2016-17 NBA Season Preview: Toronto Raptors

Welcome to theScore's 2016-17 NBA preview, where you'll find comprehensive coverage of all 30 teams and storylines to watch this season.

Toronto Raptors

2015-16

Offseason roundup

• Re-signed DeMar DeRozan (5-year, $139M contract)

Projected Starting Five

• PG Kyle Lowry
• SG DeMar DeRozan
• SF DeMarre Carroll
• PF Jared Sullinger
• C Jonas Valanciunas

Related: What would it take for Raptors to win the East?

Player to Watch: DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan is coming off the best season of his career. He was named to the All-Star game, his Raptors went to the Eastern Conference Finals, he won a gold medal with Team USA, and he finished eighth in NBA scoring.

The Raptors rewarded his efforts with a lavish $139-million extension, installing DeRozan as a core fixture in their continued efforts toward building a contender.

Therefore, it's no wonder that DeRozan was upset with being ranked the league's 46th-best player by Sports Illustrated. How could the go-to option on a final-four team be so low?

But SI also makes several valid points in justifying its ranking. DeRozan definitely excels in certain areas - he's one of the league's best drivers - but he's still short of being an all-around contributor. His defense is lacking, he doesn't stretch the floor, and he has a habit of hijacking the offense to launch long twos.

To be clear: DeRozan is already a fantastic player. His resume speaks for itself. However, if he wants to silence the critics, and consequently, if the Raptors are to seriously challenge Cleveland, DeRozan needs to patch up those weaknesses.

Season Expectations

The Raptors have found an identity with DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in the backcourt, and they've hovered between good to great over the past three seasons. This year should be no different, with the team returning almost every core member from last year's 56-win side.

That being said, there are smaller position battles that need to be sorted out.

Losing fan-favorite Bismack Biyombo to Orlando created a sizable hole at backup center. Look for inconsistent - yet talented - pivot Lucas Nogueira to get first crack at that spot, although don't be surprised if fresh recruit Jared Sullinger wins the job of logging minutes behind starter Jonas Valanciunas.

Sullinger will also be relied upon to play power forward alongside Valanciunas. In that alignment, Sullinger will have to adapt his game to become a low-usage facilitator and high-energy defender, considering the Raptors' ball-dominant backcourt.

Finally, last year's prized addition DeMarre Carroll has to find his niche after knee injuries limited him to 26 appearances last season. A defender by trade, Carroll works best as a spot-up and transition threat who can play either forward position.

But ultimately, the Raptors shouldn't be too concerned about the regular season. Their goal from the outset should be to maximize their performance come the playoffs. That means head coach Dwane Casey should limit his star backcourt's minutes, experiment with different lineup combination (the Raptors pretty much only played four lineups last year), and bring along bench prospects who might be needed in a pinch during the most important moments.