Five thoughts on the Raptors as the quarter mark approaches Ahead of a crucial 10-game stretch, TSN Basketball Analyst Jack Armstrong looks at five areas that need improvement for the Raptors to be a more viable player in the Eastern Conference.

Jack Armstrong TSN Basketball Analyst Archive

The Toronto Raptors’ record currently stands at 12-7 as we approach the quarter mark of the NBA season, having already played 12 road games (6-6).

They’ve been solid and quite competitive, yet could actually be a bit better. If the Raptors are going to get on a roll and put together a fun season it absolutely has to begin during this upcoming 10-game stretch where they play only one game (this Friday versus Indiana) against a team with a record above .500.

There’s also plenty of time off during the period, giving coaches an opportunity to utilize practice to address a few issues that need improvement. The Raptors have the potential to be a good team if they can make the adjustments. Can they be very good to excellent? I look at them more as a team in the range of good to very good, depending on the night. Good to great is a tough jump.

Here are five areas that need some improvement for the Raptors to become a bigger and more viable player in the Eastern Conference picture.

1. TURNOVERS: If you look at Toronto’s last three losses – against Boston, New York and Indiana – you can see where this bad habit reared its ugly head. Being able to handle heavy ball pressure and swarming defences with toughness, counters and pressure releases is an area that has to improve. Remember last year when the Raptors survived in a Game 6 playoff win at Milwaukee despite a shaky offensive effort under heavy duress in the second half? I’ve seen some of those same cracks in the three aforementioned losses. I think they’ll figure this out.

2. REBOUNDING: I love Kyle Lowry’s toughness. That being said, the fact that the star point guard is Toronto’s second leading rebounder is an indictment on some other players. This area is simply a matter of positioning, boxing out and the toughness to win 50/50 battles. The Raptors have to close defensive possessions.

3. THE STARTING LINEUP: The Raptors need greater consistency and productivity from Serge Ibaka and Jonas Valanciunas. Obviously there’s a lot of discussion out there about if the two fit together, which is a legitimate argument. Ultimately, both guys are capable of elevating their play and the Raptors need them to be better for this team to take the next step. OG Anunoby is going to be a nice player and is a better more natural fit at the three spot than the smaller Norman Powell, who will thrive off the bench. If Anunoby gives you solid play on both ends nightly, you’ll take it. I’ve liked what he’s shown so far. He’s a heady player who guards. Too often though, the starters need the bench unit to come in and outplay their opponents. The Raptors need greater pop and early statements from this group to start first and third quarters.

4. SOLIDIFY THE D: I’ve seen some breakdowns in communication on screen sequences that can’t be happening 19 games in. This will get better with more practice time, video study, repetition and accountability. You can’t have miscues in coverages and communication. This group is capable of being a sound and respectable defensive group in an offensively oriented league.

5. SELECTION, CONSISTENCY WITH THE THREE: As each game goes by, the Raptors are figuring out when to shoot the three and who should be the guy shooting it. Shot discipline and selection is imperative. I like how this is evolving and I see this continuing to improve as they tighten the screws with their offensive execution. I still think they could use one more outside shooter for the style they’re trying to play. If that doesn’t happen, at least use the shot more consistently in the proper context of the game and have the better shooters taking a greater number of those threes. It’s improving and a big reason is the greater ball movement, which is leading to more high-percentage looks.