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I think Toronto has a better chance to make it to the post season than a lot of other people are giving them credit for. Charles Barkley recently said there should be no expectations on the Raptors to do anything this season. But as a fan it's hard not to especially because of the players coming in this season and players who should improve.
Lowry's ability to create offense is something the Raptors lacked form the guard position for a while. His intensity is also addictive and his energy at both ends of the floor is a much welcomed addition to the lineup. Paired with Calderon and it gives the Raptors one of the best pg combos in the league.
DeRozan is due to break out. I don't think we've seen his full potential yet, moving him to SF full time imo is also a great step for him as I think his game is suited better there and had some of his best games there last season imo.
Fields is a guy who I think will benefit from playing in Toronto. Although he had a pretty underwhelming second season, I think he's gonna thrive in the system and style the Raptors are focused on playing under Casey.
Ross is in a great situation here in Toronto. He's not going to be expected to start and he's use to coming off the bench. He gives the Raptors more options off the bench and the secondary scoring they lacked for a while now. I think his adjustment time is going to be short and I wouldn't be surprised if he takes the starting job before the All Star break.
Valanciunas biggest attribute is he's going to allow Bargnani to move back to PF full time this season. It's unclear weather or not Val is going to start, I would probably say no, but depending on how fast he progresses you never know. The guy has a ton of potential and if he's able to put it together sooner rather then later Toronto is going to make some serious noise in the East.
Ed Davis has got a lot to prove this year. He did take a step back last season but imo it wasn't as bad as it was made out to be. I think people got a little excited when the Chris Bosh comparisons were floating around in this guys draft year. he's got the potential to be a 10-16 pt and 10 rebound kind of player who can be a shot blocking menace. but he's got to want it and at times he seems like he's just going through the motions.
Kleiza when healthy is a great player and he should give Toronto a solid scoring option off the bench but he just can't seem to stay in the lineup. He does look healthy this season and looks to be in better shape then the last two seasons. ( Maybe because of the Olympics?) He's a key piece to Toronto making a positive move in the standings this year. He can add a lot off the bench for Toronto and their 2nd unit.
All in all there are many more positives this season then last or well for a while now. If the Raptors hope to have any success this year they have to stay healthy, that means Bargnani, Calderon, Kleiza, etc etc need to be there and defiantly can't all go down at the same time for long stretches. The depth will allow Casey spread the minutes around a bit more and hopefully cut down on injuries this season. It's been a while since Toronto fans had the chance to be excited about making a playoff push let alone be competitive but I honestly believe this team with bee in the thick the playoff race all season.
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