NBA.com July Power Rankings: Raptors 10th

markban21 · Post #1 » by **markban21** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:33 pm

Toronto (48-34)
Pace: 94.4 (23), OffRtg: 105.8 (9), DefRtg: 102.4 (9), NetRtg: +3.5 (9)
Key addition(s): Continuity
Key question: Were those contract-year bumps?
Kyle Lowry had his best season last year, and Patrick Patterson and Greivis Vasquez were also big off the bench. All three are re-signed and Dwane Casey can build on top-10 marks on both ends of the floor. Another year of development from (and more touches for) Jonas Valanciunas would do the trick.

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/powerrankings/07/21/summer2014/index.html

Obviously super early for a Power Rankings... but fun nonetheless.

Fair assessment? I think 10th is a pretty good spot for us.

SwaggyB · Post #2 » by **SwaggyB** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:36 pm

Have we ever been ranked this high before the start of the season?

J-Roc · Post #3 » by **J-Roc** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:37 pm

Rockets fell. But impressive by Dallas. I didn't even think Cuban was planning to compete any time soon when he signed Jose.....but now he has the 4th best team on paper a year later.

UnRealGM · Post #4 » by **UnRealGM** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:37 pm

Risk101 · Post #5 » by **Risk101** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:46 pm

6.

Chicago (48-34)
Pace: 92.7 (28), OffRtg: 99.7 (28), DefRtg: 97.8 (2), NetRtg: +1.9 (12)
Key addition(s): Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic
Key question: Derrick Rose?
We're going to find out soon where Rose is physically, because National Team training camp -- where he'll be competing against Curry, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard -- begins next Monday. Even if he's good to go, the Bulls will be depending on their young guys -- Doug McDermott and Tony Snell -- to play important minutes.

7.

Cleveland (33-49)
Pace: 95.7 (18), OffRtg: 101.3 (23), DefRtg: 104.8 (17), NetRtg: -3.5 (23)
Key addition(s): Andrew Wiggins, LeBron James, pressure to win now
Key question: What will they do for Love?
The debate over trading the No. 1 pick in what was a much-hyped draft for an established All-Star is fascinating, especially since the rookie may already be the better defensive player. Ultimately, the Cavs have to do whatever James tells them to. But there's no reason they can't wait a few months to see what Wiggins can do.

10.

Toronto (48-34)
Pace: 94.4 (23), OffRtg: 105.8 (9), DefRtg: 102.4 (9), NetRtg: +3.5 (9)
Key addition(s): Continuity
Key question: Were those contract-year bumps?
Kyle Lowry had his best season last year, and Patrick Patterson and Greivis Vasquez were also big off the bench. All three are re-signed and Dwane Casey can build on top-10 marks on both ends of the floor. Another year of development from (and more touches for) Jonas Valanciunas would do the trick.

13.

Indiana (56-26)
Pace: 94.9 (20), OffRtg: 101.5 (22), DefRtg: 96.7 (1), NetRtg: +4.8 (7)
Key addition(s): C.J. Miles, more pressure on Frank Vogel
Key question: Will the Pacers' new shooters ever be open?
Miles and Damjan Rudez will space the floor, but Lance Stephenson's departure means that there's one less guy to get them open looks. If Vogel doesn't get more creative, the Pacers' offense will be brutal. And if he doesn't make better use of his bench, his team could hit another wall in the second half of the season.

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/powerranki ... index.html

Volcano · Post #6 » by **Volcano** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:47 pm

I think Dallas may actually be worse mainly due to defense. They haven't brought back Marion yet right? and VC left - probably counted as an average defender.

Tyson Chandler's not what he used to be. Felton's not as bad as Jose, but still bad. Adding Rashard is a negative.

I'd move Dallas below Memphis/Toronto/Houston/Portland.

tdotboyy · Post #7 » by **tdotboyy** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:47 pm

UnRealGM · Post #8 » by **UnRealGM** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:48 pm

Post #9 » by **Patman** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:58 pm

bth wrote:Have we ever been ranked this high before the start of the season?

Possibly the summer we brought everyone back from our team that was one shot away from the ECF, and added Hakeem.

Post #10 » by **Patman** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 4:59 pm

Volcano wrote:I think Dallas may actually be worse mainly due to defense. They haven't brought back Marion yet right? and VC left - probably counted as an average defender.

Tyson Chandler's not what he used to be. Felton's not as bad as Jose, but still bad. Adding Rashard is a negative.

I'd move Dallas below Memphis/Toronto/Houston/Portland.

Parsons is a better defender than both Marion and VC at this point.

witnessraps · Post #11 » by **witnessraps** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:02 pm

I truly believe Lou Swagiams pushes us up another notch from last year. As long as our defense holds up we will be a force to be reckoned with.

Rapcity_11 · Post #12 » by **Rapcity_11** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:04 pm

Patman wrote:
Volcano wrote:I think Dallas may actually be worse mainly due to defense. They haven't brought back Marion yet right? and VC left - probably counted as an average defender.

Tyson Chandler's not what he used to be. Felton's not as bad as Jose, but still bad. Adding Rashard is a negative.

I'd move Dallas below Memphis/Toronto/Houston/Portland.

Parsons is a better defender than both Marion and VC at this point.

I'm curious what evidence supports Parsons over Marion..?

Volcano · Post #13 » by **Volcano** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:06 pm

Patman wrote:
Volcano wrote:I think Dallas may actually be worse mainly due to defense. They haven't brought back Marion yet right? and VC left - probably counted as an average defender.

Tyson Chandler's not what he used to be. Felton's not as bad as Jose, but still bad. Adding Rashard is a negative.

I'd move Dallas below Memphis/Toronto/Houston/Portland.

Parsons is a better defender than both Marion and VC at this point.

hmm..how sure are you on that? Everyone here including Rocket fans seem to be saying Parsons is a poor defender. His RAPM paints him as a poor defender as well..so I just assumed he was bad on D.

I think VC was complimented for his 2 way game last season..and Marion was probably assigned to the best opposing perimeter player every game

Qhawe · Post #14 » by **Qhawe** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:13 pm

We made it!! *Cue Drake Music*

Raps Militia · Post #15 » by **Raps Militia** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:13 pm

Ahmed1212 · Post #16 » by **Ahmed1212** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:15 pm

Why do I feel like both Toronto and Washington will be better then both Cleveland and Chicago.

Son Goku 25 · Post #17 » by **Son Goku 25** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:15 pm

This is actually on point with regard to our team, we'll likely win the Atlantic and I'm pretty positive we'll be a top 3-4 team.

Blast Tyrant · Post #18 » by **Blast Tyrant** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:20 pm

Inevitable · Post #19 » by **Inevitable** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:24 pm

Volcano wrote:
Patman wrote:
Volcano wrote:I think Dallas may actually be worse mainly due to defense. They haven't brought back Marion yet right? and VC left - probably counted as an average defender.

Tyson Chandler's not what he used to be. Felton's not as bad as Jose, but still bad. Adding Rashard is a negative.

I'd move Dallas below Memphis/Toronto/Houston/Portland.

Parsons is a better defender than both Marion and VC at this point.

hmm..how sure are you on that? Everyone here including Rocket fans seem to be saying Parsons is a poor defender. His RAPM paints him as a poor defender as well..so I just assumed he was bad on D.

I think VC was complimented for his 2 way game last season..and Marion was probably assigned to the best opposing perimeter player every game

He is their primary perimeter defender which makes people assume he is a good defender. I think he is a poor defender from what I seen.

T0R0NT0_RAPT0RS · Post #20 » by **T0R0NT0_RAPT0RS** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 5:30 pm

With the additions of Pau, McBuckets and Mirotic, I think Chicago is a good team ON PAPER. Their biggest IF is obviously DRose. And we know how that worked out the last few years. I for one would like to see Rose recover 100%, but I'm reluctant to proclaim anything just yet. I'm also baffled as to why he's participating in the US camp. wouldn't he get better skipping this year and working on straight rehab, unless it is already arranged that he'll be restricted in his involvement in the camp.