Can We Take The Raptors Seriously?

It seemed as though the Raptors management may have been setting up the team to tank with the trade of Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings. However, since the trade in the early part of December the Raptors have been on a roll.

The Raptors are currently ranked No.3 in the Eastern Conference, and they are not necessarily dominating opponents but they have won enough games to get them this far and will likely keep doing see.

The biggest threat to Toronto’s No.3 Eastern Conference spot is the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately for Hawks fans, Al Horford is now out with an injury. In Horford’s absence most predict the Hawks will begin to descend the ranks.

The Chicago Bulls find themselves in a similar situation as the Raptors. They traded away Luol Deng and have since went on a great run. They are 7-3 on their last ten. However, in the Bulls situation management seems hell bent on the Bulls tanking.  There are now rumors of a Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah trade in the works. In other words, they will not be challenging the Raptors for the No.3 spot.

That leaves the Raptors being mentioned in the same breath as the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.  The question is-can we take them seriously?

The blue print for successful NBA team now a days is not to build around on central star but to put two to (big) three major players in your starting line up. When Gay was on the Raptors, he controlled the game. The amount of time he spent with the ball in his hands was on par with Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant.

In Gay’s absence three stars have emerged on the Raptors two of which are Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

Lowry has become a more efficient on the offensive side of the ball as he is beginning to pad his assist and point stats.

DeRozan has become a more efficient guard, helping to control the game by consistently picking up big assists.

Lastly, there is Terrence Ross. Ross is averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game.

The most important thing as that these three players and the Raptors other starters are showing a lot of chemistry as a team and as long as this young squad of players continue to improve or simply keep playing like they are, they are playoff bound.

It is time we started taking the Raptors seriously.