Toronto Raptors: 5 Reasons Behind Strong Start

2. Capable Replacements

With Jonas Valanciunas (hand) having missed the team’s last 12 games, not to mention DeMarre Carroll‘s recent knee contusion that’s kept him out for the last five games, you’d have thought the Raptors had taken drastic steps backward on both ends of the floor.

Instead, they’ve gone 8-4 without JV, 4-1 without Carroll and managed to remain relatively even in offensive AND defensive efficiency — despite the absence of their best interior scorer and wing defender. Take a look at how the numbers have shaken out before and after the injuries of both players:

• With Valanciunas (14 games):  103.7 offensive rating; 100.2 defensive rating
• Without Valanciunas (12 games):  103.2 offensive rating; 99.2 defensive rating
• With Carroll (18 games):  103.6 offensive rating; 100.6 defensive rating
• Without Carroll (last 5 games):  103.0 offensive rating; 96.0 defensive rating

Obviously we’re working with small samples sizes, but it’s remarkable that the Raptors have managed to improve their defensive rating without two of their starters while also remaining relatively level on the offensive end. The reason behind the lack of a drop-off? Toronto has capable replacements waiting in the wings.

In Valanciunas’ absence, summer acquisition Bismack Biyombo has gotten the chance to prove his worth as one of the best bargains of the offseason. He’s averaged 6.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in his 12 games as a starter, helping anchor an elite defense by holding opponents to 7.7 percent worse shooting on attempts from six feet or less, per NBA.com.

He’s not much of an offensive asset with almost all of his baskets coming on easy looks at the rim, but as holds down the paint and Lucas Nogueira does a decent job in spot duty off the bench, the Raptors are managing to get by without Valanciunas.

As for Carroll’s absence, Terrence Ross has stepped into Toronto’s starting lineup over the last five games with mixed results. The Raptors are 4-1 in that span, with Ross’ scoring wildly fluctuating from game to game.

After a 22-point, 8-for-12 performance in his debut as a starter, Ross has tallied just 23 points in the four subsequent games, including a goose egg on 0-of-6 shooting against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers.

However, Ross is getting the job done on the defensive end of the floor, and over the last five games, the Raptors have been 3.1 points stingier per 100 possessions with him on the floor. The NBA is a star-driven league, but basketball is still a team-sport. Thanks to the Raptors’ capable replacements, Toronto has been able to mitigate the impact of the injury bug so far.

Next: No. 1