What to expect from the Toronto Raptors this season?

A new season is about to begin for the Toronto Raptors and we could not be more excited. With the Raptors core group remaining intact we look at what has changed, and what can we expect from them this 2017-18 season?

With a wild summer in the NBA, many teams have acquired game-changing players such as Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. Many are wondering why the Raptors kept quiet this off-season. Well…let’s just say “In Masai we trust”.

While Masai and his staff didn’t make elite moves, they did made some smart ones. One of those was bringing in C.J. Miles, an absolute assassin from beyond the arc. Miles has already shown us what he is capable of doing early on throughout the pre-season. The 6’6 forward has the ability to stretch the floor, play multiple positions and be a perimeter defender when needed. The Raptors have lacked those skills in an experienced player since Patrick Patterson joined the OKC Thunder. Toronto fans will be looking for Miles to knock down the three-point shot or to simply open up the offensive flow for the Raptors.

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 10: Raptors V Pistons . Toronto Raptors C.J. Miles detail shot during the game vs the Detroit Pistons. Rene Johnston/Toronto Star (Rene Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

The Rookie

OG Anunoby is a name that will become more and more familiar throughout the Air Canada Centre as the NBA season progresses. Many saw OG as a risk, but Masai and the Raps had a vision. They drafted the twenty-year-old Hoosiers star for his remarkable footwork, explosive first step and untapped potential. While you can not compare him to a young Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady yet, OG’s athleticism, youth and “no fear” mentality to attack the rim is what excites this Toronto organization.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 13: Bobby Portis /

The Core

With the core of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan intact, you can expect coach Casey to continue to run a big part of the offense through them. DeRozan was absolutely lethal last season. He was top 5 in NBA scoring, joining the likes of Russel Westbrook, James Harden, Isaiah Thomas and Anthony Davis. He averaged a career-high of 27.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 3.9 APG, all while shooting an impressive 46.7% from the field according to ESPN.com.

DeMar’s All-Star partner in crime, Kyle Lowry, is coming off his best season yet. The two complement each other. They share a dynamic bond and continue to show no signs of slowing down, all while improving every aspect of their game.

CHICAGO, USA – OCTOBER 13: DeMar DeRozan (10) of Toronto Raptors in action during a preseason NBA game between Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors at the United Center on October 13, 2017 in Chicago, United States. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

The Verdict

ESPN projected the Raptors to finish 6^th in the Eastern Conference, which came as a shock to many NBA fans. For us, in the “6” it’s just another day of “sticks and stones”. The Toronto franchise thrives on criticism, and has carried that underdog mentality ever since joining the NBA in 1995. DeMar was not one to shy away from ESPN’s remarks. He replied to their forecast by posting a very subtle “NSFW” comment on their Instagram page.

Don’t expect us to come quietly after Thursday night’s home opener against the Chicago Bulls. With the best crowd in the NBA, fueled by passion and determination, the Raptors are here to prove everyone wrong.

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