Can the Toronto Raptors expect different playoff results from a similar roster?
After the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the short-handed Raptors out of last year's conference semifinals, this summer looked like it might mark the end of an era that saw Toronto average 50 wins over the last four seasons but win just three playoff series.
Instead, the Raptors retained head coach Dwane Casey and have now agreed to new contracts for their top two free agents, forward Serge Ibaka (three years, $65 million) and All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry (three years, $100 million).