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TORONTO -- DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto Raptors showed last spring that they have what it takes to win in the NBA playoffs.Now all the Raptors need to do is figure out a way past LeBron James.Nothing to it, right?Back in May, the deepest postseason run in Raptors history ended with a six-game loss to James and the eventual champion Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Between Cleveland and Miami, James has represented the East in six straight NBA Finals.All-Star guard DeRozan, who signed a $139 million, five-year deal to remain a Raptor, believes having a healthy DeMarre Carroll will be big help in trying to control James.Knee surgery in January derailed Carrolls first year with the Raptors, limiting him to 26 games. He returned in April and appeared in every playoff game, despite not being completely recovered. After Toronto was eliminated, Carroll took a month off to let swelling subside. With the new season set to start, hes finally back at full strength.It was tough for us last year to figure out ways to play without him, DeRozan said. Even when he came back he wasnt his full self and we still managed to make history. To have him back at the start of the season fully healthy is going to give us everything weve been searching for.Toronto wont have to wait long to see how it measures up against James and the Cavs -- the teams meet twice in the first 10 games, then dont face off again until the final night of the regular season next April.DeRozan said theres no shortage of motivation when it comes to trying to close the gap on Cleveland as a new season starts with every team on level termsIts the motivation of knowing what it felt like being two games away from having an opportunity to compete for a championship, DeRozan said. Were at the bottom of the hill now. Weve got to work our way up and take on every challenge that were going to face.Here are some other things to know about the Raptors this season.LAST CHANCE WITH LOWRY?Like DeRozan did this year, All-Star guard Kyle Lowry is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract next summer, joining a potentially star-studded group of free agents. Until then, however, Lowry isnt interested in talking about his future. Im really focused on helping my team be the best team they can be, getting to the point where we can take the next step, he said.THE NEW GUYTorontos only newcomer with NBA experience, Jared Sullinger, left Boston to a sign a one-year deal with the Raptors. Hes expected to start in the front court alongside Jonas Valanciunas. Coach Dwane Casey envisions Sullinger as a rebounding asset who can also spread the floor and connect from long range. I trust his 3-point shooting, Casey said. We want him to take it, we encourage him to take it.TWO MORE YEARSTwo years after being drafted, Brazilian prospect Bruno Caboclo isnt close to making regular contributions to the Raptors. Caboclo spent the bulk of last season with Torontos D-League team, averaging 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in 37 games. Famously described by commentator Fran Franschilla as being two years away from being two years away when he was drafted in 2014, Caboclo figures to be back in the D-League this season, honing his game with help from new coach Jerry Stackhouse.PASSPORT CONTROLWith a roster that already featured two Brazilians (Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira), a Lithuanian (Valanciunas), and a Canadian (Cory Joseph), the Raptors added more international assets on draft night. Torontos two first round picks were seven-foot center Jakob Poeltl, the first Austrian in NBA history, and forward Pascal Siakam, one of three NBA players from Cameroon.CALMER TIMESLast season was a whirlwind for the Raptors. Besides their deep playoff run, they launched a D-League team, moved into a new practice facility, travelled to London for a January game against Orlando, and hosted the All-Star game for the first time in February. Incredible year, it was go, go, go, go, go, said Masai Ujiri, the teams president. You name it, we did it. Its tough on our players and everybody. Having a little less on the agenda this season could be a blessing for Toronto.Custom NHL Jerseys . Now tied for second in the league in shootout goals, the 24-year-old likes to see what the opposing goaltender has in store before he ultimately lands on a move. Wholesale NHL Jerseys .J. -- Seven games into a disappointing season, New York Giants defensive catalyst Jason Pierre-Paul is getting the feeling hes back. https://www.chinanhljerseys.us/ . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. Fake NHL Jerseys . Traditional contenders Brazil, Greece and Turkey drew the other three spots to complete the 24-team field for this summers tournament in Spain, basketball governing body FIBA announced Saturday at its meeting in Barcelona. Wholesale NHL Jerseys China . "We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defence. Having two big pieces back is going to be a key for us moving forward for years to come," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen.HOUSTON -- Houston Texans coach Bill OBrien confirmed Friday that star defensive end J.J. Watt will miss the rest of the season after back surgery.The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year had surgery Thursday, a day after he was placed on injured reserve.On Friday, OBrien answered a simple yes when asked if Watt would miss the rest of the season.The 27-year-old Watt has started 83 straight games since he was drafted in the first round in 2011.The four-time Proo Bowler has been a force since entering the league not only because of his pass-rushing prowess, but also because of his uncanny ability to swat down passes.dddddddddddd He has 45 passes defended in his six-year career. He has forced 15 fumbles and recovered 13.---Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and Twitter www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '