The Toronto Raptors are all but eliminated from the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. There’s no shame in losing to the defending NBA champions, a team which includes a major participant in any GOAT conversation, LeBron James. However, even without King James on the floor, Toronto’s problem with roster construction is exacerbated by Cleveland’s strength.
The Raptors’ linuep is woefully weak of 3-point shooting. Trading for Serge Ibaka late in the season was a move I supported then and now. While the price (Terrence Ross and a first-round draft pick) was reasonable, no one could have known Kyle Lowry would need right-wrist surgery and miss 22 games.