Toronto Raptors starting lineup: Locks, fringe, potential break-ins

Potential Break-Ins

With Nick Nurse’s starting lineup relatively clear, who are the players who could surprise enough to crack the starting rotation at some point this season?

PG Malachi Flynn

The Raptors’ first-round draft pick demonstrated in the preseason why he could be considered a steal down the road. Malachi Flynn is clearly ready to play right away and could be a candidate to spell Lowry when he’s in need of some rest.

SG Terence Davis

Terence Davis had a promising rookie season, averaging 7.5 points per game and making NBA All-Rookie Second Team despite going undrafted. He was arrested in October for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, though, and his future with the franchise is in doubt as a result.

SF Norman Powell

Norman Powell started half of the team’s regular season games last year, averaging a career-high 16.0 points per game. The Raptors love the scoring injection Powell provides off the bench, though, and would likely prefer to keep him there unless the team goes through an extended offensive drought with Anunoby in the starting lineup.

C Alex Len

Alex Len is a former top-five pick who has never reached the potential his draft status suggested he would. The Raptors are now his fourth team and after signing a one-year deal, he’ll be determined to try breaking out once more and parlaying it into a better contract.