Toronto Raptors have advantages with a veteran group, strong coaching in Nick Nurse, and skilled depth in an unorthodox 2020 NBA playoffs
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00:00The NBA is set for a return with a 22-team format. For more, I'm joined by our Michael Shapiro and Aaron Rose of all Raptors.
00:08Michael, let's start with you. When you're talking about the teams trying to play in, you identified two in particular,
00:13the New Orleans Pelicans and the Blazers, as the ones that could be most interesting.
00:18Yeah, you know, we're going to have six non-playoff teams invited to Orlando to resume the season,
00:23and of those teams, I really think that New Orleans and Portland have the best chance of sneaking into the playoffs.
00:29As for Portland, you know, it's been a really nightmarish season for them. One marred by a lot of injuries,
00:34but it's tough to really bet against Damian Willard. You know, he can really score in a hurry and wipe it up against any team in the league.
00:41As for New Orleans, they were playing some of their best basketball this season before the NBA's coronavirus hiatus.
00:46If Zion Williamson is ready to play heavy minutes when the season returns, New Orleans could really challenge for a playoffs spot.
00:53Yeah, I mean, Zion, obviously, is a central figure, maybe even why this plan exists the way it does.
01:00Now, Aaron, when it comes to a team like the Raptors, who was already established, already in the playoffs,
01:04how do you think this format impacts their title defense?
01:08I think the Raptors are a team that comes back, obviously, defending the championship,
01:13and we really have no idea what it's going to look like in terms of how teams adapt to it, but they're a veteran group.
01:19They should have chemistry, should be up to snuff, and they're a group that has one of the best coaches in the NBA.
01:24They should be ready to go, and 1-8, they have one of the best rosters in the NBA.
01:28So if a team like the Lakers, the Clippers, or the Bucs, their stars need to take an extra few minutes to get their legs under them,
01:34Toronto, their 1-8 is just as good as anyone else, and they should be able to win those series.
01:39Well, every team will have to deal with the same circumstances that goes for the Raptors and all others that are involved in Orlando.
01:47Guys, appreciate your time.