The Raptors have had an unfortunate NBA season, to put it mildly. Just two playoff series after topping the regular season of the Eastern Conference with a 59-23 win-loss record, they succumbed to the Cavaliers in a sweep. This prompted many basketball fans and experts to believe that they are just overwhelmed by LeBron James’ presence.
The hurdle that is James is something the Raptors can’t seem to pass. And it showed in their tentative play throughout that series. Even the newfound chemistry between Toronto stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan wasn’t enough; the surrounding talent didn’t show up in all four games.
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Image source: raptorshq.com
The good news is that James is likely leaving Cleveland this offseason, and chances are high that it will be for a Western Conference team. This will remove the obstacle that has kept the Canadian franchise from moving forward in the playoffs. However, this would also mean that the Raptors will never get the chance to redeem themselves and prove that they can beat a LeBron-led team in the East.
The firing of their coach Dwane Casey is the newest Raptors hurdle. It’s not usual for a coach-of-the-year candidate to get booted off a team, especially one who led the team to the top of the standings. But management probably decided that the shackling Toronto got from Cleveland was too much and too embarrassing, and they had to put the blame on someone. All in all, the Raptors’ future is uncertain, and it might take more than just firing their coach to claw their way back up the NBA ladder.
Image source: medium.com
Shaun Benderson here, a college student from the University of Florida. I’ve been passionate about sports since I was a kid, so I’m now starting to share my thoughts about my favorite leagues and teams. Visit this blogfor similar reads.
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