Jumbo-sized Toronto Raptors are a problem for the rest of the NBA

How do the Toronto Raptors translate their early season success to the Playoffs?

This starting schedule hasn’t been a cakewalk for the Raptors, and it’s only going to get tougher with Pascal Siakam out for two weeks with a groin strain. Still, the fundamental aspects of this roster will help them uphold their place in the standings through ups and downs. Toronto averages the fewest number of turnovers in the league thus far. Although there’s a lot of individual offense surging the unit, the team’s ability to read, react and rotate in the halfcourt helps everyone get a slice of the pie.

Much of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, whose efficiency has improved to begin the year. Already, the 21-year-old has displayed an increased aptitude for creating his own shot — particularly from the perimeter, where he’s using his handle to find space for jump shots. His biggest leap, however, has come as a playmaker. Averaging five assists per game, we’ll see most of the offense run through Scottie with Siakam sidelined. Getting those reps now will help the team as a whole come Playoff time when Siakam is the focal point of opposing defenses.

It would also benefit this group to pass the ball in a more cohesive manner. Toronto ranks relatively low in total passes and assists, but with more ball movement, they could create better-quality looks in the halfcourt. That way, they won’t end up being too reliant on any one player and instead, can create plays by committee.

Defensively, the team could take another step forward by making more of a commitment to eliminating corner threes. They’re allowing teams to shoot more than 40% from the corners while also ranking top 10 in opponent 3-point percentage above the break. If they can funnel more of those outside jumpers to a less-efficient shot on the elbows, Toronto would become a nearly impossible team to create efficient offense against.

Even if they keep everything exactly the same, this should sustain as one of the top two-way teams in all of basketball and that’s a recipe for success.