. This year they were built through instant gratification.
Of course they were for the success they had this year.
No argument there. A given.
But here's the thing I get almost as much joy from watching team building. Obviously not as much as becoming NBA champs but pretty darn close. Watching a team grow and watching front office make very tough trades, but needed ones.
Everyone who didn't/couldn't watch the Raptors in the last few years has a narrative they are comfortable with and I know it will remain the narrative. But it is not the full story.
Guess what I was doing during the Raptors' regular season - I was often frustrated during the games Kawhi played. Strange, eh? But he's a superstar?! Well of course I got great joy over his skills. Look at the glowing post I gave when ronandannetee couldn't see the allure of Leonard. But the lack of ball movement and jelling in general sucked. Big time for me. I started to enjoy watching games without him. Why? On the days Kawhi sat off I saw outstanding ball movement - thr type of basketball I like. I don't know the exact win-loss but I think it was 17-5.
17-5 !
I may be alone but I enjoy watching the game unfold well almost just as much as winning huge. Not as much but it is still a big-time joy for me.
I get why people have these narratives about Toronto. The playoffs, for many series, seemed like it was just Kawhi. Because many times it was! But I know that was partially due to they never could find their flow together. With regular season they would have him and then they wouldn't. So the groove was never able to set.
It bothered me to see a Raptors team I didn't recognize part of the playoffs.
And you keep on about our team and mid-season trades. That was part of our team building. We had a great core that we had been building piece by piece. And some fantastic scouting.
As for the Warriors -
I know I have spoken trash about certain personalities but I am not one who didn't enjoy watching them being built and their skills/play. I enjoy dynasties. I know I am not the majority, but I do. Enjoy seeing underdogs get them but respect and enjoy them nonetheless.