Toronto Raptors: 5 reasons to keep the current core intact

Toronto Raptors: 5 reasons to keep the core intact

May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of t-Shirts draped over the seats at the Air Canada Centre prior to game four of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 7, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) talks with Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) )during the fourth quarter in the second round of game 4 of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at against the Cleveland Cavaliers Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Circumstances

If you can only process things in black and white, then you’ll likely view this as an excuse. The reality is: Toronto acquired two key pieces at the NBA trade deadline and then lost the glue to the entire team before they could play a game together.

Getting swept is never acceptable for a team with championship aspirations, but the Raptors are a productive offseason away from making the leap.

Toronto made the move for power forward Serge Ibaka and small forward P.J. Tucker at the 2017 NBA trade deadline. Both moves signaled a sense of urgency, as well as a desire to become a truly elite defensive team.

Unfortunately, star point guard Kyle Lowry was injured before Toronto returned from the All-Star Break and the development of chemistry was thus placed on hold.

Considering Lowry only played in four regular season games between the All-Star Break and the playoffs, Toronto wasn’t at full strength against Cleveland. Even taking Lowry’s injury during the series out of the equation, the Raptors haven’t reached their ceiling.

This team is worth developing, and that’s especially true for an organization that’s never made it this far before the current run it’s on.

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