Toronto Raptors General Manager Bobby Webster has set a clear expectation for the 2027 season: this team must believe it can win every single night. The declaration comes as the Raptors integrate Kawhi Leonard and build around Scottie Barnes for a championship push.
Webster explained the evolution of the team's mindset in a recent press conference. Last season's focus was on competing hard for a full 48 minutes. He now expects more. "I think the expectation this year is that, 'Can we win every night?" Webster said. This shift from effort to expectation shows the organization's confidence after a major offseason move. To reacquire the seven-time All-Star Leonard, Webster sent out two first-round picks, a first-round swap, and two second-round picks, a rare and significant investment for this front office.
The core is built around the star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes. Leonard's health is a constant topic, given he's played 65 games only twice in the past nine seasons. At 35, load management will be part of the plan. His 65-game campaign last year with the Clippers, however, offers some optimism. Barnes, coming off a fifth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting, is poised to take on more defensive responsibility and is targeting his first All-NBA selection. The young supporting cast of Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and Allen Graves must progress offensively to complement their defensive commitment.
The path will be extremely difficult. Webster acknowledged the Eastern Conference is the deepest it has been in decades, with about 12 teams expecting to be competitive nightly. The Raptors' recent playoff series against Cleveland highlighted the narrow margins. Proving their defensive identity can lead to consistent wins early will be vital for establishing themselves in that top tier.
All eyes will be on how this new-look roster gels when the season tips off. The immediate task is building chemistry and establishing a defensive standard that travels. Webster's trade has placed immense pressure on this group to deliver. If the young players develop as hoped and the stars stay healthy, the Raptors have the pieces to be a dangerous playoff team. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The goal is no longer just to fight. It's to finish.
