The Toronto Raptors are coming off the best season in their franchise’s history, but can they build on it? Here’s a look at their 2016-17 season preview.
For a fanbase that’s had very little to cheer for over its 21-year history, the Toronto Raptors have no reason to feel ashamed as they come off the most successful season in franchise history.
They won a franchise-record 56 games, made it all the way to the conference finals for the first time, and took the eventual NBA champions to six games before bowing out against a superior opponent.
And yet, heading into 2016-17, the Raptors face the same questions every surprise success story in NBA history has had to face: Where do we go from here?
Toronto took care of their biggest priority this offseason by re-signing DeMar DeRozan to a gaudy contract, making it that much harder for Kyle Lowry to leave next summer when he opts out of the final year of his deal.
They failed to upgrade the power forward spot that’s badly needed one for years now, however, and at what point does general manager Masai Ujiri feel this core has hit its ceiling? Is it before re-signing Lowry to a massive deal, or after a potential extension seals their fate for the long haul?
The Raptors have continuity going for them, but no one in their right minds will be picking them to overtake a healthy Cleveland Cavaliers team this season. In fact, Toronto could be due for some regression after so many things went right last year.
Related Story: Boston Celtics: 2016-17 Season Outlook
What should we expect from We The North in 2016-17? Here’s a preview and predictions for the Toronto Raptors’ upcoming season.
2015-16 Vitals
56-26, 1st in Atlantic Division, 2nd in Eastern Conference
102.7 PPG (14th)/98.2 OPP PPG (3rd)
110.0 Offensive Rating (5th)/105.2 Defensive Rating (11th)
Team Leaders
Scoring: DeMar DeRozan, 23.5 PPG
Rebounding: Jonas Valanciunas, 9.1 RPG
Assists: Kyle Lowry, 6.4 APG
Steals: Kyle Lowry, 2.1 SPG
Blocks: Bismack Biyombo, 1.6 BPG
Honors
Third Team All-NBA: Kyle Lowry
Next: Roster