NBA Week 12 Power Rankings: Questions for each team after the break

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center on January 05, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Jazz 130-96. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Previous: 17th. Toronto Raptors. 20. team. 81. . 17-21

Last Week: Lost to Atlanta Hawks 121-120, Lost to Charlotte Hornets 114-104

This Week: 3/14 at Chicago Bulls, 3/17 at Detroit Pistons, 3/19 vs. Utah Jazz

Question: Is it finally the end of the Kyle Lowry?

The question about Kyle Lowry’s future with the Toronto Raptors has been swirling non-stop and the recent struggles the Raptors are dealing with are not likely to quiet the concerns with multiple players and coaches missing time due to health and safety protocols.

As the team continues to trend under .500, they are not falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff race. They are still just half a game out of the eighth seed (and three out of the fourth seed). But the reality is setting in that they are unlikely to be competing for much more than a first-round exit. Doing so while getting something back for the face of the franchise before he hits free agency as a 35-year old might be for the best.

Lowry and Norman Powell are scheduled to hit free agency and the former is currently getting more notice for the time being. As cold as it is, ignoring sentiment is the right call. Lowry still wants to and deserves to win. The Raptors deserve a chance to add to the foundation of Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet. If picks and young players are made available without any future financial commitment, this would be a win for both sides.