Toronto Raptors: 5 Realistic Expectations For 2014-15 Season

The Toronto Raptors have had the chance to mold DeMar DeRozan over the past five years. Each year, DeRozan has shown steady improvement and even earned an All-Star selection with an average of 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and four assists per game last season. With experience under his belt, look for DeRozan to lead the Raptors to heights the franchise has never seen.

The official ambassador of the Toronto Raptors has already made headlines and the season hasn’t even started yet. Early this summer, Drake got in trouble for trying to persuade Kevin Durant to come to Toronto for his upcoming free agency. Antics like this are sure to continue, especially with a celebrity like Drake at the helm of the franchise's interactions.

The Toronto Raptors are projected to win around 49 games this year. With the power in the East shifted considerably from last year, the Raptors are well in the arena of finishing third in the conference. If the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers live up to the hype, third place will most likely be between Washington Wizards and the Raptors.

The Raptors might as well claim the Atlantic Division now. With only one team that had a record over .500 in the division (Brooklyn Nets), the Raptors will dominate the lesser opponents like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. They will have a clear path to a top seed in the East.

The Eastern Conference is a very different place than it was a year ago. The Toronto Raptors look very much the same from a year ago and retaining their core players will pay off in the playoffs. The Raptors could very easily play for a chance to go the NBA Finals if players like DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry can deliver. Last season’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets will be used to propel this Raptors to greater heights.