The Toronto Raptors seem to have no problem making the playoffs, but the problem is the second round is not the final destination.
Despite an active offseason which was considered successful, the Raptors still have a gaping hole at the power forward spot. This is something they might address as the season unfolds.
The Raptors are placing their security on the center spot with Jonas Valanciunas. Marc Stein of ESPN tweeted that negotiations for a four year, $ 60 million are underway.
However, the Raptors might have been sideswiped when Amir Johnson, last year's starter at power forward, crossed the border to the Boston Celtics. This was something they may have neglected and the rotation at the position is glaringly thin, Fansided, through AOL addressed:
"Patrick Patterson is his likely successor, but he tops out as a middling defender - mobile enough for Dwane Casey's aggressive pick-and-roll schemes, but invisible as a rebounder and rim protector. Jonas Valanciunas might make up some of the difference on the boards, but there's no question that Patterson is a downgrade from Johnson on that end. Let's not even get into the possibility that Luis Scola starts."
This may present a dilemma for the Raptors at the start of the season, but they do have options. Expect that Toronto will not panic on this and try to adjust their defense.
What could work in their favor is the "small ball trend" wherein guys like Patrick Patterson would be equipped to guard most of the smaller power forwards. However, as the season progresses, teams might throw different lineups at the Raptors to exploit their weakness in the paint.
Fansided explored Markieff Morris, saying he's "no rim protector and a poor rebounder, but he's a two-way player on one of the best value contracts in the league."
With possible question marks, they suggest looking at "the burgeoning Cody Zeller, Nene and Taj Gibson." One problem is that these are all from Eastern Conference rivals who might not be eager to plug the hole they want to take advantage of.