Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love (R) drives past Houston Rockets' James Harden. (Photo : Getty Images)
Coming off its first stint in the Eastern Conference finals, the Toronto Raptors are relishing the opportunity of adding another talented prospect to their roster after landing the no.8 pick in the draft lottery.
Then again, the franchise could make a much bigger step towards title contention if they are able to flip their high pick for an established star.
The Raptors apparently have plenty of options with their pick, starting off with a potential trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for either of the frontline duo Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel to possibly acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love.
Masai Ujiri has built a reputation as one of the wisest general manager in the league. In just over three years after accepting the Raptors top executive job, he turned the Raptors from a borderline playoff contender to an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Despite surviving two gut-wrenching best-of-seven series against Indiana and Miami, many were still expecting the Raptors to be swept in four games but Dwayne Casey's boys proved their critics wrong as they pushed the overwhelmingly favorite Cavs to six games in their series.
Now, the Raptors can become a much better basketball team next season if they do wise decision with their precious assets. DeMar DeRozan has already opted out of his final year of his contract, but he's expected to return in Toronto, barring a change of heart.
Verdict:
No disrespect for Luis Scola, whom I believed did a great job holding his own as the fourth wheel of this year's Raptors team, but there's need for an upgrade in the power forward position if they ever wish to contend with the Cavaliers or Western Conference elites.
Okafor, last year's no.3 overall pick, is surprisingly available on the trading block after putting up 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in his rookie season. There are rumors about the Sixers front office favoring Joel Embiid over Okafor as the team's premier player at the post.
Noel is another enticing prospect the Raptors should consider especially with Bismack Biyombo looking for more cash this summer. The former Kentucky standout has established a reputation as one of the better rim protectors in the league, and the best of all, he's still on a rookie contract.
Landing either of these two prospects would greatly improve the Raptors frontcourt, and at the same time give Jonas Valanciunas a formidable running mate at the post for more seasons to come.
If the Raptors want a seasoned veteran, then Love could be available. Although Love hasn't done much in the finals, he definitely fits into Casey's system because of his ability to stretch the floor and provide presence down low.
The Cavs are still in the thick of the fight with Golden State Warriors for the NBA championship, but there are already speculations the All-Star power forward is a goner this summer.
