Toronto Raptors
Atlantic Division
Last season's record: 48-34
Roster additions and losses
The Toronto Raptors of the 2014-15 season will look very much like the squad that finished out last season. Couple players were jettisoned in the offseason; Steve Novak was sent to Utah and John Salmons was shipped to Atlanta. Of note, coming the Raptors way was Louis Williams out of Atlanta. Williams is a solid bench player who will spell of minutes for Kyle Lowry as the season progresses.
Keys to Success
DeMar DeRozan must continue to assert himself offensively for this Raptors squad to be successful. If DeRozan can build off last season and his time with USA Basketball during the summer then he should be bristling with confidence once the season tips off.
Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas must stay healthy and be major contributors throughout the season. Lowry must continue to push the pace and keep the game uptempo. The Raptors are at their best when scoring over 100 points a night and to do that it starts with Lowry driving the lane and creating opportunities for the trail players.
Fantasy Roster Impact
The big three in Toronto for fantasy value are Lowry, Valanciunas and DeRozan. Aside from this trio I would look to Amir Johnson and Terrence Ross to be relevant in deeper leagues. Johnson is a high energy guy who contributes greatly in spurts while Ross's value lies entirely in his ability to knock down jumpers.
Normally I'm quite high on Greivis Vasquez as a fantasy option but with the addition of Williams from Atlanta the backup minutes at point will be limited and Williams style of play seems to fit Dwayne Casey's mantra of play more so that Vasquez's at this point.
2014 Season Prediction
The Raptors will claim their second division title in as many years by narrowly beating out the Brooklyn Nets with a record of 45-37. I don't see them getting out of the first round of the playoffs though as their lack of depth will hurt them.
Watch for Lowry to make his first all-star appearance as folks begin to realize that he is a top-tier point guard in the East. I don't see DeRozan making it consecutive years on the All-Star squad but it won't be for a lack of production rather the emergence and level of play of the shooting guards in the conference.