There is a general understanding of who the Toronto Raptors want in their starting lineup, so what are the statistical projections for the starting five?
The NBA season is inching closer and closer. After a wild offseason, many can’t wait for some basketball. There’s still training camp and the preseason to get through, but in less than a month’s time, the new basketball year will kick-off. That means the Toronto Raptors’ title defense will be underway, as they make an attempt to repeat as champions.
The Raptors were rather quiet in the offseason, not making the “blockbuster” deal like they did the summer prior. They made some sensible moves, signing wing players Stanley Johnson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, while also re-signing Patrick McCaw. It wasn’t their decision, but Marc Gasol also exercised his player option to stay with the team.
These deals weren’t necessarily “Woj Bomb” worthy, but Toronto should be content with their offseason moves.
Even though they will be without Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, much of the Raptors roster looks the same. At the moment, Kyle Lowry, Norman Powell, Pascal Siakam, and Marc Gasol appear to be locks in the starting lineup. OG Anunoby is the likely starting small forward, returning to the role he held his rookie season.
With Kawhi and his 30-percent usage gone, Toronto’s starters will need to pick up the slack. Counting stats should increase across the board, although we probably can’t say the same about efficiency.
With the starting five seemingly solidified, what can be expected statistically from each player? Let’s project how each starter’s stat sheet will turn out this upcoming season.