SPORTS

5 things to watch as Raptors tip-off new season

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, October 29, 2014 9:53AM EDT

Toronto Raptors Kyle Lowry, left, and DeMar DeRozan pose for photos at the team's media day at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Monday, September 29, 2014. (Darren Calabrese / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors are about to tip-off their 20th NBA season. Here are five things to watch:

The evolution of DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan is coming off a breakout season for Toronto, named to his first all-star team and then leading the Raptors through their playoff run. When he wasn't helping the U.S. to FIBA World Cup gold over the summer, he was working on improving his left hand skills -- he virtually did everything with his left hand, from eating to tying his shoes. He hopes it's another weapon in his vast arsenal.

The maturing of Terrence Ross: Ross solidified himself as a starter last season after the Rudy Gay trade with Sacramento, and went on to explode for 51 points one night, tying Vince Carter's single-game record. But the 23-year-old struggled mightily in the post-season. It remains to be seen if he's gained any confidence since last spring.

Valanciunas development: The seven-foot centre improved by leaps and bounds last season, leading the team in rebounding while shooting 53 per cent from the field. He shone for Lithuania at the World Cup, leading the tournament in field goal percentage, and spent part of the summer working with a sprint coach to improve his speed. Valanciunas needs work on his defence, a sore point with coach Dwane Casey in the pre-season.

Reinvigorted Lou Williams: The nine-year NBA veteran tore his ACL in January of 2013 and while he returned to play for the Atlanta Hawks last season, his game wasn't the same -- he lacked the speed and explosiveness that had been his trademark. Williams, acquired by Toronto last summer, has shown sparks in the pre-season of the clutch shooter that the Raptors think he can be. He could prove to be the team's key sixth man.

Brazilian connection: The Raptors were the big surprise of the NBA draft last spring, selecting unknown Brazilian teenager Bruno Caboclo with the No. 20 pick. GM Masai Ujiri then acquired Brazilian Lucas Nogueira in a trade. The centre was a first-round draft pick in 2013 but never played last season. While both are huge works in progress, they have shown glimpses in the pre-season of the talented players Ujiri is confident they'll become.