NBA: Re-Ranking The Eastern Conference After Free Agency

Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and Wizards guard John Wall (2) look on in the third quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors

2014-15 Record: 49-33

2015-16 Projected Wins: 35-45

In the end, last season, the Toronto Raptors proved what we all believed they were to be — pretenders. They were swept out of the playoffs by the Washington Wizards is simple fashion. They didn’t put up much of a fight, nor did they look like they deserved the right to be on the same floor as the Wizards.

Now, there’s the question if the Raptors have actually already peaked with this core. Kyle Lowry hasn’t been the player we all expected him to be last summer when he signed an extension with the Raptors, and DeMar DeRozan appears to be on his way out of Toronto. Mostly because I don’t think the Raptors want to pay him top dollar, which he’ll probably be asking for.

Toronto might’ve seen better days. They’ll still sneak into the playoffs, though.

Next: No. 7 Indiana Pacers