Toronto Raptors: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline No. 2: Finding the best 3-4-5 combo

Since acquiring him in the 2013-14 Rudy Gay trade, Patterson has been the 4 in all of Toronto’s best lineups. Carroll’s 2015 signing was supposed to give the team another mainstay, and Valanciunas has gotten shot after shot to prove himself as a franchise center.

All three positions are suddenly in flux. Miles, Ibaka and Valanciunas are likely to start, but they are by no means guaranteed to close.

Powell is a far better defender than Miles, and should replace him if the gap in their shooting diminishes (and perhaps even if it does not). Ibaka is a lock to close games, but may do so at the 5, pushing out Valanciunas and opening space for another 4 in the process.

That other 4 could be Siakam, a potentially special pick-and-roll defender and help shot-blocker. It could be Anunoby, another switchy forward with more offensive upside than Siakam.

If Ibaka remains at the 4, Valanciunas is still not necessarily the team’s closing 5. Nogueira could fit the roll as a prolific shot-blocker and capable rim diver. Poeltl is better than Valanciunas defensively and more skilled than Nogueira on offense, giving Casey his best two-way option outside of Ibaka.

The most likely grouping to work is Miles, Siakam and Ibaka. Though for what it’s worth, Powell, Anunoby and Ibaka are the highest upside combo due to each player’s two-way potential.