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Toronto Raptors: 3 biggest strengths of the Raptors roster

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

1. Perimeter defense

Success in the modern NBA is so often tied to the 3-point line that oftentimes whichever team is more efficient from beyond the arc will end up as the winner. In an attempt to stop opposing teams from reigning down a barrage of 3-pointers, Toronto built one of the more adaptable lineups in the game.

In addition to the Barnes pick, Anunoby could be in for an All-Defensive Team type of season, as his ability to lock centers down with his strength and shut down guards with his nimbleness near the 3-point line is astonishing. If you can’t defend multiple positions, you’re of no value to Masai Ujiri.

The Toronto Raptors will be much improved on defense.

Barnes, Banton, and Johnson were all good defenders in college, Achiuwa looks like the perfect small-ball center for this style of play, VanVleet is one of the best defensive point guards in the game, and Siakam’s skill as a defensive player gets underrated consistently.

If Birch provides the same rim protection that he showed off last year, and if Trent takes the step forward he needs to make on the defensive end to justify his pricy contract, Toronto might be one of the better defensive teams in the East. Time will tell if Ujiri’s vision leads to wins.

Next. 3 goals for Anunoby in 2021-22. dark

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