Prior to the beginning of the season the Toronto Raptors, on paper, seemed to be a true playoff team. However, as we went through the season and into the playoffs, disappointment came knocking once again. They barely made it through the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and then proceeded to get swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now they head into this off-season with a few key players who are free agents.
Kyle Lowry (PG) – Unrestricted
Sports Illustrated
Lowry has been one of the dynamic duo on the Raptors team. DeMar DeRozan and him were supposed to lead this team deep into the playoffs and eventually lead them to a championship. However, since Lowry joined the team in 2012 they haven’t been able to produce the results expected by the public. Over 60 games Kyle averaged 22.4 points, seven assists, 4.8 rebounds, and a team leading 1.5 steals per game in the regular season. Look for Lowry to test the waters this off-season and possibly transition to a new franchise.
Serge Ibaka (PF/C) – Unrestricted
Sporting News
Ibaka joined the raptors in February of 2017 in a trade that sent Terrence Ross plus a future 1st round pick to Orlando and Ibaka to Toronto. During the regular season Ibaka played in 23 games averaging 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. In the playoffs Serge kept his momentum going averaging similar numbers to his regular season play. The Raptors will hope to retain Ibaka who proved to be an asset to play alongside DeRozan.
Patrick Patterson (PF) – Unrestricted
The Players Tribune
With the acquisition of Serge Ibaka half way through the season, Patterson’s role became smaller. Patrick, however, in the 65 games he played was still able to average 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 24.6 minutes per game. In the playoffs his minutes decreased to 18.5 per game and subsequently lessened his impact and stat line. Patterson’s time on the Raptors may have come to an end if they are able to resign Ibaka.
P.J. Tucker (SF) – Unrestricted
TSN
P.J. Tucker’s career has taken many ups and downs, from playing overseas to surgery, but the return to the team who originally drafted him was a welcome move for the 32-year-old. Toronto traded for Tucker in February of 2017 for Jared Sullinger and second round draft picks in 2017 & 2018. Over all 82 games this season with the Suns and Raptors, Tucker averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 27.6 minutes per game. With only a partial season under his belt with his roots, I imagine the Raptors will look to resign P.J. and continue to utilize him as a bench role player.
This free agency period will be important for the Toronto Raptors as some key players will likely entertain other offers. Should be an interesting off-season for the Canadian franchise.
