Toronto Raptors won’t go down easily as they look to defend their crown

Second unit a major asset

Make no mistakes, this Raptors team is still very dangerous even without Leonard. The key to their success has been the cohesiveness and production of the bench. Head coach Nick Nurse has been creative managing his lineups, making it difficult for opposing coaches to counter.

The Raptors rotation is arguably the deepest in the NBA, as they boast one of the deepest second units in the league. The bench gives the Raptors a definite advantage and a unique situation that other teams wish they had to use to their advantage.

The Raptors have plenty of length and athleticism on their roster, giving Nurse the options to construct a custom made lineup to fit any scenario.

The starting lineup of Lowery, Gasol, Van Vleet, Anunoby, and Siakam averages a combined 78.4 points per game, while rotational players Norman Powell, Serge Ibaka, Terence Davis, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Boucher average 52.3 collectively.

Whenever the Raptors second unit enters the game, it’s like another starting 5 on the floor as they usually outplay the opponent’s second unit and can sustain leads while the starters rest up.

Nurse must be cautious about reducing his rotation come playoff time as other teams often do. This is a deep, talented, balanced, confident, and well-coached group that is capable of making back-to-back NBA Finals appearances.