NBA Toronto Raptors

2014-15 Toronto Raptors Midseason Grades and Analysis

2014-15 Toronto Raptors Midseason Grades and Analysis

The Toronto Raptors
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The Toronto Raptors started the 2014-15 season on fire, leading the eastern conference for the first several months. Starting off with a franchise record for largest win margin, they have cooled off since and have not really been the same. Here's how they grade out so far.

12. DeMar DeRozan

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12. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan
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Despite having the biggest injury of his young career, DeRozan was excellent for the Raptors in the beginning of the season and played a large role in the team's early success. After playing his first seven games back he seems to be getting back to his old ways, getting to the line more and making big shots.

Grade: A-

11. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry
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11. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry copy
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Toronto Raptors All-Star starter Kyle Lowry has taken on a load ever since the absence of DeRozan. He has been getting a lot of criticism for being named as a starter by the fans, but anyone who watches a Raptors game can see the leader he is on the court and the hard work he shows night in and night out.

Grade: A

10. Jonas Valanciunas

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10. Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas
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The third-year big man, "The Big Science," has had some impressive games this season. He continues to improve his offensive game and has some solid defensive nights. But much like other Raptors players, he has a tendency of not showing up some days. Despite these lapses, when he is preforming well the Raptors tend to go on and win games.

Grade: B

9. Lou Williams

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9. Lou Williams

Lou Williams
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One of more consistent players on the team, Lou Williams started the season extremely hot (like the Raptors). After being injured and barely playing for nearly two seasons, Willams made up for that time by showing that he still has his offensive fire. He showcased a career-best form and is in the race for Sixth Man of the Year. Without him there is no telling how good the Raptors would be.

Grade: B+

8. Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross
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8. Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross copy
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To say the least, T Ross has been pretty disappointing this season. After a promising second year he has not become any more consistent and is averaging around the same numbers; in fact, he is averaging slightly worse in some areas. This year he is averaging 10.7 points (10.9 last season), 3.2 rebounds (3.1 last season), 0.9 assists (1.0 last season) and both field goal and three point percentage went down, getting him benched.

Grade: D+

7. Greivis Vasquez

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7. Greivis Vasquez

Greivis Vasquez
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Greivis Vasquez has been one of the many great things out of the Rudy Gay trade. He quickly became a fan favorite and has a knack for hitting big shots; he's deserving of a good nickname. Another great thing Vasquez has done for the Raptors is his being able to go on a single offensive stretch. Fans got to see several huge performances from him in the beginning and he only feeds off of fan energy. But once again consistency is key.

Grade: B

6. Patrick Patterson

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6. Patrick Patterson

Patrick Patterson
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The Patman is one of those key pieces to the Raptors. When he is hitting those long range shots, or any shots for that matter, things go well. He was hot from beyond the arc for quite a while this season, but now he sits in 13th place and first among power forwards in the league with a great 41 percent. He is a great role player and great on the defensive end at times. I don't wanna sound like a broken record, but consistency.

Grade: B-

5. James Johnson

James Johnson
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5. James Johnson

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One of best perimeter defenders in the league, he has been great so far. Johnson has brought a pleasant offensive surprise to the Raptors, demonstrating his maturity over the past several seasons. Although Johnson did go from limited time to starting and then on the bench again and once again seeing limited time on the court.

Grade: C+

4. Tyler Hansbrough

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4. Tyler Hansbrough

Hansbrough
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Hansbrough might not have played many games compared to the rest, but when on the court he has been good. Not well known for his offense and more of a hustle player, that's what he brings to the Raptors -- scrappy plays, rebounds and hard work. When he is on the court he is either getting a call or fighting for the ball.

Grade: C

3. Amir Johnson

Amir Johnson
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3. Amir Johnson

Amir Johnson copy 2
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Amir Johnson has had nights where he hasn't played much and others where he was heavily relied on, whether offensively or defensively. Having a player like him is crucial, and he has proven that many times. His defensive presence in the paint is one of the best the Raptors have, and he has been relied on in late-game situations. The Raptors might not use him much, but he is great when needed.

Grade: C+

2. Dwane Casey

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2. Dwane Casey

Dwane Casey
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Winning coach of the month honors for the month of November made him the first Raptors coach to win two times. Casey has also been in the race for coach of the year early in the season, but he has since been overshadowed by Mike Budenholzer and Steve Kerr in the West. Casey has been really good this season, but if he can bring Toronto back to the top of the East or deep in the playoffs, he should definitely win coach of the year.

Grade: A

1. Raptors' Overall Midseason Grade

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1. Raptors' Overall Midseason Grade

Toronto Raptors 2
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Whether or not the Raptors have degraded from their early start, they are on the way to a new regular season franchise record. They have played well against not-so-good teams and have been great against tough teams. With a 105.8 offensive team rating (5th) they are going to score points, but being tied with New York Knicks (second-worst record in the NBA) for 20th in defensive rating has really hurt the team.

Grade: B+

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