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What defines success for the 2016-2017 Raptors?

By Adrian Smith

Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) is congratulated by guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) is congratulated by guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Since Dwayne Casey arrived as coach of the Toronto Raptors in 2011-2012, the team has made steady improvements each year—culminating in the franchises first ever trip to the conference finals. Now that the team has made a deep playoff run, the regular season is less indicative of an accomplished year. That will be determined by post-season success. However, if the Raptors hope to match last year’s run, or build upon it, a strong regular season will be needed to put themselves in the best position of reaching their goal—getting out of the East.

Although the Raps boasted a 24-17 record on the road last season (tied for best in the East) the team was woeful in away games during the playoffs, finishing with a 2-7-road record. Toronto needed not one, but two game 7’s at home to survive the Indiana Pacers and then the Miami Heat. From there it took two incredible home efforts to hand Cleveland their only losses of the playoffs to that point. Home court advantage was a huge part of what made the Raptors successful last season. If they plan to continue making progress under Dwayne Casey, earning the luxury of home court throughout the East would be a huge help. The Raptors have improved their record every year behind Casey, while inching closer to the top seed in the East and a trip to the NBA Finals. Here’s evidence of the team’s improvement under Casey:

  • 2011-2012: 23-43 11th in Eastern Conference. 4th in the Atlantic. Missed playoffs. (Lockout shortened season).
  • 2012-13: 34-48. 10th in Eastern Conference. 5th in the Atlantic. Missed playoffs.
  • 2013-14: 48-34. 3rd in Eastern Conference. 1st in Atlantic Division. Lost in 1st round vs. Brooklyn Nets
  • 2014-2015: 49-34. 4th in Eastern Conference. 1st in Atlantic. Lost in 1st round vs. Washington Wizards.
  • 2015-201: 56-26. 2nd in Eastern Conference. 1st in Atlantic. Lost in Conference Finals vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey watches prior to the start of game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey watches prior to the start of game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

This doesn’t mean the Raptors should be expected to win 57 games or more, but contending for the number one spot in the East makes the ultimate goal more attainable. Playing potential game 7’s at the ACC, an environment Lebron James, in awe, claimed to be claimed to be unlike anything he’s been apart of in his 13-year career, gives the Raptors their best shot of surprising the league. Toronto finished only one game back of the Cavs for 1st place in the East last year, so it’s not unrealistic to believe they can earn it. Season series victories against the likes of Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston and Indiana would help their cause, although they’ve already dropped two early season match-ups (tough schedule) to the defending NBA champions, albeit in close, competitive games. After the most successful season in Raptors history, anything short of an Eastern Conference Finals encore will be disappointing for a Toronto team, and fan base, that’s no longer happy with just getting an opportunity. If this Raptors team wants to further their progress under Dwayne Casey, another trip to the conference finals, this time with home court advantage, would make the 2016-2017 season a successful one.

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