30 biggest answers for the 2017-18 NBA season

TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 26: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors and Kyle Lowry #7 look on during their NBA game against the Detroit Pistons at Air Canada Centre on February 26, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

12. Will the Toronto Raptors consistency pay off?

What I Said Then: Yes. This is the year of the Raptor. I can feel it. While Cleveland and Boston re-tooled in major ways, Toronto retained Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, add CJ Miles, and still have DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valancuinas. Plus, all my Raptors friends are telling me that the young guys are ready to step up and contribute.

I believe them because Canadian people are the nicest people ever and would never lie.

What I’m Saying Now: I told you. Canadians don’t lie.

Now, how much does it matter? The Raptors grabbed the top spot in the East, but began to fade in late March and April. Their late season struggles have created doubt amongst every NBA/Raptors fan who have seen this story before.

It’s unfair to let projected playoff failure stand in the way of tangible regular season success. The Raptors had an amazing season. They changed their offense and the players bought in. The developed the best bench in the league. They had the best net rating in the East. This team put it together for 82-games and were the second best team in the league for a reason.

And yet, no one cares.

It’s a shame the Raptors have made just one Conference Finals in the last four season and go punked by LeBron last season. Their regular season success over the last five seasons ranks up there with the best teams in the league. But none of it matters because they always find a way to be the Raptors in the playoffs.

I’m rooting for you, Toronto. You don’t deserve what Drake has done to you He should not be cheating on you with LeBron, the Warriors, and the Rockets. Win this one in spite of him.