For a long time, Toronto (and all of Canada for that matter) didn't get the respect or attention it deserved as a legitimate basketball city. That all changed this year, though, when the Raptors took down the Warriors to win their first NBA title.
Led by Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors changed the perception of how people outside of Toronto and Canada view basketball. They also have all of the attention they could every want and then some heading into free agency, and even if Kawhi doesn't stay, a Raptors great who is on the cover of Sports Illustrated will still be leading the way.
There's also a special Raptors NBA Championship commemorative issue of the magazine that has two collectible covers, both featuring Leonard. With this much attention comes even higher expectations (if that's even possible) and while most didn't expect the Raptors to not only win a title, but have a chance at keeping Kawhi for longer than a season, it's time to start believing and penciling them in as the favourites going into next season. (H/T: Sports Illustrated)
