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State of competitors will influence Raptors’ moves

By Brian Boake

Jan 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) looks to play a ball as Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) tries to defend during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) looks to play a ball as Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) tries to defend during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 115-109. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Are the Raptors strong enough as constructed to make a serious run in the post-season? Let’s consider the likely opponents before we answer.

The Toronto Raptors want to win a championship. To do that, they must win the Eastern Conference title before facing whichever Western squad survives what promises to be murderous playoffs out there. Let’s not worry about the West today, instead, I want to consider how well the Raptors stack up against their Eastern rivals. If we’re as good as anyone, why not push for a serious playoff run by tweaking our roster? If we’re not, GM Masai Ujiri should do nothing at the trade deadline, and look forward to a decent playoff run, and new talent in the draft.

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CONTENDERS

Obviously we must place the Cleveland Cavaliers at the top of this stack. However all is not rosy by the shores of Lake Erie. Kevin Love is hurt, again; the same shoulder which kept him out of last season’s finals was re-injured on Wednesday night. Their gifted point guard, Kyrie Irving, has missed a chunk of time this season with injuries, and I don’t think he’s exactly robust. Can LeBron James carry this team?

Jan 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks to score a basket during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dunks to score a basket during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The Boston Celtics are building a serious head of steam. They have climbed into third place on the strength of a 10-2 run heading into the break. The green team is well-constructed and -coached, with a deep rotation and the ability to play big or small. Boston has more capability to withstand injury than any Eastern contender save our team. Is their lack of a big star a weakness? Don’t be too sure the answer is Yes.

I may be the last man standing who believes in the Chicago Bulls. So much depends on how serious Jimmy Butler’s injury is, but if his team can hang around while he gets healthy, they will be a tough out in the post-season.

PRETENDERS

Atlanta doesn’t look like themselves. Perhaps the loss of DeMarre Carroll hurt them more than they suspected. Kyle Korver appears to be out of his long-distance shooting slump, but now they are being buzzed every day with trade rumours. Will Al Horford bolt for nothing after this season? They don’t have the goods.

Indiana looks beatable. I don’t think they have enough shooting to win four games before a better opponent does.

Charlotte will need every ounce of skill and energy it possesses to grab a late seed. It says here they won’t have enough left in the tank to challenge in the playoffs, where the top teams will be rested and ready.

Miami is held together by chewing gum and baling wire. Their best players are their most fragile ones, the veterans. Also, they have posted a winning record despite being having a plus/minus of minus_0.3, and that’s not sustainable. The pendulum will swing back, and the Heat will be life and death to qualify for the second season.

CONCLUSION

The Eastern Conference is up for grabs. The Toronto Raptors management owes it to their fans, players and organization to make a move to win now. I’ve been advocating a trade to shore up the power forward position, utilizing some of rotation players plus a draft pick from our collection. GM Masai Ujiri has done a terrific job in husbanding our picks; the time has come to move one or more of them.

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