Why are that Raptors good?

[Collie]

The term 'elite' is way overused on this forum. Elite should be reserved for championship calibre teams.

They're not elite YET, but like I said, they have nearly the right mix of players.

[JebronLames]

They need to get rid of derozan. Lowry must have very good patience.

[kamil]

They need to get rid of derozan. Lowry must have very good patience.

Why? They're 12-2... if it aint broken, don't fix it.

[MMM]

They shouldn't be a surprised team though. They won at a 55 win rate last season post Gay trade and this team is incrementally better. They probably need a another legit big but this team can and probably will compete for the East.

[kamil]

They shouldn't be a surprised team though. They won at a 55 win rate last season post Gay trade and this team is incrementally better. They probably need a another legit big but this team can and probably will compete for the East.

Wanna make a bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs will still make headline news even after they fail to make the playoffs while the Raps make it to the ECF?

[hawksdogsbraves]

Raptors are like... 54-24 since the Rudy Gay trade, best in the East in that span (yes, even last year's Heat).

2nd best in that span would be the Bulls at like 48 and whatever.

Raps are legit. I see them in the ECF at least.

See I really don't see them in the ECF.

Look at the Nets series last year. I just don't feel like they have the players to grind out a tough series against a more talented team like the Bulls or Cavs.

They feel like a regular season giant to me, wouldn't be surprised in the least to see them fall in the first round again.

[SugarHill]

Wanna make a bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs will still make headline news even after they fail to make the playoffs while the Raps make it to the ECF?

Yes, you bald bastard.

[Done_And_Done]

A relentless Billups like point guard who does it all and brings it virtually every night. His leadership is up there amongst the best in the league and he's always setting by example

An improved bench with the likes of JJ and Lou, who have complimented the likes of Vasquez and Patterson who were already both very capable back ups

A returning core that is still developing and getting better (with the exception of Amir who brings it every single night and next to Lowry is arguably the heart of the team)

A young Centre who while still shows growing pains, is a monster at periodical points in games. One who is capable of producing right now and still has years of development ahead of him

Improved coaching who while still suspect at times has come alongggg way...

[Legends66NBA7]

They feel like a regular season giant to me, wouldn't be surprised in the least to see them fall in the first round again.

Who would they lose to in the first round ? I don't see them facing Cleveland or Chicago in the 1st.

[kamil]

Yes, you bald bastard.

Who said im bald?

[hawksdogsbraves]

Who would they lose to in the first round ? I don't see them facing Cleveland or Chicago in the 1st.

They likely won't lose in the first round in the East, but I wouldn't be entirely shocked to see them lose to a team like the Nets or Hornets (assuming those teams turn it around).

I don't think they're a bad team, I just don't see them as a real contender.

[Done_And_Done]

Wanna make a bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs will still make headline news even after they fail to make the playoffs while the Raps make it to the ECF?

The city is Raptors frenetic right now. I'll take this bet any day.

[Legends66NBA7]

Wanna make a bet that the Toronto Maple Leafs will still make headline news even after they fail to make the playoffs while the Raps make it to the ECF?

Salute-gate already got more buzz in the headlines than the Raps leading the East.

Raptors are getting more recognition though.

[SugarHill]

Who said im bald?

Well, are you?

[kamil]

Well, are you?

LOL, no. Like any other old ass man, ive got some thinning but i did study dermatology... so all the ridicule lebron* gets over his hair is pretty weak.

Criticize his game, not his hair.