Toronto Raptors: 5 goals for DeMar DeRozan in 2017-18

1. Retain All-Star quality, but improved

DeMar DeRozan is a three-time All-Star, and two of those selections are his recent 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Of course, going for the trifecta and third consecutive year makes him a lock as one of the best shooting guards in the game today. To add to his accolades, he also made his first All-NBA team last year.

For Demar DeRozan to check this box off the list, the previous four goals should be strong starting points for an overall improved All-Star candidate, but it starts with defense first.

He can continue to put up lights out numbers game after game, but there is a reason the Raptors finished overall eighth in the league with their opponents scoring 102.6 points per game last season.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and while even Serge Ibaka’s superior defense has regressed in recent years, the players can only point the finger at themselves. There simply is not a guard on the Raptors roster where defense is a reliable strength, which is tantamount to another sweep in the playoffs.

Next: 10 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

In other words, if DeRozan can make the adjustments to his game, step up on defense, and add additional hot spots on offense to his repertoire, he will be a shoo-in as a All-Star selection for a third consecutive year.