NBA Power Rankings Week 5: How good are the Utah Jazz?

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

11 of 31

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors. 21. team. 81. . 6-9. Previous: 21st

Last Week: Beat Dallas Mavericks 116-113, Lost to Miami Heat 111-102, Beat Miami Heat 101-81

This Week: 1/24 at Indiana Pacers, 1/25 at Indiana Pacers, 1/27 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 1/29 vs. Sacramento Kings

The Toronto Raptors are slowly climbing back up the standings. Two wins in a week is a big week for the Raptors as they continue to get back to their winning ways. The evolution of Chris Boucher may be the biggest factor so far in mitigating some of the issues the team was dealing with.

He has gotten so good that the team released Alex Len. Boucher has been good enough to make other big men on the roster marginalized. Pascal Siakam is transitioning away from the number one option as the three guards and Boucher get on the same page.

The defense has completely dropped off but no one has told Stanley Johnson. In his second year with the team, he is starting to earn minutes because he is finding the role that fits him as one of the few players on the team still playing defense. That energy needs to spread to the rest of the team for them to actually get back in playoff form.

Keep an eye on Siakam though. He is slowly improving but is still not quite what he was last season. Being stuck in Tampa is certainly taking an emotional toll and this is not a criticism of him. But as long as he continues to struggle, so will the team.