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Thank You Raptors
Yes, that was a hard way to go out. But let’s not forget the mindset we had before Game 1 of this series. Almost no one, RR or otherwise, thought we had a chance of making it much more than a sweep, much less looking like (at times) having a legitimate chance of pushing Cleveland to 7 games, or even making the NBA Finals. Hell, some thought we weren’t even going to make it to the ECF!
We can’t let how the last couple games went take anything away from what has been such an incredible journey to get this far. From a record 56(!!!) wins in the regular season, to two exhilarating, ugly, beautiful, insane 7 games series, to beating LeBron and the Cavs TWICE when they were 10-0 at that point in the post-season, we had quite a run. Every player and member of the coaching staff deserves credit for the year. I’ve been on the #FireCasey wagon for a while, and while I still don’t think he’s an amazing coach he’s clearly done something right with these Raps, making it this far does mean he should get some credit. I will not be filled with anger if he’s back next fall. As for the players, each one of them was a part of this group, this best ever Raptors team, they all played their part in this awesome ride.
Bruno Caboclo: Some still believe in your potential to become a useful NBA player. Others have written you off. No matter what, you were picked up with the future in mind, no one expected you to bring it on the court in the present. Keep working Bruno, hopefully you can bring it soon.
Lucas Nogueira: Another future oriented player, the future may still be bright for you Bebe, but for this year you were simply a crazy looking hairdo to watch for on the bench. You did catch an alley-oop in a playoff game though, more than a lot of players have done in the postseason.
Delon Wright: Our first round pick this year, there were belief among many that you were to replace Vasquez as our backup PG. Unfortunately for you, Joseph was signed, and you were pushed out of the rotation. You looked capable out there however, and you should get your chance to prove yourself soon.
Jason Thompson: Picked up near the end of the season as an option to have on the bench, you were not able to solidify a role in the rotation for yourself. Nevertheless, every minute counts, and you did the best you could when called upon against Miami.
Luis Scola: Oh Scola. When signed we thought you were going to be a useful vet piece off the bench. Then you started for much of the year, and RR turned against you. But you had your moments, and when you were benched for much of the playoffs you didn’t sulk. Thanks for being around this year, and good luck wherever you end up.
James Johnson: A very odd case in your last couple years here, at times you seemed like you were worthy of maybe starting, other times it seemed justified that you were stuck on the bench. You often went long stretches without gametime, but was always ready when you were called. It seems unlikely you’ll be back next year so good luck wherever you end up.
Norman Powell: When you were picked up with the pick we got for Vasquez, expectations weren’t huge for you. But then you wowed us in the summer league, and when Carroll went down you stepped in and started, even starting a couple playoff games! The future seems bright for you even though you fell out of the rotation in the later rounds, keep putting in work and come back stronger next year: you could be a great second round steal.
Terrence Ross: You got an extension this season, and once more you teased us with how good you can be when you’re on. Your three-point stroke, unlimited athleticism and defensive potential have had us all in awe at some point, but you might just as soon make us want to punch you. Nevertheless, athletic bench gunners are a valuable commodity, and you definitely had you fair share of great moments this year.
DeMarre Carroll: You were the big signing this offseason, bringing hope that you would be our defensive ace, and a good 3rd-5th option on offence. That ended abruptly with a couple awful injuries which made you miss much of the regular season. Though you did not play as much, and struggled against the Cavs, your timely three pointers and able defense certainly played a big role in the first two rounds. Hopefully you can use this summer to get fully healthy and ready to go next year.
Patrick Patterson: You are the last player remaining from the Rudy Gay trade that kick started this run of success. While your valuable three-point shot might not be as consistent as most of us would love, your hustle, rebounding, defense and IQ have been valuable assets coming off the bench or starting. Many people are clamoring for an upgrade at PF, and while you’re not a star you’re the type of player every contender needs.
Cory Joseph: The hometown kid, you were brought in from the Spurs, with high hopes that you would more than replace Vasquez. And while there were ups and downs, you were a huge piece of the team, having someone capable to run the offence besides Lowry opened up many more opportunities, including Lowry playing off the ball beside you. That with your tenacious defense means that you’re another key piece to have off the bench.
Bismack Biyombo: You were signed to decidedly less fanfare than Carroll and Joseph, and to a much smaller contract. When JV went down early in the season we weren’t sure how you would do in his place. You held down the center position well, and we kept winning games. JV came back and you resumed your bench role, giving life and energy to the bench unit. When JV went down in Miami we thought we were doomed. Instead you stepped in and played amazing, giving us the lift we needed to make it out of the second round. You might have played your way out of our pay range, and if you did we all salute you for your non-stop effort and heart you laid out every game this season.
Jonas Valanciunas: The narrative for your whole regular season was your usage. Some said that you WAY too underutilized. Others said that you might not be able to take increased pressure. Well, the playoffs definitely showed what you are made of. Before you went down in Miami you were by far the most consistent player on the team, and the biggest reason we beat Indiana. We’re lucky we got you on that extension, because it looks like we have a future all-star on our hands. While you weren’t as effective in the ECF due to injury and minute limitations, we have witnessed the JV breakout party, and we all should be excited to see what our big guy can do next year.
DeMar DeRozan: What to say about DeMar DeRozan? The most polarizing figure on the roster, it seems like every game launches another tirade about DD, good or bad. Whatever your opinion of DeMar is, he is one half of the all-star backcourt that was a huge part in pushing us here, and he has been a great person for this franchise to have had since he was drafted. If this was indeed the last time you play in a Raptors uniform, THANK YOU, for your hard work and and performances for the last 7 years. And if you come back, then it’s time to continue your evolution as a more pass-oriented player, on top of your great scoring ability.
Kyle Lowry: Kyle Lowry. Kyle Motherfucking Lowry. I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. The heart and soul of this team, the 3rd-Team All-NBA guard, the MVP of the Raptors, you have been the force that has driven us this whole year. Yes, you had your struggles in the playoffs, but you continued to fight, and when those shots went down, oh were they beautiful. Were they clutch. There’s not much else to say but Kyle Lowry Over Everything. I know you can bring it next year.
This team had so many great moments, it’s hard to fully appreciate them all. So here are only a few of the wonderful moments we got to experience this season. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will.
Finally, every one of us has to thank Masai Ujiri. He was able to get the pieces needed to make this team the best team in franchise history, and the future looks bright with our younger players and our top 10 draft pick this June.
The offseason is ahead, and there will definitely be changes. Players will leave, new ones will come in. But that won't change what a great season this was, and hopefully it will mean we'll have an even greater one next year. Until then, however, we can just recognize how great this season felt.
LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!
Yes, that was a hard way to go out. But let’s not forget the mindset we had before Game 1 of this series. Almost no one, RR or otherwise, thought we had a chance of making it much more than a sweep, much less looking like (at times) having a legitimate chance of pushing Cleveland to 7 games, or even making the NBA Finals. Hell, some thought we weren’t even going to make it to the ECF!
We can’t let how the last couple games went take anything away from what has been such an incredible journey to get this far. From a record 56(!!!) wins in the regular season, to two exhilarating, ugly, beautiful, insane 7 games series, to beating LeBron and the Cavs TWICE when they were 10-0 at that point in the post-season, we had quite a run. Every player and member of the coaching staff deserves credit for the year. I’ve been on the #FireCasey wagon for a while, and while I still don’t think he’s an amazing coach he’s clearly done something right with these Raps, making it this far does mean he should get some credit. I will not be filled with anger if he’s back next fall. As for the players, each one of them was a part of this group, this best ever Raptors team, they all played their part in this awesome ride.
Bruno Caboclo: Some still believe in your potential to become a useful NBA player. Others have written you off. No matter what, you were picked up with the future in mind, no one expected you to bring it on the court in the present. Keep working Bruno, hopefully you can bring it soon.
Lucas Nogueira: Another future oriented player, the future may still be bright for you Bebe, but for this year you were simply a crazy looking hairdo to watch for on the bench. You did catch an alley-oop in a playoff game though, more than a lot of players have done in the postseason.
Delon Wright: Our first round pick this year, there were belief among many that you were to replace Vasquez as our backup PG. Unfortunately for you, Joseph was signed, and you were pushed out of the rotation. You looked capable out there however, and you should get your chance to prove yourself soon.
Jason Thompson: Picked up near the end of the season as an option to have on the bench, you were not able to solidify a role in the rotation for yourself. Nevertheless, every minute counts, and you did the best you could when called upon against Miami.
Luis Scola: Oh Scola. When signed we thought you were going to be a useful vet piece off the bench. Then you started for much of the year, and RR turned against you. But you had your moments, and when you were benched for much of the playoffs you didn’t sulk. Thanks for being around this year, and good luck wherever you end up.
James Johnson: A very odd case in your last couple years here, at times you seemed like you were worthy of maybe starting, other times it seemed justified that you were stuck on the bench. You often went long stretches without gametime, but was always ready when you were called. It seems unlikely you’ll be back next year so good luck wherever you end up.
Norman Powell: When you were picked up with the pick we got for Vasquez, expectations weren’t huge for you. But then you wowed us in the summer league, and when Carroll went down you stepped in and started, even starting a couple playoff games! The future seems bright for you even though you fell out of the rotation in the later rounds, keep putting in work and come back stronger next year: you could be a great second round steal.
Terrence Ross: You got an extension this season, and once more you teased us with how good you can be when you’re on. Your three-point stroke, unlimited athleticism and defensive potential have had us all in awe at some point, but you might just as soon make us want to punch you. Nevertheless, athletic bench gunners are a valuable commodity, and you definitely had you fair share of great moments this year.
DeMarre Carroll: You were the big signing this offseason, bringing hope that you would be our defensive ace, and a good 3rd-5th option on offence. That ended abruptly with a couple awful injuries which made you miss much of the regular season. Though you did not play as much, and struggled against the Cavs, your timely three pointers and able defense certainly played a big role in the first two rounds. Hopefully you can use this summer to get fully healthy and ready to go next year.
Patrick Patterson: You are the last player remaining from the Rudy Gay trade that kick started this run of success. While your valuable three-point shot might not be as consistent as most of us would love, your hustle, rebounding, defense and IQ have been valuable assets coming off the bench or starting. Many people are clamoring for an upgrade at PF, and while you’re not a star you’re the type of player every contender needs.
Cory Joseph: The hometown kid, you were brought in from the Spurs, with high hopes that you would more than replace Vasquez. And while there were ups and downs, you were a huge piece of the team, having someone capable to run the offence besides Lowry opened up many more opportunities, including Lowry playing off the ball beside you. That with your tenacious defense means that you’re another key piece to have off the bench.
Bismack Biyombo: You were signed to decidedly less fanfare than Carroll and Joseph, and to a much smaller contract. When JV went down early in the season we weren’t sure how you would do in his place. You held down the center position well, and we kept winning games. JV came back and you resumed your bench role, giving life and energy to the bench unit. When JV went down in Miami we thought we were doomed. Instead you stepped in and played amazing, giving us the lift we needed to make it out of the second round. You might have played your way out of our pay range, and if you did we all salute you for your non-stop effort and heart you laid out every game this season.
Jonas Valanciunas: The narrative for your whole regular season was your usage. Some said that you WAY too underutilized. Others said that you might not be able to take increased pressure. Well, the playoffs definitely showed what you are made of. Before you went down in Miami you were by far the most consistent player on the team, and the biggest reason we beat Indiana. We’re lucky we got you on that extension, because it looks like we have a future all-star on our hands. While you weren’t as effective in the ECF due to injury and minute limitations, we have witnessed the JV breakout party, and we all should be excited to see what our big guy can do next year.
DeMar DeRozan: What to say about DeMar DeRozan? The most polarizing figure on the roster, it seems like every game launches another tirade about DD, good or bad. Whatever your opinion of DeMar is, he is one half of the all-star backcourt that was a huge part in pushing us here, and he has been a great person for this franchise to have had since he was drafted. If this was indeed the last time you play in a Raptors uniform, THANK YOU, for your hard work and and performances for the last 7 years. And if you come back, then it’s time to continue your evolution as a more pass-oriented player, on top of your great scoring ability.
Kyle Lowry: Kyle Lowry. Kyle Motherfucking Lowry. I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. The heart and soul of this team, the 3rd-Team All-NBA guard, the MVP of the Raptors, you have been the force that has driven us this whole year. Yes, you had your struggles in the playoffs, but you continued to fight, and when those shots went down, oh were they beautiful. Were they clutch. There’s not much else to say but Kyle Lowry Over Everything. I know you can bring it next year.
This team had so many great moments, it’s hard to fully appreciate them all. So here are only a few of the wonderful moments we got to experience this season. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will.
Finally, every one of us has to thank Masai Ujiri. He was able to get the pieces needed to make this team the best team in franchise history, and the future looks bright with our younger players and our top 10 draft pick this June.
The offseason is ahead, and there will definitely be changes. Players will leave, new ones will come in. But that won't change what a great season this was, and hopefully it will mean we'll have an even greater one next year. Until then, however, we can just recognize how great this season felt.
LET'S GO RAPTORS!!!
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