Toronto Raptors Make List of Teams Under the Most Pressure This Year

The Toronto Raptors had a massive bounce-back year this past season, finishing fifth in the East and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2022. While they bowed out early in the first round to the conference rival Cleveland Cavaliers, the Raptors clearly have the markings of a contender.

As a result, Toronto is ranked fourth in CBS Sports' list of NBA franchises under the most pressure this year and for good reasons. For one, head coach Darko Rajaković is entering his fourth season at the helm and the Raptors didn't make the postseason during his first couple years. Also, the team went all-in on their young core led by Scottie Barnes, striking a deal in the offseason with the Los Angeles Clippers to bring back superstar Kawhi Leonard. 

That trade came at a cost to the Raptors' future as they sent away multiple draft picks and players Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Moreover, Toronto inked Leonard to a two-year, $115 million extension.

Going into his age 35 season, Leonard will be feeling the heat as well given that his representatives said he would only agree to an extension with Toronto if the Clippers chose not to keep him, according to ESPN. Now that Leonard is back with the team he won it all with in 2019, the spotlight turns to him as he works to put his lengthy injury history behind him. He averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists last year, missing 17 games.

While Leonard is set to be the pillar of the Raptors' offense, his teammates like Barnes will have to come through for him to get the opportunities he needs. The 25-year-old Barnes has had a rough preseason so far, but should quickly return to form as he is coming off an 18.1-point performance last year. He also averaged 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.4 steals.

Off the court, general manager Bobby Webster will also be under the microscope after signing an extension of his own and having the title of executive vice president added to his role with the organization.

Regardless of where the Raptors may have fallen on the list, the team must make the most out of their window as Leonard continues performing at an elite level for the age he is at right now.

Leonard is slated to make his debut in the team's upcoming faceoff against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. EDT.