The Toronto Raptors are making defensive improvement a focus of this season, but do they have the ingredients on hand to put together a good NBA defense? In Episode 1719, Sean Woodley goes solo to take a look at the defensive building blocks the Raptors have on hand, the schemes they can run to optimize their strength and mitigate their weaknesses, and the role internal developement and ratcheted up effort will play in the Raptors' attempt to build a passable defense this season. Off the top, Sean dives into why Jakob Poeltl gives the Raptors a strong baseline for a competent defense, and how guys like Scottie Barnes and Davion Mitchell bring some much neede defensive talent to the table. Next, Sean digs into the statisical profiles of last year's Top-10 defensive teams to try and identify what makes a great defense. Apart from talent and size, having "A Thing" to hang your hat on seems to be a solid way to make your defensive metrics pop. Lastly, Sean takes a look at the role internal development for guys like Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley will play in the Raptors attempt to improve upon last year's 27th-ranked defense, and why buy-in and effort -- something Darko Rajakovic already has some history of getting out of his team -- are huge parts of the equation as well.

Join us over on the Locked On Raptors Discord server! https://discord.gg/x9uGJ2Hy

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud