NBA Toronto Raptors

Top 5 Toronto Raptors’ Storylines To Follow During Preseason

Top 5 Toronto Raptors' Storylines To Follow During Preseason

Toronto Raptors NBA basketball
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The upstart Toronto Raptors had an impressive run into the postseason last year, which featured probably one of the best first round series we have seen in a long time. It all came down to a buzzer-beating play in Game 7 when Paul Pierce swatted away Kyle Lowry's game-winner, ending the playoff series in dramatic fashion. Now, the Raptors look to come in stronger this year, and here are five storylines to follow during preseason.

5. Can Louis Williams Remain Healthy, Return To Being A Clutch Sixth Man?

Louis Williams NBA Raptors
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5. Can Louis Williams Remain Healthy, Return To Being A Clutch Sixth Man?

Louis Williams NBA Raptors
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Louis Williams seemed happy returning home to Atlanta to play basketball for the Hawks in the summer of 2012. Unfortunately, his time spent there seemed to be cursed, as Williams could just never get healthy and find his rhythm for the team. Now, after being traded to the Raptors this summer, Williams will look to not just remain healthy for an entire season, but become a key contributor off the bench for the Raptors this coming year.

4. Can Terrence Ross Become A Star?

Terrence Ross NBA Raptors
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4. Can Terrence Ross Become A Star?

Terrence Ross NBA Raptors
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Terrence Ross surprised many people when he erupted for 50 points one game last year during the regular season, something nobody expected him to accomplish. This explosion happened soon after the team rewarded him with more minutes after trading away Rudy Gay. Now, the 23 year old will look to become not just an important role player for this team, but a budding superstar as well. It will be fascinating to watch him develop this coming year.

3. Will Jonas Valanciunas Morph Into One Of The Best Big Men In The East?

Jonas Valanciunas NBA Raptors
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3. Will Jonas Valanciunas Morph Into One Of The Best Big Men In The East?

Jonas Valanciunas NBA Raptors
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Jonas Valanciunas improved by leaps and bounds last season, where he shot a very high 53 percent from the field and showing an array of post moves that have the Raptors very excited about his future. The 22-year-old center needs to work on his post defense a little more, as he did not average at least a block per game last year. However, the signs are there that he is due for a massive season again this year. Keep your eye on him.

2. Will Kyle Lowry Become Complacent With New Contract?

Kyle Lowry NBA Raptors
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2. Will Kyle Lowry Become Complacent With New Contract?

Kyle Lowry NBA Raptors
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Kyle Lowry played at an extremely high level last year, earning the Raptors' trust and respect in the process. They rewarded him with a four-year, million extension this past summer. Lowry played extremely well in his contract year last year, which is primarily why he was given his massive new contract. Will he continue to play at a high level, or coast a little bit now that he is getting paid?

1. How Much Better Can DeMar DeRozan Get?

DeMar DeRozan NBA Raptors
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1. How Much Better Can DeMar DeRozan Get?

DeMar DeRozan NBA Raptors
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DeMar DeRozan had a breakout season for the team last year; he is their best player and most effective scorer. His boundless athleticism, coupled with his sweet shooting stroke from the mid-range area, as well as his tenacity with driving to the basket, are the skills anybody would want from their shooting guard. Can he work on his outside shot to become the total package and possibly the best shooting guard in the East?

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