Mar 27, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, The Toronto Raptors have a team huddle before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 94-83. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
14. Toronto Raptors
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 44.3
As the first big drop of these power rankings, the Raptors bench seems to be in store for a drop off. They lost Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams. That in itself would cause a team’s bench production to drop.
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They also lost their dirty-work-guy in Amir Johnson, to the Boston Celtics. Despite these key losses, the Raptors attempted to remedy the issue.
They brought in Cory Joseph from the San Antonio Spurs but, as was stated earlier, it is dangerous to just assume a player will have success on another team. More often than not, some players seem to be a product of the elite Spurs system.
The biggest acquisition of all may be Luis Scola. Armed with his old man game and a veteran swagger, he could play a key role for the Raptors. He is 35 years old, but he is still talented. Just check out what he did to the Canadian National team just last week.
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Their bench is very dependent on if Terrence Ross takes that next step. It is now time for the young player to pick up his consistency and fulfill his potential. James Johnson is an adequate player off the bench, despite a general lack of an outside shooting touch.
Overall, the Raptors bench seems set for a drop-off. Like stated earlier, when you lose a vital sixth man like Lou Williams, it will be natural to fall off slightly. However, there is the potential there for the Raptors to regain their elite bench status. Only time will tell.
Next: Houston Rockets