The Toronto Raptors were once again embarrassed by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the very same team that has knocked them out of contention in 3 straight postseasons and that has posted back to back sweeps against them.
Casey had built a very solid group and the best second unit in the NBA, taking the Raptors to the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference and looking like a well-rounded squad ready to take the next step and make it to the Finals, but once again fell short of the goal.
But what was even more concerning and humiliating was the fact that the team’s so-called star players once again disappeared when it mattered the most and proved that they lack the character to take this team the distance.
Having said that and looking how young this team is and how stacked they are, the time has come where you need to wonder if they would be better off without one of their backcourt players, so let us tell you the 5 reasons why the Raptors should try and move either DeRozan or Lowry.
5. They Reached Their Ceiling
The Toronto Raptors climbed all the way up to the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference by posting an excellent 59-23 record, getting 34 victories on their home court and a +7.8 point differential, 2nd best in the league only behind the Houston Rockets.
This core showed a lot of great things, mostly with the second unit on the floor, but they’re not likely to match this year’s record with these players on board, or at least it doesn’t feel like Casey could do anything else with them.
4. Boston And Philadelphia Are The Future Of The East
The Boston Celtics have been one of the most surprising teams this season by a long shot, mostly because the young players have stepped up in Kyrie’s and Hayward’s injuries, and Brown, Rozier and Tatum are looking like studs in the making.
On the other hand, we got the Philadelphia 76ers, whose young core is arguably the best in the NBA, and it’s very unlikely that the Raptors have any kind of chance against either of this teams in the foreseeable future.
3. Their Big Four Is Very Expensive
Kyle Lowry ($31,000,000), DeMar DeRozan ($27,739,975), Jonas Valanciunas ($16,539,326) and Serge Ibaka ($21,666,667) will earn a lot of money in this upcoming campaign, while neither of them seems to be at their best shape or capable of single-handedly lead this team to the Finals.
Valanciunas is borderline washed, Ibaka has lost most of his rim protection abilities, Lowry’s just not that good and DeRozan needs more help beside him, so they should just try and clear some cap space and move several of them.
2. Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry’s already 32 years old and isn’t looking as strong and fast as he used to be, two of his biggest virtues when he flourished as a deadly scorer in this league, not to mention he’s a major no-show during the playoffs.
Truth to be told, he’s never been a top-tier point guard even in the Eastern Conference, and the Raptors would be better off with a quicker playmaker that’s also a more willing facilitator than the 32-year-old.
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1. Is DeMar DeRozan Overrated?
And last but not least, it’s time to face facts: DeMar DeRozan is not as good as they’ve been telling us and he was extremely exposed during the playoffs. It’s been clear that he needs to play next to another superstar to thrive, and he shouldn’t be a team’s first scoring option due to his lack of touch from long range.
He’s lacked the character to prove he’s a top-notch player in this league and with his value at an all-time high right now, the Raptors would be wise to explore trade options for him, or just try and find a way to pair him with a true superstar that’s able to carry the load when things get tough.
