2014-15 Review

The Toronto Raptors finished the regular season atop the Atlantic Division with a 49-33 record which put them nine games up on the Boston Celtics. By virtue of this record the Raps were the fourth seed heading into the playoffs and that drew them a tough first-round matchup with the Washington Wizards. Despite back-to-back division titles here, the Raptors failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs as the physical play and experience of the Wizards proved too much. 

New Additions

DeMarre Carroll

Carroll represents the biggest offseason acquisition for the Raptors and is undoubtedly the headliner in terms of new talent in Toronto. Carroll made his mark in Atlanta over the past two seasons where he forged his way into the starting lineup and proceeded to average highs of 12.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.8 apg. Carroll will be called upon to spread the floor and knock down jumpers as Kyle Lowry creates and defenses sag off to help on Jonas Valanciunas

Luis Scola

Scola came over to Toronto from Indiana where he had been for the last two seasons. Granted Scola's production has been in a slow decline over the years, he still represents a solid addition for any team's bench. Scola doesn't figure to play a prominent role with the Raptors; however, he does bring good size, solid depth and some much needed experience for the young and under-sized Raptors. 

Key Losses

Amir Johnson

Johnson left Toronto after six season in the North for the greener pastures in Boston. Johnson's physicality will be missed in Toronto as his tenacity on the boards will be an area of concern now for Toronto. Johnson was a regular starter for the Raptors during his tenure and it can be hard to replace a consistent player like that. 

Biggest Strength

Backcourt

The Raptors will once again take the Atlantic Division as it remains one of the weaker ones in the Association. The Raptors will rely on the strength of Lowry and DeMar DeRozan and once again rely on this duo to carry the team. The Raptors have already demonstrated that this duo can compete and hold their own against any backcourt duo in the league. Unfortunately they have also shown that despite this all-star pairing it just isn't enough to propel the Raptors into that upper echelon of title contending teams. 

Biggest Weakness

Frontcourt

The Raptors playoff woes can be firmly blamed on the historical lack of quality front court players. There is reason for optimism that this could change as the acquisition of DeMarre Carroll and the continual improved play of Valanciunas at centre give hope. This pairing will have it's hands full as it competes with the likes of Cleveland, Chicago and Miami and their respective front court talent. There is no doubt that the Raptors will need major contributions from their three players up front if they hope to advance through the playoffs. 

Bottom Line

The Toronto Raptors will once again win the Atlantic Division and they will once again host a first-round playoff series. That series could very well be against a tough Atlanta Hawks opponent or even the young upstart Milwaukee Bucks. It would be tough to handicap the Raptors as favorites in either series given the lack of quality depth on the Raptors bench at this point. It will likely be another season of unfilled potential for Raptor fans as a first-round playoff exit is a highly likely outcome this year as well. 

Fantasy Slant

Most Overrated

DeMarre Carroll

It will be very hard for Carroll to replicate much less improve upon his numbers from last year. Carroll benefited hugely from having both Al Horford and Paul Millsap playing along side him. Teams had to respect both those guys and like any good defense they relied heavily on the Hawks shooters to beat them. Carroll did have his moments; however, now that defenses don't have quite the same concerns with Valanciunas and don't have to concerns themselves with the knock-down shooter potential of the likes of a Kyle Korver; Carroll will see more defensive attention and less room to operate on the floor this season. 

Most Underrated

Jonas Valanciunas is poised to take that next step in his career development. He is still a young player at only 23-years of age, yet now entering his fourth season in the Association he is experienced both professionally and internationally beyond those years. Jonas has a fresh new guaranteed contract in his pocket and is coming off some solid international success at the Eurobasket qualifying tournament. This could be a real breakout season for the developing Lithuanian as the league will start realizing that this kid is a top-tier talent at the centre position. 

Biggest Surprise

Terrence Ross

This is a make or break year for Ross as he will be entering restricted free-agency at the end of the season and thus is his first opportunity to sign a big contract or an offer sheet elsewhere. Ross was a fantasy bargain at times last year as he was available on FanDuel for a near minimum price. The pressure is in for Ross and if he can step up and be a contributor like the Raptors need he will bring good fantasy value and secure himself a nice new contract. If he fails to develop into that role, the Raptors will likely look at moving his cap-friendly salary I. Hopes of getting some immediate help at the position.