Grading Toronto Raptors' Final 15-Man Roster
The final cuts have been made, and the 2014-15 iteration of the Toronto Raptors is ready to hit the hardwood for the start of the regular season.
Unlike previous years, this Raptor squad won't have to integrate a slew of new faces into the fold. That's music to the ears of DeMar DeRozan after having played through several roster overhauls dating back to his arrival in 2009, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star.
“It feels great, especially for me because I’m used to having 10 or 11 new players coming in every year."
Lou Williams, James Johnson, Greg Stiemsma, Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira join a returning cast of characters who won 48 games and an Atlantic Division title a year ago. They'll be tasked with being complementary pieces in an offense that will continue to run through both DeRozan and Kyle Lowry in the backcourt.
Even so, head coach Dwane Casey needs his new players—Williams and Johnson especially—to be factors coming off the bench in support of his regular starters, per Smith:
"We had such a good rhythm with the guys coming back but we need Lou and James in the mix. Incorporating them into our rotations, to get them into the rhythm offensively and defensively without messing up the guys coming back from last year, is going to be important for us.
"
Per John Schuhmann of NBA.com, the Raptors will be bringing back 10 players who played a total of 16,841 minutes together in 2013-14. That number is more than 84 percent of the total minutes played, ranking seventh-highest in the National Basketball Association.
The band is back together, folks. Expectations are through the roof, and optimism has never been higher.
With my trusty red pen and a gleam in my eye, I present to you letter grades for every position on the Raptors as we gear up for arguably the most anticipated season in franchise history.
Center
1 of 5
Starter: Jonas Valanciunas
2013-14 statistics: 28.2 minutes, 11.3 points, 53.1 FG%, 8.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.7 turnovers, 16.1 PER
Backup: Greg Stiemsma
2013-14 statistics (New Orleans): 18.3 minutes, 2.9 points, 57.4 FG%, 4.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.0 blocks, 0.8 turnovers, 9.7 PER
Backup: Chuck Hayes
2013-14 statistics: 12.8 minutes, 2.2 points, 42.9 FG%, 3.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.2 blocks, 0.6 turnovers, 9.6 PER
Backup: Lucas Nogueira
2013-14 statistics (Estudiantes): 16.6 minutes, 6.2 points, 70.3 FG%, 4.1 rebounds, 0.5 steals, 0.7 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.7 turnovers
The evolution of Jonas Valanciunas into one of the NBA's premier big men is upon us.
Having spent the summer improving his physique and working on his post game with NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, the 22-year-old is slowly adding to his repertoire and making himself a more dynamic player.
His defensive effort will continue to determine if Valanciunas can reach that next level, though.
Per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, the Raptors "were 3.2 points per 100 possessions better defensively when Valanciunas sat down last season — their defense improved in spite of their starting center." Opponents also had a higher offensive rating (106.2) when he suited up than when he hit the pine (103.3) as well.
Assistant coach Bill Bayno believes Valanciunas' progression in that area could the difference between the Raptors advancing in the postseason or going home early, per Eric Koreen of the National Post:
"One of the big focuses for us to advance in the playoffs is that he’s got to be the best rim protector—block shots, [legal] vertical [jumps] and being able to get over to that weak side early on any [dribble] penetration. At times he was great at it last year. ... But we want it every night, 82 games.
"
Stiemsma beat out both Jordan Hamilton and Will Cherry to earn the Raptors' final roster spot, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. Toronto's depth on the wing made both Hamilton and Cherry expendable.
While his minutes will be few and far between, Stiemsma can provide rim protection (2.8 blocks per 36 minutes for his career) and a big body under the hoop with six fouls at his disposal. Think Aaron Gray with more athleticism and defensive talent.
Ten-year veteran Chuck Hayes may get lost in the shuffle with Stiemsma on board. As an undersized 6'6" center, Hayes compensates by using his beast-like strength to lock down players in the post.
He'll play spot minutes should Valanciunas struggle in that department, although some of his minutes may end up going to Stiemsma too.
"Bebe" Nogueira, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks as part of the deal for Williams, will likely never see any action unless injuries decimate the frontcourt.
He does have one killer hairdo, though.
Grade: B-
Power Forward
2 of 5
Starter: Amir Johnson
2013-14 statistics: 28.8 minutes, 10.4 points, 56.2 FG%, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 1.6 turnovers, 15.4 PER
Backup: Patrick Patterson
2013-14 statistics: 23.3 minutes, 9.1 points, 47.7 FG%, 41.1 3P%, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.0 turnovers, 16.2 PER
Backup: Tyler Hansbrough
2013-14 statistics: 15.3 minutes, 4.9 points, 47.4 FG%, 4.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.3 blocks, 0.7 turnovers, 14.2 PER
The "Man of Steel" moniker is usually reserved for those with X-ray vision, a fancy red cape and a weakness to Kryptonite. Perhaps that title should be bestowed upon Amir Johnson after playing through the kind of pain that makes this writer believe he's actually made out of steel.
He played hurt for a majority of the season with battered ankles that had seen better days. You would have never guessed that by watching him compete and laying it all on the line, though. It was quite the sight and very inspiring.
Johnson isn't a traditional back-to-the-basket power forward who works his mojo down low with post moves, running hooks and up-and-unders. He's gritty and always finds a way to be in the right spot at the right time. His game-winning bucket against the Boston Celtics in March is a prime example of that.
Will his seemingly indestructible body finally break down? It's kind of crazy to think that he only missed five games. It could all catch up with him sooner than you think.
Should unfortunate circumstances lead to Johnson needing time to heal, Patrick "2Pat" Patterson can pick up the scraps and fill in rather smoothly.
Just like Johnson, Patterson isn't a prototypical 4. He's not a strong rebounder because he prefers to stay away from the basket, but it's not as if he struggles shooting with range.
On the contrary, that's just where he's most comfortable. There are other players on the team who thrive on the dirty work that Patterson won't normally do, and that's okay.
The #Psycho3 experiment during the preseason was awfully fun. Now whether Casey will give Hansbrough the go-ahead to hoist up long-range bombs when games matter remains to be seen.
At the very least, a three-point shot is something the North Carolina alumnus wants to continue upgrading so that he can offer more to the team, per Eric Koreen of the National Post:
"Looking around the league, teams are getting more and more value out of the three-point shot, especially from the [power forward]. If I want to add value to this team, a corner three would be something that I can develop and improve and help my team when I’m out on the court.
"
There's a nice assemblage of talent filling up the power forward slots on the Raptors. Each player brings something different to the table, which gives Casey options.
Grade: B
Small Forward
3 of 5
Starter: Terrence Ross
2013-14 statistics: 26.7 minutes, 10.9 points, 42.3 FG%, 39.5 3P%, 3.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 turnovers, 12.0 PER
Backup: James Johnson
2013-14 statistics (Memphis): 18.4 minutes, 7.4 points, 46.4 FG%, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 1.3 turnovers, 18.5 PER
Backup: Landry Fields
2013-14 statistics: 10.7 minutes, 2.3 points, 40.3 FG%, 2.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.1 blocks, 0.4 turnovers, 8.6 PER
Backup: Bruno Caboclo
2014-15 preseason statistics: 13.7 minutes, 4.2 points, 40.0 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 0.2 blocks, 1.0 turnovers
Along with Valanciunas, third-year swingman Terrence Ross may be on the brink of breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling.
His 51-point game against the Los Angeles Clippers back in January showcased just how explosive an offensive weapon Ross could be. He still has a ways to go in terms of being a reliable scoring option as his numbers fluctuate at a discouraging rate.
Training with DeRozan over the summer showed Ross the work that goes into being an All-Star and staying on top of your game, even when there aren't games to be played. It was hopefully an eye-opening experience that could wind up being the kick in the butt Ross needs.
Johnson, playing his second stint with the franchise after wearing Raptor red in 2011-12, will be breathing down Ross' neck for more minutes should his young teammate fail to deliver the goods.
Being able to guard multiple positions with a tenacity and edge that never wears off is why general manager Masai Ujiri brought him back. You assign him to Joe Johnson in the NBA playoffs, and maybe the Raptors are the ones packing their bags for South Beach instead of Brooklyn.
Landry Fields is running on borrowed time. With his hand and wrist showing little improvement, the harsh reality of possibly calling it a career early has crossed his mind, although that would be a last resort on his end.
"One of the scariest moments this summer [was thinking about] life after basketball. That’s in no way, shape or form me throwing in the towel right now. It’s just natural. It just popped in my mind. In 21 years of playing basketball, this has never crossed my mind—that life could be without [basketball]. But I’m not going there, yet. There’s still a lot of work to do this year and I’m going to exhaust every possible option for this [team].
"
We'll hear our fair share of "BRUNO!" chants during the course of the season, but that won't be enough to get the already mega-popular Brazilian off the bench.
The coaching staff can build up their 19-year-old prospect slowly and gradually. They can have him learn through watching his teammates during games and competing against them during practices. He may see the floor during garbage time, but never during critical junctures.
Grade: C+
Shooting Guard
4 of 5
Starter: DeMar DeRozan
2013-14 statistics: 38.2 minutes, 22.7 points, 42.9 FG%, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks, 2.2 turnovers, 18.4 PER
Backup: Louis Williams
2013-14 statistics (Atlanta): 24.1 minutes, 10.4 points, 40.0 FG%, 2.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.1 blocks, 1.5 turnovers, 14.2 PER
As the first All-Star the team has had since the Chris Bosh era, DeRozan puts himself in a category that only a select few who have played north of the border find themselves in.
While some might look at playing for the Raptors as a detriment due to lack of exposure, DeRozan knows better than anyone that the aforementioned mindset is nothing but rubbish, per Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star:
"I’m just trying to be an example where, when I finish playing, I’ve done everything that people say you couldn’t do if you play for the Raptors. Everything from being an all-star, to winning a gold medal, to hopefully other thing, winning, playoffs, everything else, so that at the end of the day you can’t have an excuse. I did it here, so why can’t the next person?
"
Having former teammate Rudy Gay get shipped away to Sacramento put the spotlight firmly on DeRozan and made him the star of the show. He averaged over 20 points for the first time in his career and got recognized by coaches in the Eastern Conference for his accomplishments in a post-Gay world.
During the preseason, DeRozan demonstrated improved handling and better decision-making when he put the ball on the floor. His three-point shooting and defense will be next on his agenda.
With his work ethic, though, those flaws will be pinpointed and scrutinized until he turns them into strengths. That's the kind of player he's become.
Williams has extra incentive to perform at a high level after a miserable year in Atlanta, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star:
"The worst year of my career, without a doubt, was this past season. Just playing inconsistent minutes, I had career lows in every category, it was just difficult to try to get my legs back under me after taking 10 months off. That’s 10 months off of not touching a basketball.
"
Williams was referring to an ACL injury that put him on the shelf for the better part of the 2012-13 season. Not being able to carve out a niche with the Hawks after making his return in 2013-14 made a change of scenery all the more necessary.
With it being a contract year (even more incentive), the Raptors will hope that Williams becomes a huge asset for a bench that only averaged 26.1 points a night (27th in NBA, per HoopsStats.com).
He'll be rejuvenated in Toronto and return to being a scoring machine like the one he was in Philadelphia for seven seasons, averaging 18.7 points in a reserve role. It's obviously going to be hard to duplicate that kind of production, but anything close to it will be more than welcome.
Grade: A
Point Guard
5 of 5
Starter: Kyle Lowry
2013-14 statistics: 36.2 minutes, 17.9 points, 42.3 FG%, 38.0 3P%, 4.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.2 blocks, 2.5 turnovers, 20.1 PER
Backup: Greivis Vasquez
2013-14 statistics: 21.5 minutes, 9.5 points, 41.7 FG%, 38.9 3P% 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 1.7 turnovers, 14.2 PER
With visions of Paul Pierce and the Brooklyn Nets still dancing in his head and a new four-year, $48 million deal to ease his pain, Lowry should be incredibly motivated to erase the memory of Toronto's Game 7 loss to their division rivals and create new ones that last a lifetime.
It would be easy for him to take his foot off the gas after getting paid a hefty sum in a contract year. But Lowry understands how important it is for him to continue leading by example and being the spark plug that ignites his team on the floor, per Jonathan Abrams of Grantland:
"You always ask for a team to be your team, right? Every single night, that team and your teammates are like, All right, you know you need to bring it for everybody else. And if you don’t bring it, they ain’t bringing it. So when you’re the leader, you’ve got to [be] mentally focused every night.
"
Re-signing with the Raptors after having the option to head elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent shows his commitment to the team and how important it is for him to be a focal point of what they're trying to do.
Lowry put up career highs in points, rebounds and assists while salvaging a reputation that was on the brink of being forever tarnished. He was tough as nails when he competed, even finishing second in the NBA in charges drawn with 31, per Hoops Manifesto.
That's an outstanding number, especially when you take into account that Lowry is only 6'0" and 205 pounds.
Playing behind him for the second unit will be Greivis Vasquez, a combo guard who Casey loves pairing with Lowry in late-game lineups.
According to 82games.com, a lineup featuring both Lowry and Vasquez together had the second-highest plus-minus rating (+27) behind that of the starters.
A price tag of $13 million over two years is steep for someone coming off the bench, yet the peace of mind Vasquez can provide as an insurance policy for Lowry makes it all worth it.
He's a tremendous facilitator with consistent range from behind the arc should he be asked to put points up on the board. Vasquez also has a swagger to his game and a confidence in his demeanor that radiates on a nightly basis, just like Lowry.
Grade: A-
Christopher Walder is considered by many to be the "songbird of his generation" and the greatest center to have never played professional, collegiate, high school, house league or pickup basketball. His work has been published on Bleacher Report, SB Nation, Sports Illustrated, FanSided and several other online outlets. You may follow him on Twitter at @WalderSports.
Unless noted otherwise, all statistics are courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com or ESPN.com.
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