Masai Ujiri wants to change the identity of the Toronto Raptors.
The new general manager has already done his part in restructuring the front office, but the roster requires the most work.
Ujiri’s buddy Bryan Colangelo (who lasted a couple weeks as the president) didn’t exactly leave a sterling going-away present as the club didn’t have any draft picks in 2013 or the salary cap space to make a run at a high-priced free agent. Some friend.
The one thing Ujiri may have at his disposal is some possible trade chips as the futures of Rudy Gay, Andrea Bargnani and Kyle Lowry remain unclear in Toronto.
But heading into free agency, there isn’t much room for Ujiri to operate — if the Raptors want to stay under the luxury tax — and it could take a few seasons before they can contend for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.
With the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers headed into tank mode, the Raptors need to decide if they are heading in that direction as well or work toward competing with the division’s big boys from the Big Apple — the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Here’s our first look at where each team in the Atlantic Division stands heading into the off-season.
Note: All numbers below courtesy of hoopshype.com
Boston Celtics
2012-13 record: 54-28
2013-14 contract commitments: $78.2 million (Will change July 10)
UFAs: Chris Wilcox, power forward
RFAs: N/A
Free agent fit: Chris Kaman, centre
The skinny: Boston’s championship window has likely come to an end with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce headed to Brooklyn while head coach Doc Rivers went off to the Los Angeles Clippers. It remains to be seen if point guard Rajon Rondo is a piece they will build around or whether he will also be leaving Beantown. The moves clear plenty of cap space going forward and garnered the team three draft picks but the short-term outlook is pretty bleak. Recently drafted Canadian Kelly Olynyk should get plenty or run as the team looks to tank for the Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes.
Brooklyn Nets
2012-13 record: 49-33
2013-14 contract commitments: $89.5 million (Will change July 10)
UFAs: Andray Blatche, power forward, Keith Bogans, shooting guard, Jerry Stackhouse, shooting guard, C.J. Watson, shooting guard
RFAs: N/A
Free agent fit: Corey Brewer, SG/SF
The skinny: The Nets decided to push in all of their chips when they made a deal to acquire veteran forwards Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett from the Celtics in a huge draft-day deal. That will pretty much be the extent of their moves this summer as their hands are now tied financially and they have very few trade chips remaining. Whether or not that will leave them with enough firepower to beat Miami remains to be seen but a starting lineup of Pierce, Garnett, Brook Lopez, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson should be pretty potent in the short-term.
New York Knicks
2012-13 record: 54-28
2013-14 contract commitments: $73.4 million
UFAs: Kenyon Martin, power forward, Quentin Richardson, shooting guard, J.R. Smith, shooting guard, Earl Barron, centre
RFAs: Chris Copeland, small forward, Pablo Prigioni, point guard
Free agent fit: Tony Allen, shooting guard
The skinny: The New York Knicks don’t have enough depth and need to improve at the guard position. They have already lost Jason Kidd (now the Nets’ coach) to retirement – although that’s probably a good thing at this point – and have J.R. Smith scheduled to hit the market. Tony Allen may be looking for a big payday but he would certainly help upgrade at guard and would add much needed toughness and defensive prowess to their back court. He would be a good fit playing with Ray Felton and Carmelo Anthony.
Philadelphia 76ers
2012-13 record: 34-48
2013-14 contract commitments: $35.2 million
UFAs: Andrew Bynum, centre, Royal Ivey, point guard, Damien Wilkins, small forward, Dorrell Wright, small forward, Nick Young, shooting guard
RFAs: Charles Jenkins, point guard
Free agent fit: Kevin Martin, shooting guard
The skinny: The 76ers made a massive move on draft night by dealing Jrue Holiday to New Orleans for Nerlens Noel – essentially signifying that they intend to blow things up. Andrew Bynum and Nick Young are scheduled to come off the books, allowing the Philadelphia 76ers to be big spenders in free agency if they choose. Don’t be surprised if more players are jettisoned over the summer as Evan Turner and Thaddeous Young are also rumoured to be available.
Toronto Raptors
2012-13 record: 34-48
2013-14 contract commitments: $64.3 million
UFAs: Alan Anderson, shooting guard, Aaron Gray, centre (player option), John Lucas, Linas Kleiza, small forward (player option), Mickael Pietrus, small forward, Sebastian Telfair, point guard
RFAs: N/A
Free agent fit: Chris Paul…Tried to see if you were still paying attention.
Actual answer: Eric Maynor, point guard (RFA)
The skinny: With Tim Leiweke taking over MLSE, the Raptors’ spending limits in free agency could change down the road but for now new GM Masai Ujiri may be trying to limit their commitments. Heading into the summer, the team is pretty locked in financially and don’t have much wiggle room in free agency. They could use a number of players to help improve their second unit but I wouldn’t expect more than them sniffing around younger, cheaper players with potential upside. This team has a long way to go.