It’s a season where the expectations are low for the Toronto Raptors. Many fans are looking at this campaign as a ‘let’s play for a draft pick’ type of season, but don’t tell that to new head coach Dwane Casey or any of the players, particularly a number of veteran players that have been brought in with something to prove. Toronto is a place that loves its blue-collar-type athletes, in any sport. If this team plays the way Casey would like to, they will win fans over regardless of the results.
The dudes that handle the lines in Las Vegas figure the Raptors will come in somewhere close to 18 wins but if the culture that Casey is trying to help establish takes hold, they may win more games than some fans would like. So let’s take a look at what each player has to offer to try and make this team one that surprises opponents. Here’s the skinny:
Solomon Alabi – The second-year player is still a work in progress. The hope is that Alabi turns into a player that can protect the basket on the defensive end and be efficient close to the hoop on the offensive end. Alabi had some solid performances last season in the NBDL but still needs more NBA seasoning.
Leandro Barbosa – A former Sixth Man of the Year, Barbosa will be counted on for his scoring. He is lighting quick with the biggest advantage being his speed in the open floor. With defence being the focus this season, the idea that Toronto can get the ball to the Brazilian Blur on the break and have him score an easy bucket or two in transition will help the offense.
Andrea Bargnani – A player that many fans are waiting for to emerge as a player worthy of being the first overall selection. There is no questioning Bargnani’s offense but his defence and rebounding need to improve. It’s been mentioned many times that Casey just might be the right guy, having helped transform Dirk Nowitzki, to get Bargnani at the right time. Keep an eye on Bargnani on the defensive end of the floor this season to measure improvement.
Jerryd Bayless – He showed promise at times last season particularly as a starter when he averaged 18.1 points per game and 6.7 assists in his 14 starts. It’s a big season for Bayless as he will be surrounded by a couple of vets at the point in Jose Calderon and Anthony Carter to help tutor him. How well he can run a team and balance distributing the ball and scoring on offence while defending his position at the other end may ultimately determine his future in Toronto.
Rasual Butler – A good catch-and-shoot player that can make shots at the end of a sequence after there has been good ball movement. The nine-year veteran has played for some high-quality coaches and will lend his experience. He the kind of player that is a good fit this season as he will play hard to show that he still belongs in the league.
Jose Calderon – Yes Toronto fans, he has been a Raptor for six seasons and returns as one of the NBA’s best in the assist-to-turnover ratio category. In short, he’ll run the team will and not turn the ball over foolishly. His shooting ability allows him to hurt the defence when they back off him. The challenge remains at the other end of the floor. Hopefully Casey’s defensive system is one that can protect him.
Anthony Carter – Similar to Butler, Carter will be a veteran presence in the locker room. He played for Casey in Minnesota and while Carter is not going to overwhelm you with his scoring, he will do a good job of running the offence in a workman-like fashion. Carter will be a key cog on the defensive end making the opponent point guard work.
Ed Davis – The big man has added a bit of weight and bulked up heading into his second season. It is the hope that Davis will be able to hold his place in the lane and help Toronto defend better in the paint. Toronto finished last in the NBA in points in the paint allowed last season. Davis played well at the end of the season averaging 13 points per game and nine rebounds in April. He has a knack for making plays around the basket on both ends of the floor.
DeMar DeRozan – He really showed offensive growth last season as he led all second-year players in scoring improvement by increasing his scoring average by 8.6 points per game from his rookie season. Not all of the extra scoring came from the floor as he was in the Top 40 in free throw attempts. But like Bargnani, the next step for DeRozan is to become a complete player by being solid at both ends of the floor.
Gary Forbes – The restricted free agent was signed, in these eyes, to be more than a short-term player for Toronto as he could be part of the future. Forbes came in as an “older” rookie last season in Denver and impressed them enough to make the team. As a starter last season he averaged 10 points and four rebounds. He can score, just ask any member of Team Canada, as he lit them up in the Tournament of the Americas. Look for Forbes to possibly be a key bench player.
Aaron Gray – A fifth-year player again with something to prove. He will be one of big men expected to clog the middle on defence and score on the inside at the other end. Some Raptor fans might remember him as he almost had a 20-point, 20-rebound performance on the last night of the 2007-08 season as a member of the Chicago Bulls. For the record, Gray ended the game with 19 points and 22 rebounds.
Amir Johnson – The power forward returns from off-season ankle surgery but is still expected to play with a high motor at both ends of the floor. Johnson was in the top 25 in a couple key “energy” categories; offensive rebounds per game and shot-blocking. Johnson continues to develop a reliable jumper that will bring his defender away from the basket but his defence and rebounding will be what keeps him on the floor.
James Johnson – The wingman averaged nine points and just under five rebounds per game in 25 starts last season after coming to Toronto from Chicago in a mid-season trade. With his size, Johnson will be a key defender as at times he will be able to guard either forward position. Offensively, he needs to continue to work on his jumper and make better decisions with the ball. It’s a big season for him in determining his future with the organization.
Linas Kleiza – He is working hard to return from “micro-fracture” surgery and still has to put in time in the gym before returning to the line-up.
Jamaal Magloire – The physical veteran will become the first Canadian to play in a regular-season game for the Raptors and will bring an element of toughness that Toronto has not had regularly. Casey will be looking to Magloire to be one of the defensive anchors. Magloire understands the defensive system that Casey is trying to implement and is looking forward to playing in his hometown and being a leader for the younger players on the roster.