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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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Jan 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) battle for the ball during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) battle for the ball during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Small-Ball Experiment?

Like much of the league, the Raptors are now a team that will be running a bunch of small-ball lineups. Sure, they’ve got Valanciunas and Bismack Biyombo at the center spot, but their starting power forward Patrick Patterson isn’t a huge player. And while Luis Scola looks a little more the part, it’s hard to see Casey leaving him in for long periods when his defense is so atrocious.

Picture a lineup like this: Lowry, DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll, James Johnson and Valanciunas.

That’s a tiny lineup right there, but one that’s perfectly capable of being shipped out on a nightly basis. You could even get away with having Carroll at the four and trying some different groups out that way.

The thing about the entire league wanting to go small-ball (especially after the Warriors’ convincing year) is that most teams will be on equal footing even with seemingly weird lineups where your small forward is suddenly playing power forward.

What sort of threatening bigs will the Raptors have to contend with in the East?

There’s not very many. Toronto can get away with playing small-ball almost as often as they like. What’s more is that a lot of bigs (like Bosh and Love) are becoming more perimeter oriented and spend less time banging down low in the paint, meaning that it’s easier to play small-ball since a wing player will still be comfortable defending them.

It’ll be an experiment that takes some getting used to with a new roster for sure. But Casey has the time and the pieces. He’s just got to figure out what works best. Let the games begin!

Next: Divisions Won't Save 'Em Now!

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