BTBP NBA Power Rankings: December Edition
By Adam McGee
Nov 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) celebrates with guard Kyle Lowry (7) after scoring against Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
5. Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors look like a team transformed compared to the group who were dumped out of the playoffs in four games by the Washington Wizards last season. They’re capable of going toe-to-toe with the best, as highlighted by wins over Cleveland, Indiana, Dallas, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Clippers already this season.
Kyle Lowry’s weight loss hasn’t reduced his effectiveness in the slightest, he looks every bit the All-Star point guard he was last year, yet now he comes much better equipped defensively. That stands true for the Raptors overall too. Buoyed by the additions of DeMarre Carroll and Bismack Biyombo, maybe this Raptors team is complete enough to make a greater impact this time around.
Next: 4. Indiana Pacers