Toronto Raptors Vs. Orlando Magic (3-7)

After a bad lost to the Boston Celtics, the Raptors now face the Orlando Magic. Raptors Andrea Bargnani helped the Raptors out with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Magics Nikola Vucevic being the rookie center, scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and a block. Raptors Demar Derozan continues to prove he is the Raptors primary scorer, having 10 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Magics E'Twaun Moore, another Magic rookie scored 16 points, a rebound and 4 assists. The player of the game for the Raptors is Jose Calderon, who had a similar game as Rondo did, only scoring 9 points, 2 rebounds and his assist total at 18 assists. The player of the game for the Magic is Glen Davis, scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and an assists. This game had Magic written all over it, majority of the time, until the fourth quarter, the Raptors stepped up and beat the Magic, 97-86.

Toronto Raptors Vs. Boston Celtics (2-7)

After pulling away in a rematch game and winning against the Indiana Pacers, the Raptors now face the Boston Celtics. Celtics Paul Pierce did pretty good, getting 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Raptors Andrea Bargnani had himself a decent game, having 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks. Celtics Jason Terry had himself a shooting clinic playing the Raptors, making 7-10 shots in which 4 of those were 3 pointers, having 20 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Raptors John Lucas did well off the bench, scoring 15 points, 3 assists and a steal. The player of the Game for the Raptors is Jose Calderon, having 10 points, 9 assists and 1 steal. The player of the game for the Celtics is Rajon Rondo, who only scored 6 points, and 2 rebounds, but it was his assist total that made him the player of the game with 20 assists. The Raptors had a chance by halftime to take the lead, but never was able to gain any momentum with the final score 107-89 Celtics.

Toronto Raptors Vs. Indiana Pacers (2-6)

After the lost in a triple overtime game against the Utah Jazz, the Toronto Raptors now face off against the Indiana Pacers in a rematch. Pacers David West didn't have the same game as he did in their previous game against the Raptors, as he scored 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Raptors Linas Kleiza did pretty good off the bench, scoring 10 points and 4 rebounds. Pacers Paul George filled most of the stat sheet, scoring 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Raptors continues to score well, having 15 points, 5 rebounds and a block. The player of the game for the Pacers is George Hill, having 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The player of the game for the Raptors is Jose Calderon, who posted his first ever triple double, having 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists! The Raptors were cruising through the game for three quarters, until the forth quarter, they only scoring 5 points, but they held the lead, winning the game 74-72.

Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz (1-6)

Losing to the Philadelphia 76er's, the Raptors now face the Utah Jazz. Raptor's Linas Kleiza had himself a good game, scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds and a steal before fouling out of the game. Jazz's Mo Williams played 50 minutes as he played like a point guard, scoring 17 points, 14 assists and with 4 steals. Speaking of point guards, Raptor's Jose Calderon played a bit better then Mo Williams, scoring 20 points, an amazing 17 assists and 4 steals. Jazz's Al Jefferson played like he controlled the paint, scoring 24 points, 17 rebounds and 2 steals. The player of the game for the Raptors is Demar Derozan, who set a career high in minutes which was 60 and in points, scoring 37, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The player of the game for the Jazz is Paul Millsap, scoring 34 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. This game really did come down to the wire as they had to go through 3 overtime games. At the end, the Jazz took this one, with the final score of 140-133.

Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76er's (1-5)

After losing to a close game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Toronto Raptors now face off against the Philadelphia 76er's. 76er's Spencer Hawes gave himself a double double off the bench, scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Raptor's Demar Derozan continues to play very well since the 1st game of the season, scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal. The player of the game for the 76er's is Jrue Holiday, who scored 16 points, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block. The player of the game for the Raptor's is Andrea Bargnani, scoring 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. This game was pretty even until the 2nd quarter, where the Raptors were only able to score 7 points against the 76er's 32 points. The 76er's never looked back after that quarter, winning the game 93-83 against the Raptor's. Toronto's next game is against the Utah Jazz.

The Raptors close win (1-4)

After a expected lost against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Toronto Raptors now take on the Dallas Mavericks. With the signings the Dallas Mavericks received this off-season, they have become a different team all together. This game was led by Dallas in the 1st quarter, but the Raptor's tried to bring it back and never got to. Maverick's Chris Kaman took advantage of the Raptors rookie, Jonas Valanciunas, scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block. Former Raptor, Vince Carter showed that he didn't miss the Raptors one bit, scoring 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. Raptor's Amir Johnson played pretty decent off the bench as the back up power forward, scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block. Raptor's Demar Derozan does what he does best, scoring, getting 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Unfortunately for the Raptor's, Kyle Lowry was not able to play due to injury. The Raptors player of the game was Andrea Bargnani, scoring 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The Mavericks player of the game is newly acquired OJ Mayo, scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. This game came down to the wired, with the final score of 109-104 for Dallas. Toronto's next opponent is against the Philadelphia 76er's.

The Raptors costly loss (1-3)

Now that the Raptors got their first win out of the way, they now look for win number 2 as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Raptors didn't have much players scoring in double digits, which was a horrible scene to see. Raptors rookie Terrence Ross had a much better game this time around scoring 10 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Raptors Andrea Bargnani looked like he was in form from a breakout season last year, scoring 16 points and 6 rebounds. The Thunder established themselves in being the top team in the western conference so it wasn't surprising most of the team scored pretty well. Thunder's Serge Ibaka had a nice game, scoring 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Raptor's player of the game is Jonas Valanciunas scoring 18 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Thunder's player of the game was Russell Westbrook scoring 19 points, 8 assists and 1 block. On a bad note for the Raptors, point guard Kyle Lowry was injured on a play that sprained his ankle. This was yet again another blowout except that this margin of lost was much worse, as the Thunder take this one 108-88. Toronto's next opponent is against the Dallas Mavericks.

Toronto Raptor's first win (1-2)

After the lost against the debuting Brooklyn Net's, the Toronto Raptors now take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Demar Derozan yet again seems to impress us with his production scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Jonas Valanciunas really needs to adjust to the NBA because with the fouls he gets early is reducing what he really can do for the Raptors and it reflects his box score with 2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block. Timberwolves Nikola Pekovic took advantaged of the foul plagued Valanciunas, scoring 15 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block. The player of the game for the Timberwolves is Andrei Kirilenko scoring 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. The player of the game for the Raptors is Kyle Lowry scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. This game was a blowout from the start and the Raptors held the led ever since, with the final score of 105-86 for the Raptors. Toronto's next opponent is against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets (0-2)

After that controversial lost against the Indiana Pacers, they now face the Brooklyn Nets at the new renovated Barclay Center. Starting with the Raptors Center, Jonas Valanciunas,he didn't have his best game, only able to score 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks, mainly because he only played 12 minutes. Net's point guard, Deron Williams had a pretty typical game, which is impressive, scoring 19 points, 9 assist and with 1 rebound. Raptor's Demar Derozan is finally playing to his recent contract extension as he was able to score 25 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Derozan I believe is showing that he can have a break out season to live up to his contract. The player of the game for the Net's is Brook Lopez, scoring 27 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block, which was Valanciunas's initial match up and as you can tell, clearly took advantage of the rookie. The player of the game for the Raptor's is yet again is Kyle Lowry, scoring 28 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds,3 steals,and a block, filling up the stat sheet across the board. Lowry tried late to win the game, but it wasn't enough. This game actually came down to the wire in the 4th quarter, but it was the Brooklyn Nets that came up on top, beating the Toronto Raptors, with the final score of 107-100. Toronto's next opponent is the Minnesota Timberwolves as they look for there first win.

Toronto Raptors Season Opener (0-1)

Its official now, the Toronto Raptors have now started their regular season games and their first opponents are the Indiana Pacers. This game went back and forth and had a controversial ending, but when it was all said and done, the Pacers took it with the final score of 90-88. Always, starting with the big man, Jonas Valanciunas,he got his first double double of the season, scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and a block, the second rookie Raptor to pull this off since Damon Stoudamire did it. Its pretty surprising that he was able to put up those numbers due to his match up being against all-star Roy Hibbert who had 14 points, 9 rebounds and an incredible 5 blocks. Raptors back up point guard, Jose Calderon did pretty well off the bench, scoring 15 points, 3 assists and a steal. Pacer Paul George did amazing, being one of the younger players in Indiana, scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assist. The Raptors player of the game is Kyle Lowry, which made a spectacular debut in a Raptors jersey scoring 21 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals. The Pacers Player of the game is David West, scoring 25 points, 2 rebounds and a steal. The next opponents for the Raptors are against the Brooklyn Nets in the new Barclay Center.

The Raptors Finish Strong (6-1)

The Toronto Raptors face their final team of the preseason, the Memphis Grizzlies. This game was pretty much a blowout out win for the Raptors, with the final score of 120-106, closing the preseason with 5 straight wins. The main reason why it was a blowout was because the Grizzlies decided to rest there stars before the official game opener. The players that were resting consisted of Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Starting with the Raptors center, Jonas Valanciunas, he had his best game out of the whole preseason, scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and a block. His match up, Jerome Jordan was a player the Grizzlies needed to sign to fill there roster spot, but proved to be ineffective. Andrea Bargnani had a nice shooting game, scoring 21 points, 1 rebound and 3 assist. Raptor's back up, Jose Calderon does what he does best, being a team player scoring 11 point and handing out 7 assist. Rookie Terrence Ross had a much better preseason game, scoring 10 points, 1 rebound and 2 steals. Grizzlies player of the game was former Raptor, Jerryd Bayless showing the Raptors why they shouldn't have let him go, scoring 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assist. Raptors player of the game was Kyle Lowry, scoring 18 points, 7 assists and 2 steals. The next game will be against the Indiana Pacers as they open there season opener.

Toronto Raptors roll on (5-1)

The Toronto Raptors now take on the new look Milwaukee Bucks. This game the Raptors got the lead early and never looked back, winning with the final score 104-95, as the streak goes on to 4 wins in a row in preseason. Jonas Valanciunas has a bounce back game scoring 10 points, 8 rebounds and an incredible 4 blocks. With a game like this, any Raptors fan would be optimistic with their center. His match up did almost exactly the same in Samuel Dalambert scoring 6 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. The coach decided not to play their rookie, Terrence Ross because of his previous game. Point guard, Kyle Lowry did great, scoring 16 points, 6 assist, 5 rebounds while back up point guard, Jose Calderon did worse in terms of points, scoring 4 points and 6 assist. John Lucas still gets the better over Calderon, even despite getting 3 minutes lower, scoring 8 points, 3 assist. Bucks star, Monta Ellis was the player of the game for them, scoring 26 points, 5 assists and a block. The Raptors player of the game is Demar Derozan, scoring 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. The final preseason game of the Raptors is against the Memphis Grizzlies

Toronto Raptors Beat The New York Knicks (4-1)

The Toronto Raptors now face of against a new bench team, the New York Knicks. As the final score tells you, it was a blow out, with a deficit of 19, final score, 107-88 for the Raptors, extending there streak to 3 wins in a row. As always, I'll start with the big man, Jonas Valanciunas. This game was pretty bad for him compared to his previous 3 games as he only scored 4 points, and a block, but still managed to gain a positive, grabbing 10 rebounds. The reason for the bad game was to Knicks center Tyson Chandler, who has 6 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block. Rookie Terrence Ross finally returned for injury, but only scored 2 points. Point guard, Kyle Lowry had a great game, scoring 17 points, 5 assist and a steal. Back up point guard, Jose Calderon did good for only 20 minutes, scoring 8 points, 2 assists. John Lucas however was able to capitalize on his limited minutes of 9, scoring 12 points and 2 assist. Knicks star, Carmelo Anthony is there player of the game scoring 24 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Raptors player of the game was Andrea Bargnani, scoring 20 point, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. The next game for the Raptors is against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Raptors beat the Wizards (3-1)

The Toronto Raptors now take on the Washington Wizards at the Air Canada Center. This game was very close as the Raptors extend their win streak to 2 for the 104-101 win. I'll start of with the man in the center, Jonas Valanciunas  As this is his 3rd NBA game, Valanciunas looks like he is getting in the groove of things, scoring 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Valanciunas match up was against Emeka Okafor, as his only scored 11 points, 5 rebounds and a blocked shot. Unfortunately, their number 8 pick, Terrence Ross, was not able to play due to injury, hindering any preparation for the fast approaching season opener. John Wall of the Wizards, did not play due to a stress in his right knee. Kyle Lowry however, was finally back from injury, as he didn't disappoint, scoring 16 points, 6 assist and 3 steals. Lowry's back up, Jose Calderon did pretty well, scoring 12 points, 8 assist and 2 steals. The 3rd string back up, John Lucas, did not have a great game, because of a lack of minutes, scoring 5 points, 3 assists. Landry Fields was the leading scorer for the Raptors , scoring 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. The next opponent for the Raptors are against the New York Knicks.

Raptors Revenge (2-1)

The Toronto Raptors now have something to prove to themselves and to others that they can recover from a loss as they face the Detroit Pistons at the Air Canada Center. The Raptors pulled away with the win with a reasonable margin, 82-75. Unlike his previous game, Jonas Valanciunas had a much better all rounded game as he got 11 points, 8 rebounds an assist and a steal. If Valanciunas can play games like these for the rest of the preseason games, there will be little doubt this rookie will start at center when the official season starts. Mainly the reason why Valanciunas played so well was because of his previous match up, Andre Drummond, only played 6 minutes only scoring 2 points, a steal and a block, which meant Valanciunas could take advantage. Kyle Lowry did not play due to the prolonged injury. For the point guard position, the battle between Jose Calderon and John Lucas strikes again, as Lucas had the majority of the minutes that translated to more points for him, scoring 9 points, 8 assist, 1 rebound, as Calderon did not score with only 3 assist. Demar Derozen yet again was the scoring leader of the team with 14 points. The next opponent for the Raptors are against the Washington Wizards.

Toronto Raptors take a fall (1-1)

Now that the Raptors got there first game out of the way, we move on to their second game as they face the Detroit Pistons. This game was pretty close as Detroit pull away with the win with the final score of 101-99 for the Pistons. Something you can take for this game is the big debut of Jonas Valanciunas  The impression of a "big" debut might be a understatement, as Valanciunas only was able to score only 2 points with limited minutes. For the Pistons, Greg Monroe was there scoring leader getting a double-double in the process, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Another big man that got his debut was rookie Andre Drummond on the Pistons, scoring 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. For the point guard situation for the Raptors, Kyle Lowry was still out due to a left leg injury, but his replacement, Jose Calderon did pretty well, scoring 15 points, 4 assists and getting 2 steals. As for John Lucas, he's still playing impressive as if he's ready to move up in the rotation, outscoring Calderon with 16 points, 5 assist. Again for the second straight game, Demar Derozen tops as the scoring leader with 17 points. The Raptors will get another chance  to face the Pistons again this preseason in two days, as they play in the Air Canada Center where Jonas Valanciunas will make his home debut, in hopes to have a better game this time.

The Raptors Debut (1-0)

This will be one of the new posts I will be discussing about the Toronto Raptors on there upsides and downfalls. As you can see, currently, the raps are now have a preseason record of 2-1. This record doesn't mean much as the games are not official, but it gives a better picture on the chemistry of , the players as well as a better understanding of the new players and their abilities, compared to "stabs in the dark" predictions.

The raptors pulled away with the win with 102-95. In the Raptors debut, they had to face off against a foreign team, know as the Real Madrid. They held there own for the most part, with former NBA player Rudy Fernandez playing pretty well with 10 points, 4 assist. As for the Raptors, one of the big surprises ive seen was their back up back up point guard, John Lucas III (yes I really mean back up back up, meaning he would be the last guy off the bench) did pretty good with 16, points, 2 assist over just back up point guard, Jose Calderon with 9 points, 8 assist. Dont get me worng, assists are amazing, but with your third string point guard scoring like that can only mean good things. Terrence Ross scored 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assist, for a rookie, thats very good as he is the only rookie for the raptors making his debut. Unfortunately, Jonas Valanucias couldnt make his debut because of a strained calf. Demar Derozen had the team high with 18 points, 6 rebounds, which is a good start for the team.

Jonas Valanciunas first NBA game

Jonas first game in the NBA!!!

Can the Toronto Raptors become a playoff team pt.3

If you haven't already seen parts 1 and 2 on how the Toronto Raptors can become a playoff team, you may need to check them out before you read on.

In my previous post, I've talked about the teams in the Raptors conference that pose a threat toward them achieving a playoff spot.

New York Knicks

I've mentioned them a few times concerning a trade for Laundry Fields and the New Jersey Nets moving to Brooklyn. The Knicks have the potential to become a great team in Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler, but have never lived up to there hype. Some addition pieces they recieved were Raymond Felton, Marcus Camby and Jason Kidd. These players maybe past there prime, but still hold experience to teach their team.

Compared to the Raptors: This is a "do or die" situation as it can go ether way, ether the chemistry of the Knick click together early or they have a early playoff exit, which the raptors need to be ready for regardless.

Chicago Bulls

This team was one of the favorites to win the NBA Championship in the 2012 playoffs, but there star point guard Derrick Rose tore an ACL, sidelining him from finishing their playoff series. They are still a decent team to compete in the NBA, but without Derrick rose, their future is back tracked. Some additions they received were Kirk Hinrich, Nate Robinson and former Toronto Raptor Marco Belinelli. These players are primarily used to replace their star point guard.

Compared to the Raptors: If you were to ask me who was better last year, no doubt it would be chicago, but with Derrick Rose gone temporarly, I'll give the win to the Raptors because with Kyle Lowry as Toronto's point guard, he can take advantage of the exposed Bulls.

Charlotte Bobcats

This team needs a lot of improvement from last season since they did the worst in NBA history with a record of 7-59, despite a shortened season. Some additions they received were Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon and Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist. The first two players have been around the league to know what it takes to win. As for Kidd-Gilchrist, the No.2 pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, can be that impact guy to improve this team.

Compared to the Raptors: I still believe that the Raptors have the edge over the Bobcats because despite the talent the Bobcats have, the Raptors are a much better team with the positions they filled out.

Can the Toronto Raptors become a playoff team pt. 2

If you already haven't checked out my earlier post on the Toronto Raptors becoming a playoff team, you should do so before you read on.

As I've said before in my blog post in part one, I have talked about each player's ability that would  contribute for the team to become successful to make the playoffs. Now, I will talk about the competition whom the Toronto Raptors must deal with and compare them.

In this off season, not only did the Raptors make some big moves, but also some big teams made some moves that make the "rich, richer and the poor poorer".

Brooklyn Nets

For those of you that haven't heard of this team, you haven't gone crazy. The team just moved there from New Jersey to New York, making two teams in New York. The Brooklyn Nets recently signed free agent Joe Johnson, that may increase the scoring for the team. With the team they already have in Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace, and Brook Lopez, their future is promising.

Compared to the Raptors: Toronto will have their hands full, since we're dealing with players of an all star caliber and experience against the young, potential of the Raptors.

Boston Celtics

This team, since the beginning of time has been an elite team, winning countless championships. Just recently, the Celtics lost their best shooter in Ray Allen, which is a huge blow since it was him along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce that won a championship in 2008. Some recent additions they received are Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo and Jason Terry. The first two players were arguably the steals of the 2012 draft with the 21st and 22nd picks respectively. Jason Terry is a vital piece to this team because they lost Ray Allen, but now get back a shooter that won a championship in 2011.

Compared to the Raptors: Boston might have the upper hand here because of championship experience.

Philadelphia 76ers

To most, this team was a surprise team that knocked out the number one seed in Chicago Bulls in the 2012 playoffs. The bad news about the 76ers is the player they lost in the Dwight Howard trade in Andre Iguodala, one of there most athletic players. Recent additions they received in the off season were Nick Young, Jason Richardson and Andrew Bynum. The additions of the last two players are significant toward them pushing into the playoffs further.

Compared to the Raptors: I would say its dead even because both teams last year were battling it out to become the 8th seed in the 2012 playoffs, but with the additions both teams got, its a close one.

On my next post, i will be talking about the next set of teams in the Toronto Raptors conference.

Can the Toronto Raptors become a playoff team?

Its true the raptors are still recovering from the post "Bosh Era" after he left the team to join the Miami Heat at the end of the 2009-2010 season, but the teams luck looks like its about to change.

After another disappointing record (23-43) in the 2011-2012 season, the Toronto Raptors have made some interesting moves this off season that can bring them back in the playoff picture.

Rookie stars like Terrence Ross, Jonas Valanciunas and Quincy Acy are some promising players that can give a needed lift for the raptors. Other significant additions include Kyle Lowry and Landry Fields.

Another positive to look out for is the return of Andrea Bargnani. Before he got injured, he was putting up near all-star numbers averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds that could of eventually got him his first all-star appearance.

The No. 8 pick Ross, during the 2012 NBA Draft was a terrible pick to most because analysis projected him to be a mid round pick, anywhere between 15-20. Toronto's Head Coach Dwyane Casey thinks that this pick was necessary because of his defensive background, his shooting form and is very athletic. With Casey's "defense first" mentality, it was a no brainer to pick Ross so high.

Valanciunas, coming from the 2011 NBA Draft with the No. 5 pick, is a great add for the raptors. Analysis projected him to go as high as the No. 2 pick. Mostly the reasons feared to pick the 6'11 Lithuanian was because of his locked contract with his former team that would skip the 2011-2012 season. Valanciunas fills a need the raptors desperately need, a true center. The Toronto Raptors do have a 7 footer in Andrea Bargnani, but doesnt play like a center.

Landry Fields and Kyle Lowry can really change the dynamic of the raptors. Fields, coming from the 2nd round in the 2011 NBA Draft, had a break out season with his former team, the New York Knicks. Toronto originally try to lure Canadian native and all-star Steve Nash by taking away trade assets such as Fields, so the knicks would not pursue him. After the knicks received Carmelo Anthony via trade, Landry's numbers started to decline. With Landry on the team, he has a chance to a fresh start and play like he did in his rookie season.

Lowry can be the deciding factor on whether the raptors can have a successful season. Lowry was traded from the Houston Rockets via trade. In the past, the raptors have always had a logjam at the point guard postion that have been experiments for years. Pairs such as T.J Ford with Jose Calderon, Jarrett Jack with Calderon, Jerryd Bayless with Calderon...there is a pattern, isnt there? Calderon has been with the team for awhile now and is still putting up decent numbers, but the raptors are not successful with him winning games. Lowry will be starting over Calderon at the beginning of the season.

All in all, the Raptors look ready to become a playoff team this season because of these significant young pieces that will make them successful in the future.