Chuck Texas & PMOTT3's Early Off-Season Review -- Toronto Raptors

[Dukenukem23]

Fire Casey and replace him with a more competent coach.

Trade dd for a PF upgrade.

Sign or trade for sg/sf gunner off the bench that can rain threes.

Do this and it's an easy A++++

What would trading DeRozan accomplish? Sure, you might upgrade the PF position, but you would have a gaping hole in the backcourt.

You answered your own question, plus we would be fine at sg with Ross, cujo, wright,Powell,Carroll and Johnson all capable of playing the two

[Troubadour]

Fire Casey and replace him with a more competent coach.

Trade dd for a PF upgrade.

Sign or trade for sg/sf gunner off the bench that can rain threes.

Do this and it's an easy A++++

What would trading DeRozan accomplish? Sure, you might upgrade the PF position, but you would have a gaping hole in the backcourt.

You answered your own question, plus we would be fine at sg with Ross, cujo, wright,Powell,Carroll and Johnson all capable of playing the two

The drop-off from DeRozan to Ross is far more substantial than the drop-off from Johnson to Patterson.

[Dukenukem23]

What would trading DeRozan accomplish? Sure, you might upgrade the PF position, but you would have a gaping hole in the backcourt.

You answered your own question, plus we would be fine at sg with Ross, cujo, wright,Powell,Carroll and Johnson all capable of playing the two

The drop-off from DeRozan to Ross is far more substantial than the drop-off from Johnson to Patterson.

DeMar is a net negative by advanced stats, we won't miss him. Ross playing healthy and in position for once will make a decent 3&D sg.

Also we have rookies in Powell and wright that will provide better defense that Demar ever could.

I like the Lowry/ross/Carroll/patterson/val lineup very much, greatspacing.

If Ross isn't playing upto snuff we can easily move Carroll to the two guard and run a Lowry/Carroll/jj/pat/val lineup and I'd argue that alone is better than having Demar in the starting lineup.

Edit: I didn't even include our new pf acquisition from the Demar trade in the starting lineup. Lol. Shows how much he will be missed.

I don't know who's available at Pf and what the value should be but I'd look to make a 3 way trade with Houston getting Lawson, Denver getting derozan and Toronto getting jones + pick (or otger asset.

Lowry/ross/Carroll/jones/val > Lowry/Demar/Carroll/pat/val

[Troubadour]

You answered your own question, plus we would be fine at sg with Ross, cujo, wright,Powell,Carroll and Johnson all capable of playing the two

The drop-off from DeRozan to Ross is far more substantial than the drop-off from Johnson to Patterson.

DeMar is a net negative by advanced stats, we won't miss him. Ross playing healthy and in position for once will make a decent 3&D sg.

Also we have rookies in Powell and wright that will provide better defense that Demar ever could.

I like the Lowry/ross/Carroll/patterson/val lineup very much, greatspacing.

If Ross isn't playing upto snuff we can easily move Carroll to the two guard and run a Lowry/Carroll/jj/pat/val lineup and I'd argue that alone is better than having Demar in the starting lineup.

Edit: I didn't even include our new pf acquisition from the Demar trade in the starting lineup. Lol. Shows how much he will be missed.

If Ross wasn't coming off a major surgery and his worst season as a pro, you might have a point.

[Dukenukem23]

The drop-off from DeRozan to Ross is far more substantial than the drop-off from Johnson to Patterson.

DeMar is a net negative by advanced stats, we won't miss him. Ross playing healthy and in position for once will make a decent 3&D sg.

Also we have rookies in Powell and wright that will provide better defense that Demar ever could.

I like the Lowry/ross/Carroll/patterson/val lineup very much, greatspacing.

If Ross isn't playing upto snuff we can easily move Carroll to the two guard and run a Lowry/Carroll/jj/pat/val lineup and I'd argue that alone is better than having Demar in the starting lineup.

Edit: I didn't even include our new pf acquisition from the Demar trade in the starting lineup. Lol. Shows how much he will be missed.

If Ross wasn't coming off a major surgery and his worst season as a pro, you might have a point.

It was minor surgery, bine spurs removed from ankle.

[Troubadour]

DeMar is a net negative by advanced stats, we won't miss him. Ross playing healthy and in position for once will make a decent 3&D sg.

Also we have rookies in Powell and wright that will provide better defense that Demar ever could.

I like the Lowry/ross/Carroll/patterson/val lineup very much, greatspacing.

If Ross isn't playing upto snuff we can easily move Carroll to the two guard and run a Lowry/Carroll/jj/pat/val lineup and I'd argue that alone is better than having Demar in the starting lineup.

Edit: I didn't even include our new pf acquisition from the Demar trade in the starting lineup. Lol. Shows how much he will be missed.

If Ross wasn't coming off a major surgery and his worst season as a pro, you might have a point.

It was minor surgery, bine spurs removed from ankle.

Sure. Does that have any impact on his basketball IQ? How about his compete level? Until he proves he can do those basic things, it's not worth giving up DeRozan for 25 cents on the dollar just to start him.

[Dukenukem23]

If Ross wasn't coming off a major surgery and his worst season as a pro, you might have a point.

It was minor surgery, bine spurs removed from ankle.

Sure. Does that have any impact on his basketball IQ? How about his compete level? Until he proves he can do those basic things, it's not worth giving up DeRozan for 25 cents on the dollar just to start him.

I'd argue a player like Terrence jones is better than DeMar DeRozan. I don't think we would have to sell low like you are suggesting, lots of teams have a need at sg.

[dalton749]

It was minor surgery, bine spurs removed from ankle.

Sure. Does that have any impact on his basketball IQ? How about his compete level? Until he proves he can do those basic things, it's not worth giving up DeRozan for 25 cents on the dollar just to start him.

I'd argue a player like Terrence jones is better than DeMar DeRozan. I don't think we would have to sell low like you are suggesting, lots of teams have a need at sg.

That would be a really **** argument.
Al this crap about demar being a net negative is so short sighted. If it weren't for him being a negative, everyone else on the team would see a significant decrease because he is the focal point of every team they play againsts defence.

[Dukenukem23]

Sure. Does that have any impact on his basketball IQ? How about his compete level? Until he proves he can do those basic things, it's not worth giving up DeRozan for 25 cents on the dollar just to start him.

I'd argue a player like Terrence jones is better than DeMar DeRozan. I don't think we would have to sell low like you are suggesting, lots of teams have a need at sg.

That would be a really **** argument.
Al this crap about demar being a net negative is so short sighted. If it weren't for him being a negative, everyone else on the team would see a significant decrease because he is the focal point of every team they play againsts defence.

I think Lowry is more the focal point tbh. Teams know if you **** down Kyle you win the game. Happened all year and in the playoffs. The thing is Kyle can be both the focal point and efficient on offense.offense, Derozan can't say the same thing.

[Kabookalu]

The 3 biggest things that will make or break the Raptors season:

1. Can Lowry get back to his allstar form (basically the way he played from Jan 2014 to Dec 2014)?

2. Can they get back to being a top 10 defensive team?

3. Can someone pick up the slack defensively now that Amir is gone?

Let's not forget that Casey is a defensive coach. This is the first season that a GM has gone out & specifically targeted defensive players to get the most out of his defensive style.

People keep mentioning the loss of Lou, but this is the same team that had John Salmons taking Lou's spot on the roster the season prior. A season where they had a top 10 defense, won 48 games & had on of the best NBA records post Rudy Gay trade. They also came within one bucket of getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs, going 7 games.

The post Rudy Gay 2013-14 team was better than last years team & that was without Lou Williams.

I also expect JV to improve this season both defensively & offensively.

Valanciunas' growth will determine a whole lot this upcoming season. It's a severely overlooked part of the team and these previews. Less offensive perimeter players should mean more touches and plays through JV. Ball movement and shot distribution will be huge in shifting the offensive philosophy away from relentless ISOs. Lowry and DeRozan will both need to improve their shot selection for this to happen.

If Jonas can not be one of the worst passers in the league then I'm fine with making him the first option. Raptors fans see Casey treating Jonas poorly, but I see it as Casey mining the most out of Jonas' effectiveness before his lack of passing weighs down his game. We don't use him enough to the point that he's not turning the ball over like crazy every single game.

[Shabazz]

The 3 biggest things that will make or break the Raptors season:

1. Can Lowry get back to his allstar form (basically the way he played from Jan 2014 to Dec 2014)?

2. Can they get back to being a top 10 defensive team?

3. Can someone pick up the slack defensively now that Amir is gone?

Let's not forget that Casey is a defensive coach. This is the first season that a GM has gone out & specifically targeted defensive players to get the most out of his defensive style.

People keep mentioning the loss of Lou, but this is the same team that had John Salmons taking Lou's spot on the roster the season prior. A season where they had a top 10 defense, won 48 games & had on of the best NBA records post Rudy Gay trade. They also came within one bucket of getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs, going 7 games.

The post Rudy Gay 2013-14 team was better than last years team & that was without Lou Williams.

I also expect JV to improve this season both defensively & offensively.

Valanciunas' growth will determine a whole lot this upcoming season. It's a severely overlooked part of the team and these previews. Less offensive perimeter players should mean more touches and plays through JV. Ball movement and shot distribution will be huge in shifting the offensive philosophy away from relentless ISOs. Lowry and DeRozan will both need to improve their shot selection for this to happen.

If Jonas can not be one of the worst passers in the league then I'm fine with making him the first option. Raptors fans see Casey treating Jonas poorly, but I see it as Casey mining the most out of Jonas' effectiveness before his lack of passing weighs down his game. We don't use him enough to the point that he's not turning the ball over like crazy every single game.

Raptors don't need to run everything through JV, but he needs more touches. He's not yet equipped to be a first option because of his lack of passing, as you mentioned, but I'd like to see more of his offensive ability. One way would be more Lowry/DeRozan pick and rolls with JV with those possessions ending in Valanciunas making the final decision, whether it's a shot, pass, or even a turnover. With Patterson out in the perimeter, there's going to be a lot more room for JV to operate without as many digs from other defenders. I just don't want to see another season of constant ISO post-ups. It was surprisingly effective at times, but it's still an unimaginative offence.

[Kabookalu]

Valanciunas' growth will determine a whole lot this upcoming season. It's a severely overlooked part of the team and these previews. Less offensive perimeter players should mean more touches and plays through JV. Ball movement and shot distribution will be huge in shifting the offensive philosophy away from relentless ISOs. Lowry and DeRozan will both need to improve their shot selection for this to happen.

If Jonas can not be one of the worst passers in the league then I'm fine with making him the first option. Raptors fans see Casey treating Jonas poorly, but I see it as Casey mining the most out of Jonas' effectiveness before his lack of passing weighs down his game. We don't use him enough to the point that he's not turning the ball over like crazy every single game.

Raptors don't need to run everything through JV, but he needs more touches. He's not yet equipped to be a first option because of his lack of passing, as you mentioned, but I'd like to see more of his offensive ability. One way would be more Lowry/DeRozan pick and rolls with JV with those possessions ending in Valanciunas making the final decision, whether it's a shot, pass, or even a turnover. With Patterson out in the perimeter, there's going to be a lot more room for JV to operate without as many digs from other defenders. I just don't want to see another season of constant ISO post-ups. It was surprisingly effective at times, but it's still an unimaginative offence.

I believe that Valanciunas finished amongst near top of the league in post up attempts, if not at least the tier below. The reason it doesn't seem like he gets enough touches is because he absolutely refuses to shoot the ball from mid range. I made a comparison with other big men around the league and Jonas, despite having a good jumpshot, is closer to DeAndre Jordan and Andrew Bogut in mid range shot attempts than Marc Gasol, Nikola Vucevic, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, etc. I made that comparison mid way in the season so it's probably different now. He actually does get the ball a lot off of the pick and roll, though he always does this stupid pumpfake that no one bites on and tries driving to the rim.

Jack Sikma is currently working with Jonas and is helping him develop a more all around, back to where he was before he bulked up. Jonas has been a skinny kid his whole life. After he bulked up he thought he was Shaq all of a sudden and exclusively went with his back to the basket game. Sikma said something along the lines of Jonas being enamored with his new found strength and was eager to explore it. I'm hoping things change for next season to bring a balance with his overall game. And I hope that he drastically improves his passing out of the post. He improved towards the end of the season, so that was good to see.

[nykballa2k4]

C+ seems low.

They had one of the 2-3 best trades of the offseason, got their main target, and added some interesting bench pieces. I think it was one of the better below radar off seasons.

Amir Johnson had a very productive season last year and was a big reason for how well they did in addition to their watery competition. Just for examples, both Knicks and Sixers present summer league rosters are arguably better than their regular season ones.

Main targets are good, but both prospects appear to be 3rd string guys. I think they added a lot of support players, but they lost interior toughness. Biyombo should be a steal, but there is a reason he was had relatively easily and not retained.

[Shabazz]

If Jonas can not be one of the worst passers in the league then I'm fine with making him the first option. Raptors fans see Casey treating Jonas poorly, but I see it as Casey mining the most out of Jonas' effectiveness before his lack of passing weighs down his game. We don't use him enough to the point that he's not turning the ball over like crazy every single game.

Raptors don't need to run everything through JV, but he needs more touches. He's not yet equipped to be a first option because of his lack of passing, as you mentioned, but I'd like to see more of his offensive ability. One way would be more Lowry/DeRozan pick and rolls with JV with those possessions ending in Valanciunas making the final decision, whether it's a shot, pass, or even a turnover. With Patterson out in the perimeter, there's going to be a lot more room for JV to operate without as many digs from other defenders. I just don't want to see another season of constant ISO post-ups. It was surprisingly effective at times, but it's still an unimaginative offence.

I believe that Valanciunas finished amongst near top of the league in post up attempts, if not at least the tier below. The reason it doesn't seem like he gets enough touches is because he absolutely refuses to shoot the ball from mid range. I made a comparison with other big men around the league and Jonas, despite having a good jumpshot, is closer to DeAndre Jordan and Andrew Bogut in mid range shot attempts than Marc Gasol, Nikola Vucevic, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, etc. I made that comparison mid way in the season so it's probably different now. He actually does get the ball a lot off of the pick and roll, though he always does this stupid pumpfake that no one bites on and tries driving to the rim.

Jack Sikma is currently working with Jonas and is helping him develop a more all around, back to where he was before he bulked up. Jonas has been a skinny kid his whole life. After he bulked up he thought he was Shaq all of a sudden and exclusively went with his back to the basket game. Sikma said something along the lines of Jonas being enamored with his new found strength and was eager to explore it. I'm hoping things change for next season to bring a balance with his overall game. And I hope that he drastically improves his passing out of the post. He improved towards the end of the season, so that was good to see.

I'm not going to put JV's lack of shooting on him necessarily, even though there were times I was begging him to be more aggressive with his shot last season. If the coaching staff (and by extension, the team) wanted him to be more aggressive with his shot, you'd think that after the first 40-50 games of him being hesitant, that they'd flat out tell him to shoot the ball more. This lack of adjustment seems baffling, unless it speaks to a systemic directive (aka, Casey's restrictions; or Lou, GV, Derozan and Lowry wanting to prove they can each carry the team out of its downward spiral) - either way, we won't know for sure.

The fact is: JV is the most important player on the team. The Raptors' future success hinges on his development. He needs to know that if he misses a shot, or makes a tough pass that leads to a turnover, that he won't get yanked out of the game. I know it seems simple, but he needs to play through mistakes. I believe that Masai constructed this roster, acquiring defensively-oriented players, mostly to help JV on defence, which in turn will help his offence (staying out of foul trouble, not exhausting as much energy making up for others' mistakes while keeping his confidence high). Again: his growth is paramount. He may not close out many games, but his impact on the first 42 minutes of a game is just as important.