The Toronto Raptors made the NBA playoffs for three consecutive years. During those times, they have a combined record of 153-93 win-loss record. Last year, they've reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in their franchise history. Although they were knocked out by the eventual NBA Champions Cleveland Cavaliers, they are still considered as one of the Eastern Conference powerhouse this season.
And they are living to those high expectations early this season. With a 16-7 win-loss record, they are first in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now as they've won 8 of their last 9 games.
DeMar DeRozan stepped up a notch this season for the Raptors. He is averaging 27.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 36 minutes of playing time. He is currently fourth in the NBA in scoring and tied at 10th place with Wesley Matthews in minute played with 36.0 minutes per game average, as per ESPN.
However, it is clear that the Cleveland Cavaliers are still a much stronger team than the Raptors. Their backcourt is very strong with DeMar DeRozan and Lowry teaming up. But for them to get stronger, they need to upgrade their frontcourt lineup.
They have a decent center in Jonas Valanciunas. But he still needs a stronger partner down low. And according to Metro, the Raptors are associated with NBA trade rumors involving Nerlens Noel. In the proposed trade, Nerlens Noel will be going to the Toronto Raptors. And in exchange, the Philadephia 76ers will get Terrence Ross and Corey Joseph.
Nerlens Noel is averaging 10.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in his career. He was sidelined because of injuries. But last Sunday, he made his season debut and scored 8 points in 10 minutes of playing time. He was forced to leave that game because of a left ankle sprain, as per CSN Philly. But as further discussed by CSN Philly, Noel is expected to play in the next game.
If this rumored NBA trade will push through, the Raptors might have a better chance against Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. Although plagued with injuries this season, Noel is still a rising star in the league. He is just in his third year in the NBA and is still not reaching his peak.
Raptors still lacks defense because normally, they beat teams by having a shootout with opposing teams. Noel is a very good defensive guy. With Noel and Valanciunas protecting the rim, opposing teams might find it hard to score in the paint. Aside from that, Noel is also a decent scorer in the post.
Will Nerlens Noel be traded to the Toronto Raptors? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
