The Raptors should be an example to us of how to build a better team

LOL I didn't see anyone else predicting a Raptors championship before this series started. Hook me up with a link my dude.

 

Yeah, the strategy is, we too can compete for a championship if teams are missing 2 of their best 3 players lol.

 

Haha, just giving you $hit.

 

Who exactly is the other guy in this scenario? Durant and....?

 

How come we didn't know?

 

Klay, he missed the 4th tonight. Also was clearly hurt after game 2, and was obviously not really right on defense.

 

Think it said a lot that when KD played for that 12 minutes GS was pretty clearly a lot better than them.

 

That's why you play the games. You never know what will happen. The 2015 Warriors will still be champions even though Kyrie and Kevin Love didn't play.

 

Exactly. You never know. There were so many myth busters in this playoffs. Fan said why try to compete against a dynasty when you know you can't beat them. Well injury's do happen. ( and not by just the little non physical guys that some suggested)
Fans also said you can't win with a short back court, yet Lowery and VanFleet were on the floor together in crunch time.
Fans said you can't win without high lottery picks. Did Toronto have any?

 

Hey Im all for the Blazers making a move like Toronto did, but at the same time it in no way means the Blazers win a ring.

 

I agree. I am saying keepy our self in a good position because you never know. The Raptors have made the playoffs 9 straight year. Blowing it up did not get them where they are. Although I think they will suck next year when Kawhi leaves

 

I think the Raptors still will be good even presuming they lose Kawhi. That's a deep team. Their scouting department has found diamonds in the rough like Siakam and Van Vleet. They aren't going to replace Kawhi, but they still should be a major player in the East for at least another couple of years.

Obviously, Milwaukee becomes the team to beat. I think Brooklyn is well-positioned to take a big step up with its cap room coming off the season it had. Boston probably takes a step back. Miami COULD make a move forward. Sixers still should be good, although they've still got some big questions to be addressed and I have big doubts about their chemistry. Depending on what Atlanta does with its assets, the Hawks are a darkhorse that probably becomes a major force in two years.

But, yeah, I see the Raptors still being in contention for a top four seed in the East next year, Kawhi or not.

 

If Olidipo comes back strong next year Indy’s pretty good too.

 

Agreed.

 

I don't see it. By the playoffs Gasol will be 35, Lowry 34, Green 33, Ibaka 30. They will have Anunoby and Siakam and Van Fleet, and Powell.
I guess they will make the playoffs but definitely no Kawhi IMO. First round exit.

 

And all those guys you mentioned still were effective this season. Lowry and Ibaka were very, very good. They'll be better than fine. They aren't playing in the West. Even if they were, I think they'd be competitive.

 

Why is everyone assuming they lose Kawhi? Because of the national media? The same media that guaranteed PG going to LA and said Dame was getting traded there last summer?

 

Honestly, I think part of it is jealousy. They succeeded with a gameplan Portland would never use.

 

Well I guess he could sign for the max in Toronto and make sure he has some opt out clauses. I just don't see him staying in Toronto another 5 years.
But I would be very happy if he stays out of LA for a few years.

 

What gets lost in the Raptor model is how deep they are. They could play 8-10 LEGIT players for solid rotation minutes in every playoff game. Usually, a trade for a top 10 player would deplete the team of assets, but the Raps still had enough for a solid bench.