12. Toronto Raptors

By: Lucas Kochevar

       The Toronto Raptors have had an interesting history in the playoffs. They have been the laughing stock as every team they play gives them a challenge. Last year they hoped to make another conference finals appearance. Sadly, they got swept again. The Raptors have the talent to make a run they just cannot put it all together. Last season was their best chance for a shot at Golden State. They are led by DeMar DeRozan. The Raptors are gonna have to rebuild at some point because they do not have the weapons to compete with anyone. They are in a spot where they have a playoff spot secured at the 4-6 seeds. This is the projected starting lineup from me. 

PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: C.J. Miles
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Jonas Valanciunas

6th Man: Norman Powell

       The Raptors have Kyle Lowry at PG and he is a solid option. Lowry has been a very good PG for the last couple of years. I do not like him as the PG of the future because he is older, but as of right now he is good. The SG spot is DeMar DeRozan. DeMar is one of the best SG in the league. He has the deadliest mid range SG in the game. He is a very talented player as he leads the Raptors in franchise scoring. He will be their best player once again this year. The C.J. Miles is in his first year as a Raptor and should provide some much needed three point shooting. Miles will be a good option, but could be replaced by Norman Powell. They will be fighting for the starting spot. The PF position is Serge Ibaka as he just signed an extension after being traded to the Raptors last season. Ibaka will be older, but he is one of the better defensive PF's in the league. Offensively he is not bad either. He has an okay jumper and he is athletic. Jonas will be the starting center, but that might change if he is traded. He is supposed to be on the trade block and he could be traded any day. The Raptors have some things to evaluate this year, but they should have a playoff spot guaranteed barring some injury.