Raptors Have Become an Exception to History

Life without Kawhi Leonard has actually gone quite well for the Toronto Raptors so far this season. The defending champs have started with a 15-6 record and settled into a comfortable fourth spot in the Eastern Conference. Toronto was successful prior to Leonard’s arrival last season, but after being heavily reliant on the defending Finals MVP, many wondered where the team would ultimately end up this season. Their winning record has put them in a surprising position, as teams in the past tend to drop in the standings after losing a star player in the off-season. Below are past teams that did not seem to rebound from this situation.

2010-11 Cavaliers

Coming off of back-to-back seasons with over 60 wins, the expectations for the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers were not nearly as high when LeBron James left to form a Big 3 in Miami. The team actually managed to obtain over 60 losses, as opposed to wins. They only achieved 19 victories. Cleveland did not have a winning record again until James returned in 2014.

2016-17 Thunder

After losing to the Golden State Warriors in seven games of the Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder went on to lose Kevin Durant in free agency, resulting in a 47-35 record. The record, of course, was not bad, but they would end up losing in the first round of the playoffs. The team has not made it out of the first round since.

2018-19 Cavaliers

The situation was almost identical to the 2010-11 team. In both cases, LeBron James left in free agency AND both seasons ended with a 19-63 record. James captured a ring for Cleveland in his return, but now they are back to searching for ways to succeed without him. It could be a very long time until we see the Cavs reach the playoffs with a leader who is not LeBron James.

2012-13 Orlando Magic

Times were hard for Orlando after trading Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic went 20-62 and did not win over 20 games until the 2015-16 season. No matter your stance on Dwight Howard, he definitely had a big impact on Orlando. He led the team to six playoff appearances, including a trip to the Finals. The magic have only returned to the playoffs once since his absence.