Toronto Raptors 2015 NBA Season Preview

Key Offseason Losses

Amir Johnson has long been the motor of the Raptors and a fan-favorite on the team. However, his role had become increasingly less significant for Toronto as they’ve progressed and that reached a head this offseason when the Raptors saw Johnson sign with the Celtics. While Johnson’s numbers may not be overwhelming alone, you have to wonder how Johnson’s absence is going to affect the chemistry of this Raptors team moving forward.

Though it may seem crazy, Toronto didn’t seem to have any interest in re-signing the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year in Lou Williams as the guard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. This obviously sends the message that the Raptors want their second unit to look different than it did with Williams on the floor, but how that will look in practice is put into question with Sweet Lou out of the picture.

Key Offseason Additions

There was a lot of movement within the Raptors this offseason, no doubt in response to how badly they were trounced in the first round of the playoffs this offseason. They saw the need to add depth, particularly in the backcourt, and add players that add versatility to the roster and allow the team to be more flexible in terms of the looks they can throw on the floor.

They undoubtedly achieved the latter part of those intentions when they landed DeMarre Carroll to a major contract. Carroll was huge for the Atlanta Hawks last season as a forward who can play either the three or four, something he’ll undoubtedly be asked to do for the Raptors. His perimeter offense and his defensive versatility give Toronto exactly the type of player they needed last year.

In terms of the depth of their backcourt, the Raptors addressed that by bringing in Canada native Cory Joseph to play behind Kyle Lowry. While some may have turned their head at the sighting, Joseph is an efficient scorer from the position and a guy who has proven when he’s been on the floor that he can be a more than effective backup. You also can’t discount the value of his time with the Spurs and how that has helped him to grow as a player. Taking away the fact that he’s not a “sexy” name, this is nice signing.

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