Golden State Warriors All-Star predicts NBA Finals meeting with Raptors

Ok, you have their attention.

In anticipation of the Golden State Warriors’ next game against the Toronto Raptors, Klay Thompson was showing them a ton of respect.

That’s to be expected when you’re about to face a team with a league-best 17 wins in 21 games, but the NBA All-Star appeared to take his praise to the next level.

When asked what to make of the Raptors this season, Thompson didn’t hold back.

“Right now they’re the best, and I expect them to be there throughout the whole season,” Thompson told reporters. “They’ve got tremendous length, they’ve got so many two-way players, and obviously Kawhi’s back and playing at an MVP level.

“Kyle Lowry’s a great leader as well. He’s a bulldog out there. So it’s going to be a great test for us.”

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Having won three of the last four NBA championships, no team is capable of striking fear in the heart of the Warriors, despite their 15-7 start. But there’s certainly a different feel around the Raptors this season.

Kawhi Leonard is the best player the franchise has ever had, but it extends beyond him. Danny Green has also fit in well as a dependable starter, while Pascal Siakam has taken his game to a new level.

The Raptors have never looked as capable of doing damage in the playoffs as they do this season.

Perhaps that’s why Thompson was seeing them in his future.

“Who knows, it might be a preview of [the NBA Finals in] June,” he said.

“They’ve got something very special in Canada right now.”

The Raptors have one game left to play, Tuesday against the 12-7 Memphis Grizzlies, before they can turn their attention to Golden State’s visit on Thursday.