Home » Sports » NBA » Toronto Raptors

How does the current Raptors squad stack up to the 2019 championship team?

There is only one thing that the 2026 Raptors share in common with the championship team from 2019: Kawhi Leonard. The first to leave, yet the only one in Toronto today. A man who has never failed to reach the…

By Liam Dutra · Raptors HQ

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Liam Dutra compares the 2026-27 Toronto Raptors roster to the franchise's 2019 title-winning team.
Kawhi Leonard represents the only active player shared between both the 2019 and 2026 Raptors rosters.
The writer views Scottie Barnes as possessing a higher ceiling than 2019 co-stars Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Liam Dutra analyzes how the 2026-27 Toronto Raptors compare to the franchise's 2019 championship-winning team following the return of Kawhi Leonard. Dutra considers the potential of pairing a veteran Leonard with rising star Scottie Barnes against the backdrop of the 2019 roster led by Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Pascal Siakam.

The piece argues that while modern NBA competition is deeper and the 2019 bench was stronger, Toronto still retains a very high competitive ceiling. Dutra highlights the projected starting unit featuring Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Jakob Poeltl under head coach Darko Rajaković.

Read the full article on Raptors HQ

How does the current Raptors squad stack up to the 2019 championship team?

More Toronto Raptors News

Never Miss a Sports Update