Most of the talk this summer was on the Western Conference and for good reason, but a closer look at the players that moved to new teams and experts agree that the Raptors have improved their overall depth with three key additions.
Scoring points hasn’t been a problem as the team ranked third in the league in offense, but defense has been an issue and the front office did a good job to solidify this issue.
The biggest signing was DeMarre Carroll from Atlanta. The 6’8″ forward averaged over 12 points and five rebounds last season for the Hawks, but what he brings to the Raptors is an ability to shut down opponents with a defensive tenacity not seen in Toronto in years.
Point guard Cory Joseph was added from San Antonio and while the 24-year-old lacks big minutes of playing time, he does bring a winning attitude and a defensive-minded back court player this squad needs to get past the first round of the playoffs in 2016.
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are still key to the success of this franchise as the dynamic back court duo will handle the majority of the ball and scoring opportunities for this team. Lowry averaged 17.8 points and 6.8 assists per game last year and with a strong summer of work, looks in better shape and ready to carry the franchise on his 6’1″ back.
DeRozan averaged over 20 points per game last season and has become a force in the NBA over the last five years, but his shooting percentage has dropped over the last two years and better decision making on the court should help that area of his game.
Health will also play a key in how this team performs, but with some luck in that area and the new additions made in the off season, the Toronto Raptors could challenge Cleveland for the best overall record in the Eastern Conference and a deeper run then the first round in next years playoffs.
