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Toronto Raptors: 50 Wins A Realistic Goal For 2014-15?

By Paul McGaughey

May 2, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Raptors 97 - 83. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Raptors 97 - 83. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) and guard Terrence Ross (31) react after a foul call near the end of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Brooklyn defeated Toronto 104-103. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) and guard Terrence Ross (31) react after a foul call near the end of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Brooklyn defeated Toronto 104-103. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ready for takeoff

Terrence Ross will also be a huge X factor in 2014-15.

The slam-dunker extraordinaire is far and away the best athlete on the Raptors as well as their best perimeter defender. Ross and James Johnson, who was recently acquired in free agency, will cause fits for opposing shooting guards and small forwards.

As a result of his athletic gifts, his ability to finish in transition, and his smooth jump shot, Ross has the potential to be a lethal two-way player.

In year three, the Raptors need T-Ross to be aggressive, to attack the basket, to get to the free throw line, and, most importantly, to mix up his game instead of settling for outside looks.

The 23-year-old benefited just as much, if not more, than Lowry and DeRozan after Gay was traded in earlier December. Ross was permanently inserted into the starting lineup and made the most of the increased playing time.

Season G GS MP FG% 3P% FT% TRB STL PTS
2012-13 73 2 17.0 .407 .332 .714 2.0 0.6 6.4
2013-14 81 62 26.7 .423 .395 .837 3.1 0.8 10.9
Career 154 64 22.1 .417 .374 .800 2.6 0.7 8.7

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/18/2014.

Furthermore, the experience that Ross gained, along with his accelerated growth, will be invaluable to the Raptors’ chances of building on their success from 2013-14.

On most nights, Ross will be called upon to defend the premier wing players in the league.

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