Toronto Raptors: 3 Keys For Rest Of Season

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 /

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Nov 25, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Cavaliers 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries have kept the full roster apart for most of this season, they will need to regain that chemistry quickly with so little time left in the season.

The biggest acquisition of the summer for the Raptors was DeMarre Carroll. His season has been severely limited due to injuries, but his return is rumored to occur prior to the end of March. Carroll is arguably the third best player on the team and how much he can contribute could be a huge X-factor.

While Carroll’s game shouldn’t be one that’s too hard to integrate, given he is not a ball dominant player and mostly provides defense and floor spacing, his return means a change of role for guys who have been excelling lately like Norman Powell. Powell, Terrence Ross and others will need to adjust and try to maintain their effectiveness in a reduced role.

The coaching staff also will need to figure out the frontcourt rotation as they haven’t had a lot of time with Jason Thompson, Jonas Valanciunas, Patrick Patterson and Luis Scola. All four players deserve minutes and Carroll is also likely to see some time at power forward, so establishing a set rotation will be very important over the next few weeks.

Next: Shore up the defense

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