Eric Koreen

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Eric Koreen

It turns out a 53rd loss of the season wasn't enough to sap the energy out of Raptors fans. Despite the team falling from seventh to ninth in last week's draft lottery, you were still very generous with your questions in my call for a mailbag. As a result, we're breaking this up into two pieces. With this missive, I answered some broader questions in a lengthier fashion. Next week, I'll hit you with my version of a lightning round. As always, I appreciate your participation. Let's get to it.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Eric Koreen

The Toronto Raptors did not get lucky in the NBA Draft lottery, falling from their seventh slot to No. 9. That will help them as they play footsie with the luxury tax threshold. However, they will still be limited in their spending power this offseason, likely only able to use their own Bird rights and minimum salaries to fill out their roster.

3 weeks ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Eric Koreen |Josh Robbins

Don’t throw away those “Leastern Conference” jokes. They are likely to have utility for a while.The events of the past few days have only emphasized how wobbly things are in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, which has been the demonstrably weaker half of the league for the better part of a quarter-century. The 64-win, top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in Game 5 by the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

3 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Eric Koreen |Josh Robbins

Don't throw away those "Leastern Conference" jokes. They are likely to have utility for a while. The events of the past few days have only emphasized how wobbly things are in the NBA's Eastern Conference, which has been the demonstrably weaker half of the league for the better part of a quarter-century. The 64-win, top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in Game 5 by the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

4 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Eric Koreen

It is a sad state of affairs, but it is more true than not: The 82 games the Toronto Raptors played between late-October and early-April were a prelude to Monday's NBA Draft Lottery. With expectations low and winning largely incidental, those games were mostly about evaluating the Raptors' young players. Barring a massive surprise season, it was clear before the year that the Raptors needed an infusion of top-end talent to reach a higher standing in the Eastern Conference.