New York Knicks: NBA Offseason Power Rankings
. Toronto Raptors. 5. team. 81. .
The defending Atlantic Division champions reclaim their spot and the No. 2 seed in the East. Don’t underestimate Jared Sullinger as a valuable addition at the 4-spot. He’ll add more toughness to the frontcourt alongside DeMarre Carroll.
Until Wall and Beal stay healthy as a tandem, Lowry and DeRozan hold the crown as the best backcourt duo in the conference. Now, with added role player to the bench, the Raptors can compete with their second unit on the floor.
The front office drafted a 7-foot center, Jakob Poeltl, who’s a rookie to watch in a pivotal backup role to Jonas Valanciunas, who logs an average 26.2 minutes per game for his career. Unless Sullinger shifts to the 5-spot with the second unit, the Utah product could play significant minutes in his first year.
The Raptors and Hawks will battle until late April for the No. 2 seed. Over the past few seasons, both teams have played well throughout the regular season. In the postseason, they’ll likely meet for a full seven-game series in the semifinals.