Kawhi Leonard is back in Toronto: Two flaws could define the Raptors’ title hopes

Kawhi’s return and what it means

The Raptors have flipped the script — they’re no longer building for the future, they’re trying to win now. Bringing Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto was a franchise-altering move. The team gave up Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and several draft picks to land him, and that tells you everything: this roster is being pushed toward a championship window.

Kawhi instantly adds a late-game threat the team has been missing. Even at 35 he’s still one of the league’s elite shot creators in clutch moments, the kind of player who can manufacture offense when everything else is locked down. That’s exactly the missing piece from last season’s playoff run.

Scottie Barnes can breathe a little easier offensively now. Instead of carrying the scoring load night after night, he can play to his strengths — guarding multiple positions, initiating transition, finding teammates, and taking advantage of mismatches. Kawhi doesn’t replace Barnes as the leader; he makes Barnes’ skill set more dangerous.

Quickley and RJ Barrett are expected to handle much of the ballhandling and perimeter offense. Add Leonard’s experience and instincts on defense, and the Raptors suddenly match up well with most Eastern Conference contenders. Their length, switching ability and team defense could be a real weapon in a seven-game series.

The two flaws that could decide their fate

1) Center depth and durability. Jakob Poeltl is a dependable starter when he’s available, but injuries have cut his minutes in recent seasons. Behind him the roster lacks a proven backup who can soak playoff minutes and anchor the paint. If Poeltl misses time, Toronto’s frontcourt could lose a lot of its defensive identity.

2) Consistent outside shooting. Trading Gradey Dick took away a perimeter shooter the roster once had. While Quickley and Barrett can hit threes, the team still needs more reliable spacing to keep defenses honest. Without consistent shooters, opposing teams can pack the paint against Barnes and Leonard, daring others to beat them from deep.

The good news is straightforward: the Raptors have star power, elite defense and a clear playoff blueprint. Solve the center depth issue and add dependable three-point shooting, and this group has every right to feel like a real title contender.

But if those two gaps aren’t addressed before the grind of the postseason, they could be the difference between a deep run and falling short. Toronto’s ceiling is high — it just depends on how they fill those holes.