New team new lineups

Terrence Ross out, Sullinger was never really in and the team has 2.5 new players added into the team's rotation.

This is the best Toronto Raptors team of all time believe it or not and we should give Masai a huge round of applause for his moves.

I really hope that PJ Tucker is a consistent piece in the rotation but I fear that he will take minutes away from Powell. Powell should be the team's six man in a Manu Ginobli role as the bench's primary ball handler. The Lowry + bench should be revamped:

KL, NP, PJ, PP, Bebe

This lineup is much better defensively than the previous iteration, the question mark is whether or not this team will be as explosive offensively without Ross.

I just want to say that I don't have much love for Carroll, which is why he won't be in Lineups, Tucker is much better defensively, and they shoot close to the same on threes, Carroll at 35.4% and Tucker at 33.8% iirc. I think that he should replace Carroll in the starting lineup as well.

KL, DD, PJ, SI, JV

Cory is a net negative with Derozan, and I don't want him playing next to Lowry, so I have no idea when he should play if at all considering that Powell is a better player in every category.

Derozan's best lineup was Patterson in the starting lineup, Ibaka should be able replicate if not surpass the effectiveness of those lineups. So I had the thought of just playing both of them together with Demar:

CJ, DD, DC, PP, SI

This lineup has good spacing and should negate the backcourt's inability to shoot while allowing them to drive like mad men. I think that this lineup should close out the second half.

My mouth is honestly watering as a result of this team's defensive versatility. There are only 2 players who are defensive liabilities, JV and Derozan, Cory and Carroll have been disappointing on D as well. If JV getting torched on defense, they we can send Noguiera, Patterson, or Ibaka. Demar sucks on defense and if his shot isn't falling we can send out Powell, PJ, or even Delon.

The elephant in the room I suppose is how well can this team matchup with the Cavs, particularly when they go small, and it's surprisingly very well.

Keep in mind that Lowry can be a great defender.

Cavs starting lineup (when healthy)

Kyrie, JR, LeBron, Love, TT

KL, DD, PJ, SI, JV

Demar being a poor defender actually benefits the team as JR actually shoots worse on open shots than he does on contested shots and with Demar guarding him he is sure to get a lot of open shots.

Cavs Small ball lineup

Kyrie, Jr, (athletic filler, Shumpert or Richard Jefferson) LeBron, Love/Frye

U can put Lowry, Cory, Powell, on back court, and Tucker Carroll or Patterson on the forwards, with Ibaka matching the center.

I like how this team can go small, not just to match the opposing teams when they go small, we can be active as opposed to reactive. Ibaka at the 5 and Patterson at the 4 can be a real weapon for the team. I think that the team should close games by going small.

KL, DD, NP/DC , PP, SI