Toronto Raptors: 3 factors that could determine team’s success

Aside from Anunoby, who is playing the 3?

This one I struggled to come up with one good answer to, but I ultimately landed on three different answers. The starter OG Anunoby is obviously accounted for, but after that, it will be either Patrick McCaw, Davis or Powell.

McCaw, profiles as a defensive first player with a long wingspan that can be disruptive on and off the ball with his length. Offensively he can do a few things with the ball in his hands as an initiator but struggles as a consistent catch and shoot threat.

Davis has shown some flashes of a little bit of everything. Self-creation scoring, catch and shoot ability, finishing around the rim etc. He had a couple of breakout games in the regular season and showed he has earned a spot in the rotation. His limitations come defensively where he’s just not up to par to stay on the floor in playoff games, but is passable in the regular season.

Powell’s case is more interesting, as it comes as part of the Lowry, VanVleet, Powell, Siakam, Anunoby closing five that proved successful in the second round of the Celtics series last year. Specifically in this small ball unit, Powell can prove effective on offence, and is just good enough on-ball defensively where you can hunt him and try to take advantage of Powell in isolation.

The Raptors do indeed have some options at the three, but one injury could hurt them badly and cause them to go into parts of their rotation they hope they won’t have to rely on to play high minutes in the regular season.

If the Raptors can stay healthy and COVID-free at that position, they should be okay. If they have an injury or COVID concerns for any of the options, including Anunoby, they might have to get creative.

What are you looking forward to this season for the Raptors? What are your expectations? Let us know in the comments below.