The Toronto Raptors franchise and fan base is still riding high after last seasons successful run into the playoffs and eventual Atlantic Division title. The Raptors finished out the season as the third seed in the Conference and they drew the Brooklyn Nets as a first-round opponent.
Now that playoff series didn't go as well as hoped as the Raps dropped the series in a hard fought seven game series that came down to a last second shot and one point defeat.
No sooner did the season end than the conversations began as to how the Raptors could take the next jump for the 2014-15 season. The biggest priority for the Raptors heading into the offseason was the resigning of Kyle Lowry. Lowry and the Raptors did come to agreeable terms and a short while later a $48 million four-year deal was announced. With Lowry locked up the need to put pieces in place around him and DeMar DeRozan became the focal point.
So what have the Raptors done to bolster their roster? What have the Raptors done to keep ahold of their place atop the division? Short answer is; not enough.
If I were to grade the Raptors offseason it would garner a B+ overall. Solid moves by general manager Ujiri Masai kept the core roster intact while shedding some contracts, Steve Novak and turning unwanted players, John Salmons, into potential assets. But in terms of adding new talent that could elevate the Raps chances there was little of impact done.
The addition of Lou Williams from Atlanta was a nice move that provided some good bench scoring and a very capable relief option for Lowry. Williams enjoyed good success with Philadelphia before going to Atlanta and tearing his ACL. If he can regain some form of two years ago then Williams could be a contributor for the Raps this season; I just don't see him being the piece that puts the team into Eastern Conference contention.
Aside from Williams no players were brought in to have an impact this season. Their draft pick Bruno Caboclo is destined for the D-League and their second-rounder is a draft and stash kind of guy as well. Caboclo is a promising prospect but he isn't likely gon to see any time this coming season with the big club.
All in all the Raptors had a good offseason in terms of resigning players and dumping contracts. Where they failed though was in the addition of complementary pieces that could help carry them to the next level.
With the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers likely vying for top spot on the Conference; the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards all getting better, the Miami Heat are not exactly packing it in and the Brooklyn Nets getting better through returning injured players, the Raptors have real competition in the division.
Based on what the Raptors have I don't see them finishing third in the conference this season and them winning the division is far from a lock given Brook Lopez's return to the Nets.