The Toronto Raptors had a tremendous regular season, but after winning a franchise-best 59 games this season, they ran into LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ultimately, Toronto was swept in the Eastern Conference semifinals for the second straight season by the Cavaliers. After getting ousted from the playoffs, the Raptors decided to move on from their head coach Dwane Casey.
Now, for the Raptors, they have to figure out what’s next step. First, Toronto must hire a head coach. According to reports, Toronto interviewed Spurs assistants Ettore Messina and Ime Udoka. Secondly, Toronto has to figure out whether they can win a title with a team built around DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. Finally, the Toronto has to figure out a way to get by LeBron James.
However, for Raptors F Serge Ibaka, it’s not about “King James”:
It’s not about LeBron, it’s about us,” Ibaka told TMZ Sports. “We have to learn from this playoffs and work hard this summer and get ready.”
No one knows what LeBron will do this summer, but one thing is for sure, both Boston and Philly should be better next season, so the Raptors might have a new set of issues moving forward. However, if Toronto’s young players get better, if they can find a coach that can take them to the next level, and Lowry and DeRozan stay healthy, the Raptors are definitely contenders next season in the Eastern Conference.
The future is still bright in Toronto, but they must make all the right moves this summer.
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