Toronto Raptors Roundtable: Impressions from the early season

Raptors are currently 2nd in offensive rating and 7th in defensive rating. Do you expect these rankings to hold throughout the season?

Thomas Valentine:

The numbers are pretty indicative of the team’s potential, if anything, I think there’s room for improvement on the offensive side of things. Leonard still has room to grow in the offense once Nurse stops running so many Kawhi ISO plays and goes with a Leonard/Ibaka or Leonard/JV pick-and-roll game.

Defensively we’re there or thereabouts too, I think there’s room to be a top-five defensive team too, especially if Ibaka starts more games at center going forward.

Koby Palimaka:

Truthfully I expect the defensive numbers to progress as the season goes along. As the playoffs near I hope the Raptors will try to make a statement and defensively dominate teams, playing lockdown defense play after play. This incredibly run offense has been extremely productive thus far this season and I fully expect it to stay about level barring any setbacks.

Brian Boake:

I don’t see why they shouldn’t be maintained.  We haven’t seen this team dominate the way I believe they can, and will.  The depth of the roster should provide insulation from all but the worst of injury blights.

Mike Bossetti:

The Toronto Raptors actually ranked better than this last season. They finished second in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating. So with a more talented roster that is continuing to find itself, yes they can maintain this rating if not improve it.

So far, the Raptors are slightly outperforming their expected win total. I’d guess the Raptors Offensive Rating, and Defensive Rating will continue to improve, even if their winning percentage stays flat.