In the context of the article (lottery team with the most to look forward to), I'd agree that the Raptors should be up near the top. But that says more about the reality of how difficult it is to go from a non-playoff team to a playoff team in the NBA. What other non-playoff team can say 'we have five guys under contract right now that can form a starting lineup for a playoff team next year'? In the case of the Raptors, it's not a slam-dunk statement, but it's not an absurd statement, either. Portland and Minnesota can only say that if they resign or replace Hickson and Pekovic, respectively. Everyone else is counting on UFA signings (Dallas), trades (Utah), or draft picks (pretty-much everyone else).
So it depends a little on your standard for success. If I had to bet, right now, on what non-playoff team this year is going to make the playoffs next year, I'd pick the Raptors over any other single team.
If I was to bet, right now, on which non-playoff team is going to be a top-four team in their conference, three years from now, I'd take Cleveland. Because Irving is the most talented player not on a playoff team, plus some other solid young pieces (Thompson and Waiters) and over time they should have no problem attracting talent to fill out the roster.
So it depends a little on your standard for success. If I had to bet, right now, on what non-playoff team this year is going to make the playoffs next year, I'd pick the Raptors over any other single team.
If I was to bet, right now, on which non-playoff team is going to be a top-four team in their conference, three years from now, I'd take Cleveland. Because Irving is the most talented player not on a playoff team, plus some other solid young pieces (Thompson and Waiters) and over time they should have no problem attracting talent to fill out the roster.
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