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Toronto Raptors: 3 players with everything to prove in 2018-19

By Paul Taylor

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: The Toronto Raptors bench watches during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: The Toronto Raptors bench watches during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO – APRIL 21: Toronto Raptors fans create a sea of red during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 21, 2007 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dave Abel/Getty Images) /

As the Toronto Raptors prepare for arguably the most important season in franchise history, we look at three players with it all to prove.

As the Toronto Raptors revel in their season-opening win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, it seems appropriate to repeat a point we’ve made several times over the last few months. This is arguably the most important campaign in franchise history.

The Raptors are coming off a campaign where they set career highs for home wins (33) and overall wins (59) in a regular season. As a result of this, they clinched their first ever number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

And yet, come playoff time the Raptors came up short once again, when it mattered most. Despite having home court advantage, they were swept out of the second round by LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

As a result of this, Masai Ujiri and company made a bold move, by essentially trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard. Given DeRozan’s loyalty and achievement over the years, people were shocked by this move.

And yet, it was a necessary gamble by Ujiri. The Raptors president knew Leonard represented an overall upgrade, but specifically on defense, where DeRozan had at times become a liability.

Regardless, there is no disguising the fact the team has swapped the long-term security of one player, for another who might only spend one season in Toronto. Hence the reason why this is such an important campaign.

Essentially, it’s now or never for this incarnation of the Raptors. With this in mind, let’s look at three players who have it all to prove this season.

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