It didn’t seem to matter who dressed at times as the Raptors ended up playing at what would have been a 60-win pace in a regular year and finished with the second-best record in the NBA, sans Kawhi and while lurching from game to game with a different lineup due to injury.
The high point -- clearly -- was retaining VanVleet, the homegrown point guard who proved he was ready for primetime in his first year as a starter a season ago. Inking VanVleet was the Raptors' stated first priority and they got it done quickly and efficiently and at a number -- $85 million for four years -- that works for both sides.
The Raptors may adapt and adjust and find a way to compete and surprise the NBA again, but it seems like a less-than-ideal approach to getting the most out of Kyle Lowry’s final year under contract.Eventually, it would seem, something has to give. Replacing 23 years of combined experience and a combined 338 playoff games doesn’t happen with a finger snap.
Raptors michaelgrange Sad 😞
Raptors michaelgrange It’s fine, gives us space to try and get Giannis or another big name next year
Raptors michaelgrange 4 of their top 7. FVV, Lowry and Siakam were in the top 6.
Raptors michaelgrange RIP RAPS
Raptors michaelgrange Appreciate the optimism but they have taken a step back. Starting 5 is weaker as is the bench. Balance and depth has been the Raps strength. They are not as deep as last year and it makes their case to Giannis and other FAs in '21 weaker. A bad couple days for the Raps.
Raptors michaelgrange The Raptors need to add Joe Thornton
Raptors michaelgrange Raptors will be lucky to finish in the middle of the pack this year. If they get the wrong injury playoffs are in doubt.
Raptors michaelgrange Raps should finish 3-5 in the east. They will still make the post season but not the finals. I’ll be shocked if we do. And gasol didn’t help last season Ibaka was okay last season. Gasol has no more gas too old and slow great passer though. Ibaka is just an avg player really.
Raptors michaelgrange I think they can still be in the top 10 in the league. However, every year they get underrated and Philly gets overrated.
Raptors michaelgrange The great thing about this team is that it isn't locked into its players always playing like all-stars....this team is run by coaches and a coaches' mentality.
Raptors michaelgrange As much as March Gasol, Serge Ibaka are good 😌 complimentary pieces. They were not the pieces that won Raptors a Championship. It was a Superstar and Team play.