Why The Raptors Improved Despite Regressing on Paper

In my last post, I made a case for the improvement of the Raptors in the 2016-2017 from 2015-2016 by alluding to analytics. Here are four tangible reasons why the Raptors showed signs of improvement despite having an earlier exit.

1. Acquisitions of Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker

No matter how you slice it, the additions of Serge Ibaka and P.J Tucker make the Raptors squad better. This is considering that an inconsistent Terrence Ross was the biggest loss from the acquisitions.

Tucker and Ibaka had an immediate positive impact despite some post-season struggles. The duo also helped anchor the defense.

Serge Ibaka was effective in pick and roll coverages as he often had the lateral foot speed to hedge on premier point guards. He also provided a previously lacking rim protection. On the other end, he helped space a unit that was lacking perimeter shooting.

P.J. Tucker provided the intangibles and grit that this Raptors team was sorely missing. His veteran leadership was the difference in many close games. Game four against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 showed that P.J. Tucker is an effective two-way player in this league and a true professional.

Thus, it seems it would be difficult to put blame on Masai Ujiri, who clearly made an effort to equip the roster to battle with the Cavs. It will be up to the players to produce as a cohesive unit for the Raps to take the next step.

2. DeMar DeRozan’s growth

One of the few questions not plaguing this roster is DeMar DeRozan’s loyalty to the Raptors and his continued improvement.

DeRozan’s leap as one of the 15 best players in the league could not have come at a better time. The three time all-star averaged a career-best 27.3 ppg and 5.2 rpg, as well as a solid 3.9 apg and 1.1 spg.

DeRozan is only seeming to scratch the surface of his prime and I anticipate that he will continue to get better.

The reason why I am so high on him is his hunger to get better as well as his fearless mentality. I must admit I was not always a huge fan of DeMar DeRozan.

A couple years ago, I would often sing Kyle Lowry’s praises rather than DeRozan’s. However, DeRozan has won me over these past years with his sustained improvement and excellence.

It is the reason that I had the audacity to put him over Vince Carter in my all time Raptors list.

I believe that DeRozan will continue to refine his already improved post-game as well as decision making ability. I also predict that DeRozan will find his three point shot in either this upcoming 2016-2017 season or the following campaign.

DeRozan also has a big step to take defensively. He has quick hands and feet but often does not take as much pride in locking down the league’s best perimeter players.

If he improves his three point stroke and defensive effort, it will allow DeRozan to creep into a top 10 player in the league at the height of his prowess.

DeRozan’s leap into becoming a bona fide superstar also comes at an ideal time because of questions surrounding his running-mate Kyle Lowry.

Questions about Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is beginning to deal with the consequences of his bulldog play. Lowry suffered both wrist and ankle injuries and his health has a big question mark going forward.

In addition, Kyle Lowry’s status as a Raptor is uncertain. Philadelphia, Lowry’s hometown, no longer seems like a Kyle Lowry suitor. They made a trade for the number one pick with the Celtics, likely because they are high on combo guard Markelle Fultz of Washington. However, the Spurs and Lakers still seem like they have a legitimate shot at recruiting the all-star point guard.

Finally, K-Low’s post-season struggles are no secret as well, as there are uncertainties about the Raptors’ ceiling with Lowry as the engine of the offence.

With all of that, it is clear that DeRozan is the franchise’s centerpiece and biggest asset and his improvement in 2016-2017 has significance for many reasons.

3. Raptors Proved they Don’t Need K-Low to Win

Along similar lines to above, the Raps showed not only that DeRozan is their best and most important player but also that Toronto does not need K-Low to win. Nobody would have thought this a couple years ago.

This is because even though many individuals disagreed about who was Toronto’s best player, almost everyone knew that Kyle Lowry was their most important player. Largely, it was because he made winning plays through his hustle and leadership.

However, after missing 21 games during the regular season, the Raps did not fall off too hard going 14-7. Cory Joseph excelled in a starting role and DeRozan was willing and ready to take a bigger load offensively.

The success without their star point guard showed that they could still be effective without Lowry and might not miss him too much should he choose to depart.

It might have also shown that this Raptors team only has room for one ball stopper and it could instead benefit from a pass first point guard and better ball movement.

4. Cavs Frankly Destroyed Everyone in the East, Even the One Seed

The Cavs ran through the East and seemed to have no legitimate challenge until the finals. Many critics of the Raps point to not returning to the Eastern Conference as a regression.

However, it is clear that an Eastern Conference Finals in the East is largely determined where you fall in the standings with respect to the Cavs. Simply put, where you fall determines how far you go.

If the Raps did not happen to stumble against the Cavs in the 2nd round, who’s to say that they would not have made another Conference Finals Appearance. Raptors president Masai Ujiri spoke about similar thoughts in the end of season media conference.

And although the Celtics were able to steal a game from the Cavs, they were embarrassed throughout the series. They were outscored by a total of 100 points including the worst loss by a one seed in NBA history.

The Raptors can keep some of their pride intact. They were unable to steal one game but lost to the Cavs by a total of 61 points in four games.

This should not be cause for too much celebration but it is what it’s supposed to be. It shows that the Raptors are right where they were last year, still the 2nd best team in the East. Maybe it’s time we stop over-reacting and celebrate the small victories.

Are you convinced by my case or do you think improvement depends solely on a deep post-season run? Did the Raptors take a step back this year or is their future looking as bright as ever? Let me know down below in the comments.