Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan is capable of playing like a superstar. The Raptors need him to exercise that capability during the postseason.
Last season, DeRozan’s 44.6 field goal percentage, 23.5 points and 8.8 free throw attempts per 36 dropped to 39.4 percent, 20.2 points and 5.9 free throw attempts in the postseason. If Toronto is to have more success than we saw in their uninspiring Eastern Conference Finals exit last season, that can’t happen again.
DeRozan isn’t a great defender, passer, rebounder or shooter. His value is almost entirely concentrated in scoring, and if his scoring drops, then the Raptors aren’t getting enough production in the 35.5 minutes he plays per game.
During the playoffs, DeRozan has to be the same player he is during the regular season — the All-Star who puts up a 24.1 PER on 34.4 percent usage. If his production falls again, the Raptors can kiss their Finals dreams goodbye.