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5 reasons the Toronto Raptors can win the 2017 NBA Championship

By Adam Stocker

Feb 8, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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A season ago the Toronto Raptors were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals, here are five reasons why the Raptors can win it all this year.

Last year, the Toronto Raptors finished six wins short of an NBA Championship. The Raptors finishing the regular season second in the Eastern Conference with 56 wins. This year, Toronto has regressed and will not improve on their win total for the first time in head coach Dwane Casey’s five-year tenure.

After losing in the Eastern Conference finals last season, Masai Ujiri was promoted from general manager to team president. Ujiri decided midseason that this is the Raptors’ best chance to win an NBA championship and he mad them a buyer at the trade deadline, adding Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker.

Despite the decline in wins, this season’s edition of the Raptors are actually more likely to win the NBA Championship than last year’s team was. If all breaks right for the Raptors, they have a good chance of making it to the NBA Finals and hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Here are five reasons why the Toronto Raptors can it all.

AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 05: Kyle Lowry
AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 05: Kyle Lowry /

5. Return of Kyle Lowry

After the All-Star break, point guard Kyle Lowry underwent wrist surgery to remove loose bodies from his wrist. In his absence, the Raptors leaned on backup Cory Joseph and former first round pick Delon Wright. Despite losing Lowry, the Raptors have remained in a similar position in the standings. The play of Joseph and Wright has given Casey confidence in both players. The improved and deeper bench should help Toronto deal with potential injuries and foul trouble throughout the playoffs.

With Lowry back before the end of the regular season, they are able to ease him back into the speed of the NBA. It also allows Lowry the opportunity to play with new teammates Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker — both of whom had yet to play with Lowry since their trades. Despite the play of Joseph, Lowry is a significant upgrade — a better defender, playmaker and 3-point shooter.

If the Raptors are going to win the NBA championship, it is going to be because Lowry matches up well against opposing point guards. The Raptors over the past few years have done well against Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and Washington’s John Wall. Lowry should able to go head to head with Kyrie Irving and whichever Western Conferencepoint guard advances to the NBA Finals.