The Raptor Report: Skeptics and Supporters

Bertrand Russell

The Raptor All-Stars

The Toronto Raptors were well represented this All-Star weekend and the compete level of Kyle Lowry should remind the NBA that the Raptors are for real. Even in the All-Star game Kyle Lowry plays basketball the right way, sacrificing his body against the NBA elite. Even though Sunday’s game didn’t go as planned the Raptors All-Stars showed that they can compete with anyone. The Raptors will always face skeptics and will always have a nation of supporters.

The Skeptics

It is hard to find a flaw in the make-up of the 2019-2020 Raptors. When healthy, they are top five in the NBA in both offensive & defensive efficiency. Yet, south of the border, there is so many skeptics that do not believe the Raptors stand a chance come playoff time. The idea is that the Raptors do not have enough “star-power” to compete with the other top teams in the Eastern Conference. They say the Raptors would be lucky to make it past the second round.

The fact is, the skeptic’s doubt isn’t around the make-up of the Raptors or their regular-season success. The doubt is on All-Star Starter Pascal Siakam and six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry. The media does not believe Siakam can take the next step into becoming a super-star. The media has been doubting the G.R.O.A.T Kyle Lowry (Greatest Raptor of All Time) for many years. To be fair, Siakam has to prove himself before anyone can give him recognition as a super-star.

Let’s not forget, when Kawhi Leonard won his first championship and Finals MVP with the San Antonio Spurs no one saw him as becoming a super-star. Pascal Siakam continues to grow in every facet of his game and having that championship pedigree, the Raptors will continue to prove the skeptics wrong. The Raptors, last year with Kawhi Leonard had just as many skeptics as they do now. They don’t care.

The Supporters

The Raptors have a nation behind them and a real belief that they can win the Eastern Conference again. The Raptors continue to perform at a high-level and the goal is to finish the regular season strong and get healthy. There are 27 games left in the regular season and the Raptors great advantage is having the best coach in the league, Nick Nurse, and a deep bench that has bought into the Raptors Way of great defensive basketball and team first basketball.

Check out Coach Nick Nurse on my favourite sports talk show Pardon the Interruption (even though Tony & Mike are skeptics):

The Raptors are Shooting Par

One fact is that all the Eastern Conference contenders have taken a step backward, except the Raptors. In my opinion, the Raptors are still the toughest team in the East to beat in the playoffs and are in a tier with the Bucks above the rest of the contenders. The Raptors are on par with last year because of the emergence of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet & Serge Ibaka taking a huge leap forward, the Sixth Man role assumed by Norman Powell, and a healthy OG Anunoby. Of course, they are lead by their floor general Kyle Lowry who competes at the highest level, which is the Raptor standard.

The Step-Back of the East Contenders:

The Milwaukee Bucks

The brightest spot with the Bucks is still seeing the development of Giannis Antetokounmpo and specifically his shooting ability. He will keep you honest with being able to knock down the open 3-pointer but still struggles half-court against a defense that packs the paint. The Bucks roster compared to last year has taken a step backwards, with the loss of Malcolm Brogdon in Free Agency to the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks have struggled many times in the playoffs against the Raptors and I would rank them the second toughest team in the East, still being a class above the teams I rank 3-6.

The Boston Celtics

The Celtics have only taken a half-step backward and that’s because they lost Al Horford. The growth of Jayson Tatum must be encouraging for Celtics fans, but the loss of Al Horford has left them without a consistent Center who can defend and stretch the floor. I would rank the Celtics as the 3rd toughest team in the East, with all top 6 teams being contenders.

The Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers have taken a few steps backward, because of locker room drama and a lack of on-court chemistry. Ben Simmons still hasn’t developed a jump shot, even after coach Brett Brown said he needs to at least attempt one 3-pointer a game. Al Horford has had a hard time fitting in at the Power Forward position (he has NEVER played as a Power Forward) beside Joel Embiid. The loss of Jimmy Butler has created a seismic hole in the Sixers squad. I would rank the Sixers as the fourth toughest team in the East, with all top six teams being contenders.

The Heat & Pacers

The Heat were not considered threats to win the East last year. They have definitely taken a step forward with great draft picks and the addition of Jimmy Butler. With a few added veterans at the trade deadline, the Heat will be an extremely tough out in the playoffs and I have them ranked as the 5th toughest team in the East, with all top six teams being true contenders.

The Pacers have taken a step forward but were not considered real threats to win the East last year. The return of Victor Oladipo & the emergence of Domantas Sabonis make the Pacers a tough out in the playoffs this year. I would rank the Pacers the six toughest team in the East, with all top six teams being true contenders.

The Raptor Report Hot Take:

THE RAPTORS WILL SWEEP A TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS.

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BY: DAN CHANDRAN
LETS GO RAPTORS!