DeMar DeRozan, the former face of the Toronto Raptors, recently made headlines with his bold statement that he believes the Raptors could have won the 2019 NBA championship with him on the team instead of Kawhi Leonard. DeRozan, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Leonard in the summer of 2018, has always had a strong connection to Toronto and its fans. His comments have sparked a debate among basketball enthusiasts about whether or not the Raptors would have been better off keeping DeRozan on the roster.

DeRozan’s belief that the Raptors could have won the title with him is not entirely unfounded. During his time in Toronto, DeRozan was a four-time All-Star and consistently one of the team’s top scorers. He was known for his ability to create his own shot and his leadership on the court. In the 2017-2018 season, DeRozan led the Raptors to a franchise-record 59 wins and a top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, despite their regular season success, the Raptors were swept by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs.

On the other hand, Kawhi Leonard proved to be a game-changer for the Raptors in the 2018-2019 season. Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, brought a level of defensive intensity and clutch scoring that helped propel the Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship. His iconic buzzer-beater in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers will forever be etched in Raptors history.

While it is impossible to know for certain if the Raptors would have won the title with DeRozan instead of Leonard, it is clear that Leonard’s impact on the team cannot be understated. His performance in the playoffs was nothing short of legendary, and his leadership both on and off the court was instrumental in guiding the Raptors to their historic championship run.

Ultimately, DeMar DeRozan’s comments serve as a reminder of the strong bond he shares with Toronto and its fans. While it is natural for him to wonder “what if,” it is important to appreciate the contributions of both DeRozan and Leonard to the Raptors’ success. In the end, basketball is a team sport, and it takes a collective effort to win a championship.