Can the Toronto Raptors expect different playoff results from a similar roster?
After the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the short-handed Raptors out of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals, this summer looked like it might mark the end of an era that saw Toronto average 50 wins over the past 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 and $65 million) and All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry (three years, $100 million).
While Ibaka was added at the trade deadline last season, and while there could be more changes in store, the Raptors appear set to return the same core. Is that group doomed to regress in the playoffs after strong regular seasons or is this the year they break through?