Toronto Raptors: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

5. Raptors to record a top-three defensive rating

The Raptors made enormous strides at the defensive end last season, rising from 11th in the league in defensive efficiency to fifth with a 105.1 defensive rating.

While defense was a certainly a staple of former head coach Dwane Casey’s overall outlook, it certainly didn’t hurt that he had multiple players capable of defending at a high level.

In terms of last season’s starting lineup, Kyle Lowry has been widely regarded as one of the more tenacious defenders from the point guard spot.

Despite standing just 6-foot-1, Lowry’s determined mindset and terrific instincts has meant he has consistently been close to being selected for All-Defensive honors.

One player who took many somewhat by surprise last season was rookie OG Anunoby.

Starting 62 of his 74 games last season, Anunoby’s ability to defend on the perimeter, combined with his ludicrous 7-foot-6 wingspan, meant he was able to compile an excellent 102.4 defensive rating in his 20 minutes per game.

Another emerging prospect comes in the form of third-year forward Pascal Siakam. With his own 7-foot-3 wingspan, Siakam posted an excellent 101.6 defensive rating, the best return on the roster among frontcourt players who averaged at least 20 minutes per game.

One player however looking to improve on his defensive output next season is Serge Ibaka.

A three-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team, Ibaka’s impact at the defensive end has stalled somewhat in recent seasons, with the prevalence of stretch-4’s certainly limiting his ability to display his full value as a defender on the interior.

Recently, newly installed head coach Nick Nurse explained to Eric Koreen of The Athletic that he’s anticipating a different approach with Ibaka this season, particularly spending more time at center (subscription required).

https://twitter.com/Raptors/status/1050166835923116033

Thus far, Ibaka started in three of the Raptors first four preseason games, with some impressive results, averaging 11.5 rebounds and 4.9 blocks per 36 minutes, considerably up from last season’s numbers.

Furthermore, Ibaka demonstrated last season just how well he can perform in the middle. When sharing the court with center Jonas Valanciunas, Ibaka recorded a 105.8 defensive rating, compared to the 97.8 rating he registered when Valanciunas was resting.

Then there’s the new arrivals in former San Antonio Spurs pair Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

While Leonard’s defensive exploits are well documented, Green has been an exceptional performer at the defensive end for the past eight years with the Spurs, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2017.

So when you combine the existing crew with the capabilities of the new arrivals, registering a top-three defensive unit is more than achievable for the Raptors in 2018-19.