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5 reasons Raptors fans might be pessimistic for the upcoming playoffs

By Graeme Klayh

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors fans brave heavy rain as they arrive for game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against Washington Wizards at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors fans brave heavy rain as they arrive for game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against Washington Wizards at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Playoff Jitters

The Raptors showing last year was very poor, we know that. They shot less than 42% in the 4 games played and only 25% from the three point land. Not great, not even remotely good. If we look at individual stats, Kyle Lowry has only shot 36% in his career in the playoffs. DeMar DeRozan has been…better? At 39% overall and 34.6% from deep. Next guard up, Terrence Ross has been just as terrible too, going 32.9% from the field and a meek 23.8% from deep; keep in mind that is his specialty.

If the Raptors are to have hope, the highest usage players are going to need to perform better. The bigs have fared well enough, but the brunt of the work rests on the guards to create and fill up the scoreboard. Hopefully, Cory Joseph can overcome his deficiencies that have been exploited late in the season; so can Norman Powell, a semi-healthy DeMarre Carroll, and even James Johnson.

This is the year they have to figure it out. This is the year they need to prove to themselves that they can compete as a team in the playoffs, and shed the jitters they have tagged themselves with.

Next: Making history

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