Toronto Raptors GM, Masai Ujiri has made moves this season that most thought to be impossible. Large contracts such as Rudy Gay's two-year, $37.2 Million contract was easily shed by the first year general manager. Gay, moved to Sacramento alongside fellow former Raptors Aaron Gray (C) and Quincy Acy (F), provided Toronto with a huge opportunity to make a splash this upcoming free agency with plenty of high-end players becoming available this off-season. Adding to the freed up cap space, Toronto was able to bring in what Sacramento's GM claims to be the four best "people" from their roster. Greivis Vasquez (G), Chuck Hayes (F/C), Patrick Patterson (F) and John Salmons (G/F) have given these new look Raptors a well needed morale boost. Coach Dwayne Casey (seen below speaking with Raptors star Demar DeRozan) has his team working well together, and has Toronto currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, first in the Atlantic Division and - for the first time in four years - above .500 with a 16-15 record this late into the season.
Winners of eight of their last 10, the Toronto Raptors have provided a fan resurgence for the city. Playoffs are most definitely in the realm of possibility with this team, and the test to how deep these youthful Raptors can make it in the post-season can not solely be based on these past few games. Overcoming opponents such as Oklahoma City, Dallas, New York, Chicago and first place Indiana don't prove that we have the best team overall. What it does show Toronto Raptor fans is a team has been built to win. There is no abundance of superstars on this roster at all. However with a solid game plan in place and the right cast of players to execute Casey's plan, beating the top tier NBA teams is no longer just a dream for Raptors fans.
The Raptors are currently on a five game winning streak, and will try to extend it to six as they take on the Miami Heat this tonight at 6 p.m.
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