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Where Raptors Stand Against “new” East Division

By Avesta Shadpey

May 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (left) talks with Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) during the third quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (left) talks with Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (right) during the third quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The state of the game will change, but the Raptors will not be held back.

It’s been a surprisingly active off season that’s set to change the state of the game as soon as the first basketball tips off on opening night. Kevin Durant’s signing with the Golden State Warriors has left every basketball fan jaw dropped. Anyone who isn’t a Warriors fan will now reflect on where their team stands in the NBA. Nonetheless, many developing and already title-contending teams have significantly increased their depth in talent by adding important assets to their unit. The Eastern Conference is improving year by year, and next season teams in the East will be more competitive than they’ve ever been in the past 5 years.

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In the Raptors’ camp, free agency has been a relatively quiet one this summer. It’s understandable that fans were hoping for more excitement, but, at the end of the day, we have more than enough to be content with. The Raptors are most likely heading into next season with the same core that’s brought them consistent improvement year by year. There’s a possibility of cutting loose the services of a couple players deemed removable Like Luis Scola, James Johnson, Jason Thompson and Terrence Ross.  Johnson, Scola and Thompson are UFAs so the team will most likely not offer them returning contracts as they are not vital assets to the team’s growth in 2016-2017. Ross signed a 3-year contract extension last summer but has been the subject of multiple trade rumors since. One of the Raptors’ main priorities since the arrival of Kyle Lowry has been to take one step forward every year. The gradual betterment of the team’s regular season record and the growth of the team’s starting back court is clear evidence for this fact. For this reason, it is expected of the Raptors and their all-star duo to return stronger and ready to go to war against the new and improved teams of the Eastern Conference, most notably, the Atlantic division.

Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks to pass the ball with Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) defending during the 4th quarter at TD Garden. Toronto won 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks to pass the ball with Boston Celtics point guard Avery Bradley (0) defending during the 4th quarter at TD Garden. Toronto won 113-103. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raptors have been the winner of the Atlantic division banner for the past three years, but there ought to be a higher level of competition within the 5 teams this year. With the exception of the Nets, the Celtics, Knicks and Sixers have had a very effective off-season. Boston was a holder of multiple first round draft picks including the third overall, and landed free agent all-star forward Al Horford. New York can be considered by many among the winners of Free Agency. Even after trading for former MVP Derrick Rose and signing his teammate Joakim Noah, The Knicks signed guards Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee. Philadelphia 76ers fans hope to finally see considerable progress after “trusting” former GM Sam Hinkie’s process for so many years. Ben Simmons is supposedly a generational player and their previous third overall picks Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor should be healthy and ready to dominate the post. Gerald Henderson and Jerryd Bayless were also signed by the Sixers which gives them more guard depth, something they have been missing for the past couple of years.

Breaking: During the completion of this article, Dwyane Wade agreed to a two-year deal worth $47 million with the Chicago Bulls, according to the Associated Press. Raptors’ struggles against Bulls could now most likely remain an ongoing obstacle. 

Toronto will meet each of these teams four times and will have to battle them twice as hard as they did last season. Fortunately, a healthy core composed of Lowry, DeRozan, Carroll, Patterson and Valanciunas remains an advantage in talent against their rivals in the East. Outside the Atlantic division, the NBA champions Cleveland Cavaliers remain the primary force of the conference. In all likelihood, the Raptors are still favorites to trail the Cavaliers at second seed. The Bulls, Heat, Hornets, Magic and Pacers will all return as much changed and improved teams. As mentioned previously, the Raptors will most likely be returning with the same group that hustled for 56 wins last season.

Next: What 2016 NBA Summer League means to Raptors Off-Season

The Western Conference will always be a force to reckon with, but it will be especially exciting to see the Raptors clash against next season’s competitive teams of the new East.