I'm... feeling pretty optimistic about the Raptors. Like not championship optimistic, but #4 seed and second-round optimistic.
My reasoning is that with such low player turnover, they should pick up right where they left off last year with a top 5 defense, and that'll allow the coaching staff to focus on teaching offense this year. Last year they were below average in literally every type of play, and this year it'll be a matter of finding what works offensively for their personnel. Watching for changes in offensive playsets will be the #1 thing I'm watching for early this season.
Beyond the Raptors, I'm most interested in Denver and New Orleans out West, and Cleveland in the East, all teams that could take a big step this year but no guarantees (I'm a Cleveland skeptic, but they'll be worth watching).
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