That's right, playoffs? Well, not for the Toronto Raptors, but that's not surprising.
All I heard at the beginning of the season was the hype coming out of the Raptors' camp about this being the year Toronto puts it all together and makes the post season. Valanciunus was finally going to play, DeRozan could potentially make that jump to an all-star-type level of play, and Bargnani was healthy and ready to continue his solid play from last year.
This is all sounded nice, but I just couldn't convince myself this team had the talent to get make the playoffs. (surprising, considering how deluded I am when it comes to the Raps). I picked Toronto to finish in the ninth or tenth spot, which is where the team floated around nearly all year.
The Raptors not making the playoffs isn't devastating. It's been five years since Toronto made the postseason, and if the team did make the playoffs, they most likely would've sneaked in as the eight seed, meaning a first-round sweep against Miami. The Raps wouldn't have stood a chance.
So whatever, the Raptors didn't make the playoffs. What's more interesting to consider is what will happen to Bryan Colangelo and Dwayne Casey in the offseason. The owners of the Raptors, MLSE, recently hired Tim Leiweke as president and CEO, and he's publicly expressed his preference for bringing in Phil Jackson and maaaayyyyybe telling Colangelo to pack his bags.
Colangelo has had a decent tenure with the Raps. He won NBA Executive of the Year in 2007 and put together some playoff teams, but it's time for him to go. He's made some good moves (the Lowry trade being one of them) and some bad moves (the Fields offer sheet backfire). He's been a slightly-below average GM in Toronto, and a fresh face is what the team needs. Does that mean Phil Jackson? I hope so.
Now it's time for great basketball
The first round is in full swing and that means it's finally time to see some great basketball on a nightly basis, including some crazy performances. I'm not sure if you guys have heard of this Steph Curry guy but he's pretty good.There will be more blog posts coming through out the playoffs. Until then, embrace the fact the Lakers' season is finally over and we won't have to hear anymore of the senseless drama.
