NBA Power Rankings Week 11: All-Star break edition

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 09: Kyrie Irving #11 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 09, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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. 17-19. Previous: 14th. Toronto Raptors. 17. team. 81

Last Week: 2/28 vs. Chicago Bulls (POSTPONED), Lost to Detroit Pistons 129-105, Lost to Boston Celtics 132-125

This Week: 3/11 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 3/13 at Charlotte Hornets

The All-Star break could not have come at a more opportune time for the Toronto Raptors. The team has been struck by an outbreak of COVID-19, seeing Nick Nurse, six other coaches, OG Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw all sidelined following two postponed games. The fact that the game against the Boston Celtics was close feels like a small win for a team that was beginning to figure their roster out over the recent weeks.

Heading into trade season, the Raptors remain one of the more interesting pivot teams in the entire league. They have been connected to rumors about buying into this season’s team and they have also been thought to move on from their franchise cornerstone. Choosing a direction could shape numerous franchise’s directions.

In terms of buying, the Raptors have long been connected to Andre Drummond should the big man become available for the right price in a trade. Figuring out a trade package is quite the challenge given the former All-Star’s prohibitive salary. Unless Kyle Lowry gets shipped to a third team (more on that in a moment) a buyout seems to be the only logical path for Drummond to get to the Raptors.

Lowry to the Philadelphia 76ers has started to gain some traction and the fit is tantalizing. He is the type of veteran that could put the Sixers over the top. If the price is Tyrese Maxey, Danny Green and picks, that call cannot be made quickly enough. He would cement the Sixers as the top team in the conference. All eyes remain on Tampa.