The Toronto Raptors are headed into an offseason full of questions and suspense, but what they really should be worried about is something much, much more. Here are some questions I think the Raptors have to answer this offseason if they want to increase their maximum potential.
Should Dwane Casey be on the hot seat?
Dwane Casey is probably the best coach in Raptors history, but he may get the axe because of the legend that is LeBron James. It's really not his fault because there was this guy named Michael Jordan who did the same to coaches in the 1990's after his dominant runs. Casey has actually posted more wins than LeBron led teams (Casey 166 wins, Cavs 158 wins) but unfortunately it's about winning titles and Toronto will continue to come up short. Losing 3 consecutive seasons in the playoffs to the same team, same way could spell "The End" for coach Casey.
Have the Raptors reached their ceiling?
The Raptors have a competitive squad with a lot of talent but yet and still they don't have an "IT" guy. They need a playmaker, scorer and closer all wrapped up in one. Derozan could be their scorer but he isn't consistent enough when it counts. Toronto probably figured it had a playmaker when they maxed out Lowry this past offseason but he has struggled to keep the offense at an even tempo. When you pay max contract players they should be able to come through in the clutch, but as you seen in their Game 1 loss, Toronto couldn't even make a layup after 4 rebounds off the rim. This team has a lot of talent, but they don't have the drive necessary to take out a championship caliber team such as the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Should they trade one of their max contract players?
Toronto has $100 million dollars tied up in 4 players next season in Derozan, Lowry, Ibaka and Valanciunas, which would make it hard for them to bring in another player that could that this team to the next level. In order for them to elevate their franchise they must cut ties with Lowry or Derozan, but it's inevitable that one will be dealt. Lowry has to become a better leader and Derozan has to come up big in the playoffs. Ibaka reached his ceiling while in OKC but the market is what put him in the spotlight as a cap casualty if need be, so look for him to be on the trading block this summer. Valanciunas is a wildcard only because he's the big man that Toronto needs in the middle, so it's safe to say he might be the only keeper out of the four players.
LeBron James is a beast that will be around at least another 5 years, so Toronto could be looking at a rebuild soon but if they are to attempt to get past the Cavs there will need to be some key changes taking place north of the border.
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