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Playoff Picture: Toronto Raptors

By Luke Duffy

Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) reacts against the Portland Trail Blazers at Air Canada Canada Centre. The Trail Blazers beat the Raptors 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles down court against New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 106 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward James Johnson (3) dribbles down court against New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Air Canada Centre. Raptors won 106 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential X-Factor

James Johnson

Johnson does a little bit of everything for this team, he’s a Swiss army knife of a player for the Raptors. Used mostly off the bench, he leads this team in field goal percentage (a sizzling 58.9 percent). This is important because it means Johnson takes his chances against second units, allowing Toronto’s motoring offense to keep on ticking forward while the starters go to the bench.

More than that though, his 1.1 blocks a game trails only Valanciunas (1.2) and illustrates his commitment to shutting down opponents. He works on both ends of the court, and his offensive game is more polished than many realize. Really though, his defensive exploits are what this team surely values most, his ability to contribute on that end big for this team.

With the greatest of respect to Johnson and the workmanlike attitude he brings to this team though, if he is your X-factor, you will struggle against the better teams in the East.

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