Are Kawhi's Clippers better than Kawhi's Raptors?

[Bart]

A team led by the pairing of two stars to form a dynamic duo always sounds better than a team led by one star surrounded by a bunch of roles players no matter how good those role players are. However, this isn't always reality. Clippers at the moment appear to be the team to beat but are they really as good as the Raptors team led by Kawhi last season? Kawhi missed 22 games last season and the Raptors still managed to have the 2nd best record in the ENTIRE NBA. A better record than the super team Golden State Warriors while Kawhi missed more than 1/4 of the season (even Lowry missed 17 games) . Lowry, Gasol, Ibaka, Vanvleet, Siakam, and of course Jermey Lin, all played their roles brilliantly and played unselfishly as a team with good team chemistry. Also, let's not understate Nurse's contributions to the success of this team, without his underrated coaching, the Raptors probably get beat by the Bucks.

So, which team is/was better constructed to win a championship? Kawhi's Clippers or Kawhi's Raptors?

 

[bksballer89]

yes

 

[CitySushi]

Probably. Aside from their 1-3, Raptors were a better defensive team, IMO. Clippers have a much more potent offense though. But I'd say Clips version is better.

 

[Bart]

yes

Why?

 

[bksballer89]

Why?

Because I said so?

 

[Sparhawk]

It's a trick question.

If you swapped Kawhi and the Clips for Kawhi and the Raptors and had them play in the East last season, I think Kawhi and the Clips would win the title.

 

[Bart]

Probably. Aside from their 1-3, Raptors were a better defensive team, IMO. Clippers have a much more potent offense though. But I'd say Clips version is better.

Raptors were an underrated defensive team. The inside defensive presence of Siakam and Ibaka and to a lesser extent Gasol, really helped the Raptors close off the middle. People forget that Lowry is a good defender too and then of course you have defensive ace, Danny Green. I'm going to find it interesting how Kawhi responds not having that inside defensive presence to aid his defense like almost always had in his career. It's easier to defend when you know you have a couple of big man cleaning up your mess if your man gets by you.

 

[Bart]

It's a trick question.

If you swapped Kawhi and the Clips for Kawhi and the Raptors and had them play in the East last season, I think Kawhi and the Clips would win the title.

I doubt it.

 

[Bart]

Because I said so?

Strong argument.

 

[bksballer89]

Strong argument.

VERY

 

[Bart]

@Wamu

Macaroni salad leads over potato salad.

 

[Mecca]

Great question.

George is better, currently, than Siakam.

Lou is better than Van Fleet.

But, I have to give the Raps the edge at pg and Center.

I will go the Clippers.

But, it's not a slam dunk.

 

[Ojb81]

Strong argument.

 

[shopson67]

Toronto has a front court. Raptors were better IMO. Besides, we all know the Playoff P effect.

Mac salad would've been more tempting option had I not just had a big breakfast.

 

[trojanfan12]

I think the Clippers are the better team.

I voted potato salad though because potato salad is always the right answer no matter what that dirty commie and fake Cleveland sports fan @Wamu says.

 

[Bart]

I think the Clippers are the better team.

I voted potato salad though because potato salad is always the right answer no matter what that dirty commie and fake Cleveland sports fan @Wamu says.

Potatoes are a good source of Potassium, a nutrient most Americans don't get enough of, so there is an added benefit of potato salad.

 

[tducey]

Raptors.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Clippers but beating the top of the East last year isn't as tough as a healthy west. No title if the Warriors are healthy, even with just Klay healthy the W's win