Toronto Raptors: 5 goals for Kyle Lowry in 2017-18

4. From a strong partnership with Serge Ibaka

Acquired midseason in a trade with the Orlando Magic, Serge Ibaka had to acclimate himself on the run as the Raptors made their charge to the postseason. However, due to an unfortunate wrist injury that sidelined Lowry for 21 games, the Raptors’ floor general was unable to develop a chemistry with the 28-year-old Ibaka.

As a result, Lowry and Ibaka shared the court for just three regular season games. As a 6’10” stretch-4 who shot at a 39.1 percent clip from downtown last season, Ibaka provides the Raptors with a terrific, versatile option at both ends of the floor. Lowry needs to only look at his relationship last season with another stretch-4 to see the potential of his partnership with Ibaka.

Patrick Patterson, who departed this offseason to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, enjoyed a prosperous on-court arrangement with Lowry last season. Over 44 games played together last season, the Raptors were an astounding 18.4 points per 100 possessions better when Lowry and Patterson shared the court. Notably, this included an offensive rating of 119.2 in their 20.5 minutes per game playing together.

While Patterson is a valuable rotation player who can contribute at both ends of the floor, he doesn’t have the upside of Ibaka, who has already been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on three occasions.

Therefore, utilizing the preseason and the early part of the regular season to form bond with Ibaka will be crucial for both Lowry and the Raptors moving forward.