Forget about the NBA floundering in Vancouver for a moment, the NBA in Canada wasn't exactly swimming with success in North America's third-most populated city either. The Raptors had tasted some success and with the reigning slam dunk hero in tow, attendance was still good. But until Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors agreed to stay married for a new contract, things weren't safe. Now? They're a Finals contender! What a difference a contract (or two or three) can make.

	Davis never went to Orlando after all, and the Raptors could thrive.

So as we continue our 2001 Summer Spotlight Series, here's the deal with the Raptors.

The good: Nobody disputes Carter's ability. (Maybe his choice of morning activity in a critical Game 7, but that's another matter.) The guy is one of the flag bearers for David Stern's NBA, and while the Raptors finally won a playoff series and just about beat the 76ers in the next round, things looked a bit bleak in June.

There was worry that Carter would refuse to sign a long-term deal. Antonio Davis was as good as gone, set for Florida to join forces with former Raptor Tracy McGrady, who is nearing superstar status. With the Grizz moved to the States, would the Raps be far behind?

Surprise! Carter gets about $94 million for six more years. Davis and the Magic can't agree on money (because Orlando had none to give), so Davis sticks around. Future Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, certainly as productive as half the East centers anyway, bolts Houston. Alvin Williams stays. Jerome Williams stays. Davis and the Williamses cost $140 mil. Suddenly, this Canadian team is in vogue.

Carter could be the league's top player -- a Michael Jordan type, if you don't mind the comparison. Vince has averaged nearly 27 points a game for his career, he pays attention to defense and his team is on the verge of nice success. Sound like a former Bull? He still lacks his Scottie Pippen (man, Tracy would have been perfect), but these Raptors might have enough anyway.

Davis now gets to play more at power forward, where he belongs, and he should improve on his career year. As for Olajuwon, you won't get MVP numbers anymore, but when he matches up with Jahidi White, Ervin Johnson and others, he'll be fine, assuming he can stay healthy.

	THE FACTS
	2000-01 record: 47-35, second in Central, fifth in East Playoffs: lost in second round Team leaders: Carter 27.6 ppg, Davis 10.1 rpg; Mark Jackson 9.2 apg Team stats (NBA rank): Points, 97.6 (5th); Rebs, 44.5 (6th); FG %, .437 (19th) Current rotation: Olajuwon C; Davis PF; Peterson SF; Carter SG; A. Williams PG; Clark 6th man Spot in Camp Power Rankings: No. 7

The bad: As wonderful a story as it is to re-sign the Williamses and grab Olajuwon and have depth at each spot, the fact remains that the only lock here remains Carter. Olajuwon is 38 and has only been able to suit up in 102 games the last two years. He could easily break down. Alvin Williams is no prototypical point guard, as he averaged only 5 assists a game and has limited range. The starting small forward projects to be second-year man Morris Peterson. While he might score in the teens this year, he still lacks bulk and defensive prowess.

There's also a worry in the backcourt because someone needs to spread the defense out other than Carter. Dell Curry and Tracy Murray are gunners, but liabilities when they're not shooting. It's no surprise that the Raptors and Nuggets are reportedly discussing a deal which would send Keon Clark back to Denver for an all-around shooter type.

Meanwhile, the player who brought toughness to the team, Charles Oakley, is a Chicago Bull. Davis might be asked to be that guy, to protect Carter when he gets beat up, which is what opponents will try to do. You gonna let Carter beat you, or make Alvin Williams or Mo Pete do it?

The ugly: Vince did it, he saved basketball in Canada! It made for heartwarming headlines, but now the greatest coach in history in terms of wins has to do something with it. Lenny Wilkens is very respected, but now he and Carter don't have much excuse for a short playoff run, at least in the next two years. That doesn't mean Toronto hoops will go away, just that the momentum will only last so long.

The future: The Raptors certainly have a talented enough group to make some noise in the playoffs, with the requisite superstar getting the 30 points a night, credible big men, a tested coach and newfound backing. There are question marks, especially in the backcourt after Carter, but every East team has issues.

But the thing to note here is that there is a future at all. While the Raptors were playing well last season there really was serious concern what would happen if Vinsanity took off. He didn't, much to David Stern's chagrin (MJ and Vince together? It could've gone down...). Will he still want to play here if things fall apart and he's watching the other stars in the playoffs?

So we asked you this question about the Raptors: Who's going to emerge to help out Carter and make the Raptors a Finals threat?

Check the file to the right for selected responses.

Eric Karabell is ESPN.com's NBA editor.