Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Who is headed for rock bottom?

By Ian Levy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 19: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz talk in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 25: Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) wait for the refs as they consult with each other. Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 125-115. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 25: Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) wait for the refs as they consult with each other. Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans in 2nd half action of NBA regular season play at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 125-115. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

17-4. Previous: 2nd. Toronto Raptors. 2. team. 81.

Watching the evolution of the Raptors has been fascinating this season, even if it’s much more subtle than the changes they underwent last year. Kawhi Leonard’s ability as an on-ball creator, along with the emergence of players like Pascal Siakam, has allowed Lowry to really retreat into his role as facilitator. He’s currently leading the league in points created by assist per game and helping all Toronto’s role players thrive.

Among the 49 players who drive at least 9.0 times per game, only five players (Chris Paul, Ish Smith, Dennis Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet and Joe Ingles) pass more often off their drive. The change in mindset appears to have been incredibly freeing for him and the Raptors offense is thriving because of it.

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