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Toronto Raptors: 5 Questions For 2015-16

By Joshua Howe

Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends in the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 106-99, and lead the series 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) is congratulated by guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after making a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 123-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) is congratulated by guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after making a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Clippers 123-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Lowry and DeRozan: All-Stars?

Both Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are capable of playing at an All-Star level for the Raptors. Two seasons ago, DeRozan was that guy (and Lowry should’ve been with him). Then, last season, Lowry was given the go-ahead nod.

But here’s the thing: can either of these two keep it up and continue to play at an All-Star level? To even get noticed, so it seems, the Raptors must be near the top of the conference. If they’re not this season, then will either of them manage to land a spot, even if they’re playing well?

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The main problem is this: we’ve seen them both wilt at times. DeRozan, more understandably, dealt with injuries last year that kept him down. But even after he returned, he never seemed to get back to that same level. Even in the playoffs, while he wasn’t the worst part by far, he never had a single memorable game it seemed. Not once could he prevent his team from falling to the very man he called out (Paul Pierce) earlier in the season.

As for Lowry, the same question lingers about him. He needs other good players around him to continue to be great himself. When DeRozan went down last season, Lowry looked incredible for awhile as he led the squad on his own. But he slowly began to wear down and crumble, until he was turned into a pile of ash in the postseason by John Wall.

They’ve now both made the All-Star team once. Which one of them will do it this time, if at all? Someone needs to be the driving force this year, otherwise things could sputter out in a hurry.

Next: Banking On JV!

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