Should the Raptors Blow it Up?
The direction GM Masai Ujiri decides the take the Raptors in moving forward will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the NBA's offseason. Kyle Lowry will be a free agent, as will midseason acquisitions P.J. Tucker and Serge Ibaka. The question becomes do the Raptors want to break the bank for a team that is, and will continue to be, stone-walled by LeBron James and the Cavaliers? Or do they instead elect to rebuild? They could let Lowry and Ibaka walk and slowly slip into oblivion in hopes of being bad enough in the short-term to get one of the top prospects via the draft. In that scenario, by the time that prospect enters his prime, LeBron will be long gone. But see: finding that prospect is difficult, and there is no guarantee that he will be any better than what they have currently in Lowry and Derozan.
What is guaranteed though, is that with this group, the Raptors will consistently make the playoffs. And what happens if maybe one year LeBron sprains an ankle, or some other injury or event impedes the Cavs? Likely, the Raptors make, or at least have a great opportunity of making, the Finals.
Many will call for a complete rebuild with the Raptors. Do you know how many teams would be satisfied to consistently make the playoffs and advance while doing so? I know the ultimate goal is to win a title, but you cannot win a title without making the playoffs. I know that sounds silly, but all that it takes for the Raptors to make the Finals is a fluke injury, or maybe they catch fire from three-point land. Let's say they have a 5-10% chance as is. That is better than probably 80% of the league. I think, despite all of their perceived failures, the Raptors should run it back .... again.
