2019 Toronto Raptors: Where Are They Now?

Kawhi Leonard is undoubtedly one of the most impactful players in the NBA and his tenure with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 season was historic, leading the team to their first NBA championship and earning his second Finals MVP in the process.

His imminent departure to the Los Angeles Clippers after his championship season marked a significant move in the league, where he teamed up with Paul George to create a formidable duo. While Kawhi has continued to showcase his talent with the Clippers when healthy, injuries have unfortunately played a role in affecting his overall production. 

The limited number of games (total of 197) played over the past five seasons highlights the challenges he has faced in maintaining a consistent on-court presence. Despite these challenges, Leonard has managed to earn two All-Star selections during his time with the Clippers.

The quest for an NBA Finals appearance with the Clippers remains a goal for Kawhi Leonard. Achieving that would solidify his legacy and contribute to the Clippers' pursuit of a championship and also catapult him into being a top-30 player ever. 

Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)

Pascal Siakam played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors' championship run in 2019, showcasing his versatility as arguably the team's second-best player. His impressive performance during the Finals, averaging 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, was a major difference for the team Additionally, Siakam's growth was recognized with the Most Improved Player award for his outstanding third season in the league.

Since then, Siakam has continued to establish himself as one of the premier power forwards in the NBA, earning two All-Star Team appearances. However, his recent trade to the Indiana Pacers signals a new chapter in his career. Joining forces with superstar Tyrese Haliburton, Siakam has the opportunity to contribute to the Pacers and potentially start a new legacy with the team.

Kyle Lowry (Miami Heat)

Kyle Lowry has had a remarkable career, particularly as the leader of the Toronto Raptors during their championship run in 2019. His contributions were crucial, posting 16.2 points and 7.2 assists on 36.8% from three during the Finals and playing a key role in the team's success.

After his time with the Raptors, Lowry continued to excel, earning an All-Star Team selection in 2020 by averaging 19.4 points and 7.5 assists per game on 35.2% from three. His move to the Miami Heat in the 2021-22 season brought him to another NBA Finals in 2023, although the Heat fell short against the Denver Nuggets.

Now in the twilight stages of his career, Lowry faces a significant decision about his future as he approaches free agency. Regardless, Lowry remains a Raptors legend as he made all of his All-Star appearances in six straight seasons between 2015 and 2020.

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)

Fred VanVleet has had a remarkable journey in the NBA, particularly since his breakout season in 2019 as a key contributor to the Toronto Raptors' championship run. VanVleet posted 11.0 points and 4.8 assists per game in the regular season and averaged 14.0 points per game in the Finals against the Warriors while playing elite defense.

Following the championship victory, VanVleet continued to elevate his game, earning a well-deserved spot on the All-Star Team in 2022. His ability to contribute both as a scorer and playmaker, highlighted by impressive averages of 20.3 points and 6.7 assists per game, solidified his status as a rising star in the league.

The move to the Houston Rockets in the 2023-24 season marked a new chapter for VanVleet, and he has had a positive impact on changing the culture of the franchise. His two-way play from the point guard position has undoubtedly contributed to the Rockets' development and competitiveness this season.

Marc Gasol (President of Basquet Girona of the Liga ACB)

Marc Gasol was a genius pickup by the Raptors in the 2019 season, playing 26 games in the regular season averaging 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in the regular season. In the Finals, Gasol provided his defensive impact and veteran experience by posting 12.0 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Gasol was acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was a three-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year winner, and everybody seemed to overlook that fact. Even at 34 years old, Gasol was an impact player in the paint. After his time with the Raptors which also included the 2020 season, Gasol joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 in his final season of the NBA career.

However, on November 25, 2021, he made a unique announcement by revealing his decision to play for Bàsquet Girona, a team in the LEB Oro, which he had founded. Gasol's impact went beyond playing, as he helped Bàsquet Girona secure promotion to the Liga ACB for the first time. Following this achievement, he transitioned into a leadership role as the president of the team.

Serge Ibaka (Bayern Munich)

After his year with the Orlando Magic following his renowned era with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ibaka was traded to the Toronto Raptors and won a championship a year later once Kawhi Leonard joined the team. He averaged 15.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in the regular season before posting 11.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in the Finals. After leaving the Raptors, he had stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks, facing some injury challenges along the way.

In 2023, Ibaka made the decision to continue his basketball career in Europe, officially signing with Bayern Munich. The move to the German Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroLeague marked a new chapter for Ibaka, bringing his skills and experience to the international stage. As a player for Bayern Munich, Ibaka adds a valuable veteran presence to the team, drawing from his extensive NBA background. Ibaka also has a fascinating podcast where he invites NBA players to try some of the strangest cuisines in the comedy inspired “How hungry are you?”.

Danny Green (Free Agent)

Danny Green has had a successful career in the NBA, contributing to multiple championship teams with his sharpshooting, defensive skills, and basketball IQ. His performances in the 2019 Finals against the Warriors, averaging 7.3 points per game while playing above-average defense, demonstrated his ability to make key contributions on both ends of the court.

Green continued his success by winning another championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, posting 7.5 points per game in the Finals. After two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Green experienced a change in the 2023 season, splitting time between the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers. Unfortunately, his playing time with the 76ers in 2024 was limited to two games, leading to his release.

At 36 years old, Green may not play major minutes as he used to, but his veteran presence and championship experience make him a valuable asset for teams in need of leadership. As a free agent, Green could be listening to offers right now.

Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers)

Norman Powell's journey from his role with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 to becoming a dynamic sixth man for the Los Angeles Clippers showcases his growth and adaptability in the NBA. In 2019, Powell played a crucial role for the Raptors, contributing to their championship run despite playing only 66 minutes in the Finals.

Following his time with the Raptors, Powell continued to improve his game. After a trade to the Portland Trail Blazers, Powell played 67 games before getting traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he now serves as a dynamic sixth man.

Teaming up with stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Powell adds depth and scoring prowess to the Clippers' roster. As he aims for his second championship, his role as a key contributor off the bench will likely be crucial to the team's success.

OG Anunoby (New York Knicks)

OG Anunoby was a part of the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season, although he is often forgotten because he was injured during the NBA Finals. Regardless, Anunoby played an important role during the regular season, posting 7.0 points and 0.7 steals per game on 33.2% from three. At 21 years old in only his second season, Anunoby was showing signs of promise and still won an NBA ring. 

Anunoby remained a part of the Raptors franchise until this season, when he was traded recently to the New York Knicks. Anunoby had led the NBA in steals in 2023, posting 1.9 steals per game, and also made the All-NBA Defensive Second Team. Now a part of the Knicks, Anunoby hopes to continue showing his two-way prowess as a shooter and elite defender. 

Patrick McCaw (Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League)

Patrick McCaw's early years were marked by winning three consecutive titles, first with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018 and then with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Despite playing a total of 12 minutes in the 2019 Finals, McCaw still received his well-deserved ring.

His time with the Raptors extended for two more seasons, with varying playing time. In 2020, McCaw saw more significant minutes, averaging 24.5 minutes per game, but his role diminished in 2021 with only 6.6 minutes per game. Subsequently, he was waived by the Raptors.

McCaw then made a transition to the NBA G League, joining the Delaware Blue Coats. His impact was felt immediately as he contributed to the team's title-winning campaign. Currently, McCaw remains with the Blue Coats, showcasing his skills and experience at the G League level.

Jeremy Lin (New Taipei Kings of the P. League+)

After his iconic 2011-12 season with the New York Knicks where “Linsanity” was born, Jeremy Lin experienced various team changes in the NBA. His time with the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season saw him contribute in 23 regular-season games, averaging 7.0 points per game. While his playing time in the Finals was limited to only one minute played, he had a role as a chemistry figure on the bench, earning his championship ring.

Lin's path led him to explore opportunities outside the NBA. He played for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2020 before returning to the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Challenges, including a COVID-19 diagnosis, affected his ability to play consistently during this time.

After stints with various teams, including the Guangzhou Loong Lions and Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers, Lin has found a place with the New Taipei Kings in the P. League+. It's notable that he's now playing alongside his brother, Joseph, adding a familial connection to his current basketball experience. Lin's resilience and determination to continue playing at a high level, whether in the NBA, CBA, G-League, or P. League+ showcases his passion for the game.

Jodie Meeks (Assistant Coach for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League)

Jodie Meeks concluded his NBA playing career in the 2018-19 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 6.4 points per game on 44.4% from three in the regular season and only played one minute with the Raptors in the Finals. After receiving his championship ring, Meeks became a free agent and entered semi-retirement. His return to competitive basketball came in 2022 when he joined the Raptors 905 in the NBA G League.

While his time with the team was relatively short-lived due to being waived, it marked a new chapter in Meeks' career. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the Birmingham Squadron after being signed in 2022, Meeks brings over a decade of NBA experience to the coaching staff. His role is not only to contribute to the development of players but also to provide veteran leadership, drawing from his extensive knowledge of the game.

Malcolm Miller (UCC Assigeco Piacenza of the Italian second-tier league Serie A2)

An undrafted player, Malcolm Miller spent three seasons in the NBA, all with the Toronto Raptors between 2018 and 2020. Despite limited playing time in the regular season (3.5 PPG) and Finals, he was part of the Raptors during their championship run in 2019.

After his time with the Raptors, Miller ventured to the Utah Jazz in the 2020-21 season but was waived after training camp. Subsequently, he joined the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Jazz. His journey then led him to Vanoli Cremona in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), where he had a stint before parting ways with the team.

Following his time in Italy, Miller returned to G League action with the Salt Lake City Stars and the Raptors 905 before being a member of Limoges CSP in the French league. Showcasing his versatility as a 6'7" forward, Miller is currently a player for the UCC Assigeco Piacenza of the Italian second-tier league Serie A2.