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Five Bold Predictions: 2014-15 Toronto Raptors

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Courtesy www.canadiansportsbetting.org
Courtesy www.canadiansportsbetting.org

1. The Raptors will repeat as Atlantic Division champions with 50+ wins

The Toronto Raptors toiled in misery for the early portion of last season, starting off 6-12, but reversed their fortunes with an unforeseen turnaround that led to a franchise best 48-34 season and a valiant first round loss to the Brooklyn Nets in seven games. This was a shock to many since they arguably traded their most talented asset at the time, wing Rudy Gay, to the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 8, 2013.

Entering the 2014-15 campaign, the Raptors are the odds-on-favourite to repeat as Atlantic Division champs. Among some NBA analysts, they are the sleeper pick to make a run at winning the Eastern Conference. I’d definitely say that such high expectations could potentially cripple any team that isn’t used to consistent success, but the Raptors have the right personnel to embrace the challenge, especially Kyle Lowry and first time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. The fact is this team is young, talented, deep and has chemistry. An added benefit: they play in arguably the worst division in all of professional sports.

 2. Toronto will be one of the league leaders in bench scoring or not too far behind

GM Masai Ujiri made several key offseason additions to the bench via restricted and unrestricted free agency by signing James Johnson (2/$5M), Patrick Patterson (3/$18M), and Greivis Vasquez (2/$13M). Through a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Raptors acquired center Lucas Nogueira and offensive spark-plug Lou Williams. The 2014 draft saw Toronto select a relatively unknown prospect by selecting 18-year old Bruno Caboclo from Brazil and former Connecticut Husky DeAndre Daniels who’s currently stashed in Australia.

The Raptors fielded a potent bench last year (scoring 33.9 points per 18 minutes as per hoopsstats.com) with this average will likely increase due to the depth at wing and guard. At 27-years old, Williams provides a blend of scoring and confidence, while he still has much room to improve on the defensive end of the floor. Johnson is not an offensive ace, but is serviceable defensively with his size allowing him to log minutes at both forward positions. Let’s not forget about Patterson who supplies his usual toughness, leadership and ability to spread the floor at 4-spot.

Depending on the projected starting five, the Raptors will field a second unit that features Vasquez, Williams, Johnson, Patterson and Chuck Hayes. If anything, the Raptors have too much depth. Not a bad problem to have.

3. Ujiri will attempt to upgrade at power forward during the trade deadline and will target UFA Paul Millsap

Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2014-15 season and will be eyed by contending teams. At the age of 29, Millsap is a spring chicken by NBA standards and is one of the few starting power forwards that provides consistent rebounding and offensive punch. Last season, Millsap finished with 17.9 points (.461 FG%), and 8.5 boards – a season where he received his first All-Star nod.

The Hawks will either be pedestrian (which they have been for the better part of the 21st century) or a lower-echelon squad, depending on your assessment. Their fortune lies dominantly in the hands of often injured big man Al Horford. If all else fails for the Hawks, ownership might favour a complete rebuild as opposed to middling, which would lead to a liquidation of key assets such as Millsap. Amir Johnson is one of my favourite Raptors as I value his tenacity, mobility, high efficiency and underrated defense. However, his offensive impact is limited and he is foul-prone. Ujiri could entertain the idea of shopping around for a 17/9 forward to help the Raps compete with the likes of the Cavs and the Bulls in the East.

4. Terrence Ross will set career highs across the board

The former no.8 overall pick in the 2012 draft is entering his third campaign and barring any unforeseen injury will be inserted into the starting lineup as a small forward. The 23-year-old made notable strides last season averaging 10.9 ppg, 3.1 rebounds and a .395 3P % in 26 minutes per contest. However, he was a bit disappointing in the playoff series against Brooklyn.

His usage and minutes will likely stabilize, but now the proverbial training wheels have been removed. Management will conclude by year’s end if he is cut out to be a NBA starter or is destined for the pine. Expect Terrence Ross to set career highs in scoring, assists, rebounding and shooting percentages even in light of the increased depth at wing and forward.  His explosiveness, defensive abilities and outside shooting cannot be overlooked.

5. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will both make the 2015 All-Star game

Joe Johnson won’t grinch Lowry out of an All-Star game this season and DeRozan is a top three shooting guard in the Eastern Conference. Lowry’s road to New York won’t be so easy as the East is loaded with talented point guards including Derrick Rose, John Wall, Rajon Rondo and Kyrie Irving. The Lowry and DeRozan backcourt is one of the best in the NBA and voters will finally notice how good they are.

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3 thoughts on “Five Bold Predictions: 2014-15 Toronto Raptors”

  1. Millsap would be tough to land, especially if ATL is in the playoff hunt in the East (which includes any team in the East). Talent-wise Amir would be worth it, but look at Indy last season as a warning not to play with chemistry.

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