2012/13 NBA Team Rankings & Previews: #24 Toronto Raptors

#24 - Toronto Raptors

2011/12 Record: 23-43, no playoffs

2012/13 Projected Record: 33-49, no playoffs  



Key Additions:

Terrence Ross - Shooting Guard
Jonas Valanciunas - Power Forward/Center
Kyle Lowry - Point Guard
Landry Fields - Small Forward


Key Departures:

James Johnson - Power Forward
Leandro Barbosa - Shooting Guard


Depth Chart:

Point Guard: Kyle Lowry, Jose Calderon
Shooting Guard: DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross
Small Forward: Landry Fields, Linas Kleiza
Power Forward: Andrea Bargnani, Amir Johnson
Center: Jonas Valanciunas, Aaron Gray


The X Factor:

DeMar DeRozan

The Raptors were looking for a breakout season last year from DeMar DeRozan, especially when Andrea Bargnani ended up missing extensive time.  What they got was a regression in DeRozan's development.  With rookie Terrence Ross and new signee Landry Fields pushing for minutes on the wing this upcoming season, this could be DeRozan's last chance to step it up.


Summary:  

The Raptors had a very good offseason - just look at the difference between their players added and the players they lost.  They're still very young, and probably a year of so away from being a legitimate playoff contender, but the franchise is definitely headed in the right direction.  That progress might be sped up a bit if Bryan Colangelo is able to get some good trade value for Jose Calderon, who is far too good (on a team with far too many holes elsewhere) to be toiling on this team as a backup point guard.



NBA Preseason Power Rankings

#25 - Sacramento Kings
#26 - Phoenix Suns
#27 - Houston Rockets
#28 - Detroit Pistons
#29 - Orlando Magic
#30 - Charlotte Bobcats