The Raptors suffered their same feat as they did last year. The Cavs made quick work of the Raptors in four games in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Here are my thoughts on a couple of factors that the Raptors organization need to think about heading into the off-season.

 

Dwane Casey

Dwane Casey is the Raptors all-time leader as a head coach for wins with 204 wins over four years during the regular season. However, in the NBA playoffs, it’s a different story he has struggled. In seven years he has a playoff record of 17-24. The downfall with Casey is that he is terrible at making adjustments in critical moments of the game

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is a hot issue in Toronto before he came to the Raptors he was not a household name and with the Raptors, he became a three NBA All-Star. He found a home in Toronto his career average was 14.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.1 RPG. Lowry is coming off his best season to date he averaged 22.4 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.8 RPG. Therefore with his performance, he will have a lot of teams that will be willing to sign him.

When the NBA playoffs come around Lowry turns into a different player. He only averages decent numbers 14.9 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.1 RPG. Lowry suffered a hand injury and he couldn’t go in-game three and four of the NBA Playoffs against the Cavaliers due to an ankle injury. In the long run, even though he is the most valuable part of the team. It is difficult that he lives up to a max contract.

DeMarre Carroll

When The Raptors acquired it was a great move. At the time it was thought to get the team to the next level but it has not worked out. Carroll has been damaged goods for the past two years. I do not expect him to be back next year because Norman Powell will take his role and he will become more effective.

Serge Ibaka

Ever since the Raptors the lost Chris Bosh in 2010 during free agency they have struggled to find a versatile power forward. Masai Ujiri managed to strike a deal for Serge Ibaka it was a brilliant move trading Terrence Ross and 2017 NBA first round draft pick. Ibaka had a career year averaging his best in the regular season and postseason. Therefore I expect the Raptors to lock him into a max deal.

PJ Tucker

It’s funny how everything in life comes full circle. The Raptors made a trade for PJ Tucker in exchange Jared Sullinger for future second-round draft picks to the Suns. Tucker was drafted by the Raptors in the second round with the 35th pick. He doesn’t have impressive numbers but he always plays hard if the Raptors were smart they would lock him up.

Conclusion

It should be an intriguing with a lot of changes coming in the off-season. I expect a lot of changes coming It will be a completely different team.

Follow @Nino_416 on Twitter

 

Stats courtesy of the NBA and ESPN

Photo courtesy of the NBA and Toronto Raptors