Raptors

So you're saying they make it to the Eastern Conference Finals?

 

I'm just saying, anything can happen. If the Raps get that far who says (ik everybody) they don't have a shot at upsetting, or at least pushing Cleveland?
Lowry is a superior player to Irving by a decent amount, just considering the fact that he plays defense. DeRozan is having a helluva season, and could be their semi-answer to LeBron. Speaking of LeBron, he could have a rough time with Carroll, Johnson, and DeRozan thrown at him all series. And if Val shows up, Cleveland sucks at the 5. Love is barely worth mentioning considering his invisibility on the Cavs.

Not as easy of a series as people like to make out. Then again, Toronto could do the same old **** and get eliminated quickly. I tend to like them better when I'm high

 

If golden state crushes it again, Toronto becomes a top destination for Durant. I know it sounds crazy, but there are many reasons for this.

Toronto is a huge market, has a whole country backing it and a lot of international support, the city is becoming very popular with celebs and this will be more evident with the all star game.

Drake and Durant are tight, and most importantly, where else can Durant go where he will already have a strong team with him and such an easy trip to the finals.

The raptors with Durant would crush the cavs.

(I live in Toronto, not even a fan)

 

yeah my thought exactly lol

 

So our franchise is never gonna be good enough for 60 wins?

 

Derozan looking like a different player this year.

 

Raps made similar noise last year (no winstreak) and dropped the ball in the playoffs...ill wait a little bit

 

Picked them in 6 in the series thread but yeah, still looking like fodder.

2nd seed, don't care. 56 wins, don't care.

 

It's in the East, so the wins are inflated

 

Starters:
Kyle Lowry
DeMar DeRozan
DeMarre Carroll
Serge Ibaka
Jonas Valanciunas

Bench:
Corey Joseph
Norman Powell
Delon Wright
Jakob Poeltl
Lucas Noguiera

That's a solid team, especially for the East. I may even favor them over Boston, except their coaching is awful compared to Boston's.

 

damn no mention of PPat, one of their most important players

 

If they could pry a PJ Tucker or Wilson Chandler type player they could be come legit to come out of the east.

 

knew I was forgetting someone.

 

also Siakam, he's quite impressive for a rookie. they have great big men depth now and looking forward. i could see siakam and ibaka become a great pairing next year, defensive athletic bigs with shooting range.

 

There has never been a major NBA free agent that signed with the Raptors over other free agent markets. Kevin Durant is more likely to sign with a dozen other teams over the Raptors. Further, the Raptors are going to have a very hard time keeping Lowry and Ibaka. It is quite possible (if not likely) that the Raptors do not resign Ibaka and give the max to Lowry to retain him. The Raptors are desperate to win now, which is why they went so hard after Ibaka.

The Raptors are 11-14 in 2017. So, they are not really playing like a team on a collision course with the NBA Finals.

San Antonio, Houston, Boston, Golden State and Washington all are far more likely spots for Durant than Toronto.... and that is just off the top of my head.

 

Carl Herrera would thank you.

 

Dude I made that post over a year ago! Haha. Obviously I don't feel Durant is going to the Raps this summer. He's staying put, 100%.
Also, I'm quite sure Toronto keeps both Lowry and Ibaka, unless Philly offers full max to Lowry. Ujiri won't let Ibaka walk away.

 

For those that did not know, KD grew up as a BIG Toronto Raptors Fan and dreamt to play for them.