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

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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Apr 30, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) come off the court during a break in the action against the Brooklyn Nets in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Brooklyn 115-113. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) come off the court during a break in the action against the Brooklyn Nets in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Brooklyn 115-113. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Conclusion

A 50-win season is certainly not out of the question for the Raptors, given how close they came to that mark in 2013-14 and considering the changing landscape in the Eastern Conference.

The talent is no longer as concentrated on the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers, something that seriously threatens the ability of those two teams to remain as powerhouses.

The Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly become a threat for obvious reasons, the Washington Wizards have a chance to make some noise, and the Chicago Bulls, with the addition of Pau Gasol and a healthy Derrick Rose are looking solid.

Yet, given this shift in dynamic, teams like the Charlotte Hornets and the Raptors are seeing some spots up for grabs at the top of the conference.

In another sense, as the reigning division champions, it’s the other teams in the Atlantic who will be trying to leap over the Raptors for home-court advantage in the playoffs.

However, the Raptors themselves still have a lot to prove, so it’s not as if they will sit back and relax while other teams throw their weight around.

Last season there was an element of surprise to what the Raptors accomplished. They will now have to be even hungrier and more motivated to succeed.

Whether they surpass it or fall short, 50 wins should be the goal for 2014-15.