Toronto Raptors: Five biggest strengths this season

The Toronto Raptors project as one of the best teams in the NBA, but what makes them so great? Here are their five biggest strengths this season.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but when discussing the best teams in the NBA, it’s easy to focus on their flaws. The best teams do so many things well, concentrating on their weaknesses is an easier task. The Toronto Raptors are no exception. They’ll have their fair share of weaknesses this season, but we also shouldn’t forget about their strengths.

Versatile perimeter defenders

Toronto has the best perimeter defenders in the NBA – bar none.

Kyle Lowry is an above-average defensive point guard; Danny Green is a good, if no longer great, defensive player, and OG Anunoby is a rising defensive star. Kawhi Leonard? Just so happens to be the best perimeter defender since Scottie freaking Pippen.

And that’s only the starting lineup.

Delon Wright, Norman Powell, and Pascal Siakam are all rangy, powerful defensive options who cause turnovers at a high-rate. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet has been positive on the defensive end, despite measurables that suggest a significant liability.

Toronto has top-level perimeter defenders, has depth, and, perhaps most importantly, has versatility.

Almost all of the Raptors defenders can guard multiple positions; a few of them (OG Anunoby, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam) can defend seamlessly 1-4.

The only defensive liability on the perimeter for the Raptors is C.J. Miles. He’s projected to play approximately 20 minutes surrounded by elite defenders at all times. Hiding him shouldn’t be difficult.

Toronto has the most complete perimeter defense in recent memory. In a league that is shifting away from the basket, that’s not a bad thing.