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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Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots for a basket over Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. It’s Easier To Retool

Rather than pondering how to blow the Toronto Raptors up, Masai Ujiri should figure out a way to retool. DeMar DeRozan is signed long-term and entering his prime, and wasting a year of it would be a costly decision on Ujiri’s behalf.

The question is: what moves would the Raptors need to make in order to adequately retool the roster and prepare for a championship run?

First and foremost, the Raptors need to determine whether or not Dwane Casey is the right coach to lead them to a championship. This situation is quite similar to what transpired with the Golden State Warriors, when Mark Jackson laid the foundation and Steve Kerr put on the finishing touches.

If Casey is unable to elevate the Raptors to the next level, then Ujiri may need to look for a coach who’s capable of doing so—no matter how otherwise effective or respected Casey may be.

Upon making that decision, the Raptors could re-sign Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, and make a splash by trading Jonas Valanciunas. Keeping Valanciunas is certainly an option, but if the idea is to retool, then he’d command a helpful return.

Toronto could blow it up and start over, but it has the tools at its disposal to be more effective in making a move to improve the current roster.

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