Despite a horrendous 22-60 record, there were some positives during the now wrapped Raptors season.
The progress of DeMar DeRozan is at the top of that list.
DeRozan took a massive step forward, starting all 82 games and raising his rebounds, steal, assist and block numbers while doubling his scoring average from 8.6 per game to 17.2 in 13.2 more minutes per night.
DeRozan said not making the all-rookie team last season put a huge "chip on my shoulder."
"It seemed I was under the rader (I) wanted to show I can play," he said.
"He got two times better from his rookie year to second year," added fellow bright spot Ed Davis, who turned in a fine rookie campaign.
Reggie Evans believes the next step for DeRozan is adjusting to being the main threat and adjusting to the constant double-teams that come with that status.
"(DeRozan) made himself one of the hottest players in the game and needs to be ready for more attention," Evans said.
The Compton native seems ready for it and said he will spend his summer adding much-needed range to his jumper, working on his ball-handling and adding strength.
Head coach Jay Triano says strength will be a key both on defence and at the offensive end in terms of finishing strong.
The coach lauded DeRozan for finishing third in sophomore scoring after he was 14th among rookies in 2009/10.
