Raptors 905 is all set for their first Eastern Conference final in franchise history. But they’ll do it without two of their top players – Axel Toupane and Walter ‘Edy’ Tavares – who were each signed to NBA contracts within the last week.

In fact, the 905 has been doing it all year, now they just have to do it when it matters most. Twenty different players have stepped on the court for them this season, so losing Toupane and Tavares is no big deal according to head coach and two-time NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse.  

“We’ve been [adjusting the roster] all year. As big a part as Edy and Axel were for us, you didn’t even really notice it the next day in practice,” he said.  

They haven’t just been managing with a revolving-door-like roster, but thriving. The Raptors’ D-League affiliate finished with the top record in the regular season at 39-11, – the second best in league history – sweeping the Canton Charge in the first round of the playoffs. They also had the best road record in league history at 21-4. Stackhouse says their success is built on the defensive end and by embracing constant change to the roster.

“It’s just a vibe of next guy, step up and it’s an opportunity for you now, for the guys that have been playing and probably didn’t have the minutes that they would have liked. Now, your minutes increase.”

Stackhouse says one way to combat roster turnover is by giving everyone specific roles. When players leave, others have to step up.

“As a former player, that’s what I appreciated most – coaches that assigned roles, gave guys roles for the team so they don’t have to come in and assume that it’s something that it’s not. So it may not be the role that you want, but this is the role that we need you to be and if you continue to progress with your development, then your role can expand,” he said.

Toupane, who scored 41 points in Game 1 against the Charge in the first round, was signed by the New Orleans Pelicans two days later. He scored a total of 11 points in 41 minutes over the final two games of the regular season.

Tavares was picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers on a multi-year deal earlier this week after they waived centre Larry Sanders. Tavares played a larger role in his debut Wednesday night, recording six points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.

“He’s a guy that can facilitate for [the Cavaliers] out of the post, he’s going to make the right passes and he has the ability to play one-on-one with guys and be effective,” Stackhouse said.

While Stackhouse acknowledges the 905 will miss Tavares, he’s confident they’ll step up against the Maine Red Claws in Game 1 Sunday evening.

“It’s all predicated on our defence. We defend, we share the ball, and we love playing together,” he said.  

Even if it’s just for a short time.