What if... the Toronto Raptors had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Andrew D. Bernstein from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2217072-ranking-the-best-backcourts-in-the-nba-entering-2014-15-season/page/5

          First and foremost, congratulations to Kyle Lowry for being voted as an Eastern All-Star! He has done a great job carrying the load when Demar Derozan was out for a few games.The Raptors are right behind first place, Atlanta Hawks, in the Eastern Conference. Jonas Valanciunas has been putting steady numbers similar to last season. His defensive presence is what's impressive and a much needed asset for the Raptors team. They can make a lot of noise this year in the playoffs because they not just a jump shooting team anymore. All Star, Kyle Lowry, and Demar Derozan, can both penetrate the paint and make jumpers. We know teams live and die by the jumper. In the Raptors case, they are more versatile. They find ways to change their offense because their players are two dimensional. Led by their bench, Lou Williams, Patrick Patterson, and James Johnson, can fill the void for the starters if they are injured. A scoring punch right off the secondary unit, Lou Williams, has looked like he recovered from his injury. With the year he was with the Atlanta Hawks, he was struggling shooting and wasn't comfortable with the offense. Since the arrival in Toronto, he has rejuvenated his career and is a huge part of the offense for the Raptors. But we know the team starts and ends with Kyle Lowry. The Toronto Raptors are an all-around good team and great things are to come especially with general manager, Masai Ujiri.

          The Toronto Raptors have two players who can take over the game in the fourth quarter. Not only do they have a really good chance this year to advance in the playoffs, but the organization is starting to come together with a formidable team.With the Eastern Conference teams, there are really five solid teams who can make the Eastern Conference Finals this year. We have the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Raptors. There's a really great chance they might even make it to the NBA Finals if they put all their efforts together and believe they are the better team. It's an easier road to the Finals than the Western Conference, that's for sure. Why not dream big?

What if... the Portland Trailblazers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Jesse Johnson from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/05/trail-blazers-timberwolves-nicolas-batum-wesley-matthews/1811637/

          The Portland Trailblazers are on the verge of homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Separating them from the 8th seed is only five games. There is no room to slack off if they want to maintain their position as the 3rd seed of the West. With rising point guard, Damian Lillard, and team leader, Lamarcus Aldridge, their star duo are capable of bringing their city a championship. That is to say if Aldridge does not re-aggravate his thumb forcing him to have surgery. What's their resolution? Staying healthy just like last year. Between the starters for the Blazers, they have only accumulated 13 missed games total which was all from Lamarcus Aldridge. That is a remarkable number considering the number of minutes they play each game. This year, they have played numerous games without Robin Lopez, Nicolas Batum, and Lamarcus Aldridge. The chemistry will be a bit off because it won't be as consistent as last season. It's tough to past the first round like last year. Any team they face in the first round will be a worthy opponent whether it's the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, or last year's matchup, Houston Rockets.

          Chris Kaman has been a great addition who adds a post-up game and solid offense whenever Aldridge heads to the bench. The key to the Portland Trailblazers doing well in the playoffs are Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. Matthew's 3-point shooting is important when Lamarcus Aldridge is double-teamed and needs someone to kick out for an open jumper. We can't give Batum enough credit. He has to defend the elite wings like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Paul Millsap. Sometimes he has to guard the quicker guards like James Harden, Demar Derozan, and Monte Ellis. Nicolas Batum may not have plays called for him but he keeps the job done. It's great to have a player like Batum on your team because he's not a one-dimensional player. Let's hope the core of the Portland Trailblazers stay for many years to come.