Ten Thoughts Through Ten Games: Part One of Two

[Editor’s Note: We welcome Mario Ivakovic to Raptors Rapture.]

The 8-2 Toronto Raptors are off to their best start in franchise history. They are currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference. Here are ten thoughts I’ve had about the Raptors through the first ten games.

It’s a Good Time to Be a Raptors Fan

The past few years have been tough on Raptors fans. Underwhelming performances, head-scratching trades and free agent signings, a long playoff drought; it seemed that almost anything that could have gone wrong, did.

Things have changed for the better now. The Raptors have become a team that is expected to win their division and one that should be able to move past the first round of the playoffs.

For the first time in a long time, fans can actually be optimistic about the season at hand. With the way the roster is structured, this feeling should become the norm for the next couple of seasons.

Breathe it in and enjoy, Raptors fans, it’s been a while.

Kyle Lowry Picking up Where He Left off Last Season

Kyle Lowry is the man, man! I think I speak for most Raptors fans when I say I love this guy. He is the undisputed leader on the team and is the most important player on both ends. Whenever the team has needed a bucket, a steal, or a charge, Lowry has provided it.

Some people felt that Lowry’s breakthrough season last year was due to the fact it was a contract year. Although we are only ten games into the season, I feel it’s safe to say that Lowry is well worth the money he got this summer.

More from Raptors News

The New Additions Are Fitting In Nicely

James Johnson has been a perfect fit for the Raptors, doing exactly what he was brought in to do—be an aggressive defender and make hustle plays—but also has shown a mature offensive game that he did not possess the last time he wore a Raptors uniform. In fact, Johnson’s play this season has been so good that some feel that Ross’s starting position should be his.

Lou Williams started off slowly, but he too is proving to be a solid acquisition. As Lou gets accustomed to playing with the team, we should see his production pickup.

A Johnson + Johnson Frontcourt Would be Fun to Watch

Both Amir Johnson and James Johnson are such active players on the defensive end; they both know when and where to rotate; both are also competent rebounders. This duo would probably be our best defensive front court, with both Amir and James averaging over a block a game. This lineup also allows for more freedom offensively. Coach Casey could put in another shooter, allowing for more spacing.

James Johnson Should Get Some Run at the Power Forward Position

Through these first ten games, James has been huge on the defensive end. His help side defense has been strong, he’s attacks the boards with energy, and he’s also a capable shot blocker (1.4 blocks per game in 19.4 minutes of action).

Johnson is both tall enough and big enough to deal with stronger fours, while also possessing the lateral quickness to handle the agile forwards.

Also, with Johnson at the four, that would allow Casey to have more potential scorers on the court, while not sacrificing anything on the defensive end.

Tune in tomorrow to catch part two of two.

Oct 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre and game ball during the anthem before a game between the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks. Toronto defeated Atlanta 109-102. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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