defender in DeAndre Bembry on the bench.

Article continues below this ad

The Raptors don’t have a championship quality team on paper, but they have set themselves for a solid campaign and also for the heavily anticipated 2021 Free Agency.

“Overlooking Us Again”: Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet Hits Back at Critics

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.

What Does the Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2020-2021 Season?

Predicted Raptors starting lineup for the 2020-21 season

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

“Mom Was On Her Death Bed”: Mavs Star Dereck Lively Narrates Painful Aftermath Of Late Mother’s Demise

Off the bench options