Three questions the Raptors face heading into training camp

By Brett Pollakoff
Published

With training camp about to tip off, here’s what to watch for as your favorite team prepares for the 2015-16 season. Some of these questions will be answered quickly; others could linger into the regular season. Either way, here are three things that will define the first month of this new season:

Will the defense improve as expected?

The offseason moves in Toronto were made with the specific goal of improving what was the league's 23rd ranked defense. DeMarre Carroll is expected to lead that effort after inking a four-year deal worth $60 million this summer, and the addition of Bismack Biyombo should help there, as well. But the team will need Jonas Valanciunas to improve there immenseley in order for the transformation to truly take place. 

Where will the bench scoring come from?

Lou Williams was seemingly the sole source of offense at times for the second unit last season, and after averaging 15.5 points in 25.2 minutes off the bench, he received the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award for his efforts. With Williams lost in free agency (by choice, because Toronto never made him an offer to stay), the team will now rely on newcomers Cory Joseph and Luis Scola to replace that level of production.

Can DeMar DeRozan return to All-Star form?

DeRozan was an All-Star in 2014, but after averaging a career-best 22.7 points per game, he took a slide last year, at least in part due to injuries. The Raptors will need the All-Star version of DeRozan to return in order to reach new heights, but the good news is that DeRozan is entering a contract year, and should be plenty motivated to bounce back in a huge way this season.