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Warriors: 5 legitimate challengers who can prevent a three-peat

By Ryan Ocenada

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 7: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 7: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors remade their team in one fell swoop by acquiring Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round pick.

Swapping DeRozan out for Leonard increases the ceiling for the Raptors, even if it may be for just one season, but Masai Ujiri still deserves kudos for swinging for the fences and adding a legitimate superstar.

An all-star point guard in Kyle Lowry is still in town as well as a stable of versatile perimeter players like OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, and Delon Wright, who could pose some problems for the Warriors if the Raptors manage to make it to the NBA Finals.

The issues for the Raptors are integrating their new superstar and the competition in the Eastern Conference sans LeBron James.

Assuming Leonard is fully recovered from his quad injury, the former Defensive Player of the Year will need time to acclimate to his new teammates. The Raptors also have a new head coach in Nick Nurse, so it is uncertain whether he can effectively lead the team against talented Eastern rivals like the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia Sixers.

Speaking of the Sixers…

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