The two biggest questions is what will management do with point guard Kyle Lowry and newcomer Serge Ibaka this summer?
Lowry has been the guiding force for this team for the last few years and the main reason Toronto has challenged Cleveland as the top team in the east, but his contract demands could price him out to another team next season.
Ibaka was solid, but not spectacular since arriving on the scene after a mid-year trade and is another player that could ask for much more than his actual value and thus price himself out of a possible return to Toronto.
One thing is clear with the Raptors, this years draft will play a big role in how this franchise performs over the next decade, regardless of what happens when the free agent market opens in July.
The latest mocks have vastly different views on what the front office should do with its first round pick. Draft Express has suggested Terrance Ferguson is the prime target. The 19-year-old played last year in Australia, instead of playing college basketball and despite limited playing time, his size, athletic ability, and ability to play in the front or back court make him an intriguing option at pick number twenty three.
SB Nation reporter Ricky O’Donnell has another opinion and one that carries more weight. Young big man Isaiah Hartenstein from Germany reminds scouts of a young Dirk Nowitzki, but better on the defensive end of the court. The seven-footer has good range and could replace Ibaka if needed.
With no selections in the second round, getting the right player in round one is imperative, especially if this franchise wants to remain relevant in the NBA. This summer will be challenging, but with the right additions, maybe that window will open just a bit more for this team and its great fans in 2018.
