It should have been a time of great anticipation and even greater intensity. It should have been a chance to show the lessons learned in a magical 10 weeks almost a year ago took hold.
The Raptors were supposed to begin the NBA playoffs this weekend — at home either Saturday or Sunday — and commence the defence of the championship they earned last June.
It could have been special.
“I think the experience of playing in the playoffs last year was very good and the players got a taste of winning and how to do it, how to win, and it’s carried over,” senior adviser Wayne Embry said in a telephone conversation this week.