Power Rankings
Overall Rank: 13th
Tier: Playoff Locks
Projected Seeding: 6th in East
The phrase "We the North" is about as popular as their ambassador's diss track. The star-studded backcourt duo of PG Kyle Lowry and SG/SF DeMar DeRozan is sure to provide most of the Raptors’ scoring punch and playmaking. “Three and D” stud SF DeMarre Carroll, added this summer, is a perfect compliment to their high-octane duo. Toronto’s big men are solid as well, with C Jonas Valanciunas holding down the paint and PF Luis Scola, C/PF Bismack Biyombo, PF/C Patrick Patterson, and PF/SF Anthony Bennett rounding out a solid frontcourt. The bench is also legit, as PG Cory Joseph, rookie PG/SG Delon Wright, SG/SF Terrence Ross, and others can all give the Raptors’ starters a rest when necessary. Due to this very complete roster, Toronto’s average overall seeding can be a little deceiving. First of all, I’d like to point out that the Raptors are on the edge of a tier: there’s a considerable drop-off between them and the 14th best team (which is where playoff locks turn into playoff hopefuls). Secondly, this team still lacks a true superstar, unless DeRozan or Lowry really makes that jump from star into the upper echelon of players. It would be unfair for me to put this team over more star-studded teams in the East, such as Miami, despite Toronto’s impressive depth and top-to-bottom roster. Still, the Raptors are a threat to win a series or two come May, and will certainly be a playoff team ‘Back to Back.’
Overall Rank: 13th
Tier: Playoff Locks
Projected Seeding: 6th in East
The phrase "We the North" is about as popular as their ambassador's diss track. The star-studded backcourt duo of PG Kyle Lowry and SG/SF DeMar DeRozan is sure to provide most of the Raptors’ scoring punch and playmaking. “Three and D” stud SF DeMarre Carroll, added this summer, is a perfect compliment to their high-octane duo. Toronto’s big men are solid as well, with C Jonas Valanciunas holding down the paint and PF Luis Scola, C/PF Bismack Biyombo, PF/C Patrick Patterson, and PF/SF Anthony Bennett rounding out a solid frontcourt. The bench is also legit, as PG Cory Joseph, rookie PG/SG Delon Wright, SG/SF Terrence Ross, and others can all give the Raptors’ starters a rest when necessary. Due to this very complete roster, Toronto’s average overall seeding can be a little deceiving. First of all, I’d like to point out that the Raptors are on the edge of a tier: there’s a considerable drop-off between them and the 14th best team (which is where playoff locks turn into playoff hopefuls). Secondly, this team still lacks a true superstar, unless DeRozan or Lowry really makes that jump from star into the upper echelon of players. It would be unfair for me to put this team over more star-studded teams in the East, such as Miami, despite Toronto’s impressive depth and top-to-bottom roster. Still, the Raptors are a threat to win a series or two come May, and will certainly be a playoff team ‘Back to Back.’