NBA Hall Of Famer Says Even If Kawhi Re-Signs, Raptors Won't Win 2020 Title

Kawhi Leonard Toronto Raptors — Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs down the floor in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. Rob Carr/Getty Images

Despite a convincing NBA Finals performance, an NBA hall of famer said that the Toronto Raptors will not win next year’s NBA title even if Kawhi Leonard re-signs.

NBA hall of famer Scottie Pippen sees the Raptors a little differently compared to the NBA world. In a recent appearance on ESPN’s "The Jump," Pippen said that even with Kawhi back, he doesn’t see the Raptors winning the 2020 NBA title.

When asked about his thoughts on Kawhi and if the Raptors could be the favorites to win the championship next season should the reigning MVP re-sign, Pippen was quick to say no and elaborated that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are a “tough duo,” which implies that the basketball legend is positive that the Lakers will be the 2020 champs.

“I’m gonna say no, based on the fact that, you know, you got LeBron and AD together now. That’s a tough duo,” Pippen said.

Pippen praised the Raptors for dominating the Golden State Warriors during the Finals, but he said he still believes that team will not be able to repeat it next season.

Prior to this, the Bulls legend also spoke about Kwahi’s upcoming free agency on another episode of "The Jump." Pippen said that the superstar can do whatever he wants in free agency, adding that he was pleased by Kawhi’s durability and persistence when he played all throughout the season despite all the issues surrounding him and managed to give Toronto a championship.

For sure, most NBA fans will oppose to what Pippen stated about the Raptors, but after all, he is a six-time NBA champion. In addition, about three years ago, Pippen and Kawhi were heavily compared to one another, and many noted their similarities in terms of overall basketball skills, according to The Bleacher Report.

Pippen acknowledged the comparison and even said that it makes sense because Kawhi was an elite on defense and also “killing it” offensively.

A lot of people compare Kawhi to me & it makes sense. He's always been elite on D & now he's killing it offensively. Dominant all-around.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) March 11, 2016

At this point, Kawhi is currently being linked with the multiple teams, but the most mentioned teams were the Clippers, and once again, the Lakers.

Kawhi was once linked with the Lakers in the past, with the 2019 Finals MVP rumored to be highly interested in playing for LA. But the Lakers eventually ended up signing LeBron James.

More news about Kawhi’s free agency is expected to come out in the following days.