Toronto Raptors: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength No. 1: Defense

For the Raptors’ strengths, we’ll start with perhaps the most important quality a playoff team can have — defense.

Last season, Toronto ranked eighth in defensive rating, fourth in steals and 12th in blocks. They also excel in transition defense, ranking seventh in lowest opponent points off turnovers and sixth in opponent fast break points.

After losing Carroll and Tucker in the offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few of those defensive numbers dipped next season. However, Serge Ibaka will offer great rim protection.

Hopefully the Raptors can continue to force turnovers, as that leads to easy transition points for Lowry and DeRozan.