Toronto Raptors Power Rankings: Rating Every Player Near Season's Halfway Point
A 24-10 record near the midway point of the 2014-15 NBA regular season is just where the Toronto Raptors want to be.
They have a considerable 8.5 game lead in the Atlantic Division over the 16-19 Brooklyn Nets. The road to home-court advantage in the NBA playoffs for the second year in a row is looking mighty fine.
A cloud of doubt still hangs over the team as it pertains to how they've found their success, though. They're 16-2 against teams below the .500 mark, but just 8-8 against teams with winning records.
Until they can consistently show that they can hang with the NBA's big boys, they'll always be more of a pretender than a contender.
There's still plenty of time to win over the masses. With an MVP candidate in Kyle Lowry, All-Star DeMar DeRozan on the mend from a groin injury and a deep cast of supporting characters, there's a ton of reasons to remain optimistic.
The following player rankings will give you a greater understanding as to who the key cogs of the roster are and who needs to elevate their game in the months ahead.
No. 15 to No. 13
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15) Lucas "Bebe" Nogueira
2014-15 statistics: 5 games, 4.0 minutes, 1.2 points, 28.6 FG%, 2.0 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.4 turnovers, 6.1 PER
Lucas Nogueira has an awesome set of hair and a delightful sense of humor that makes him a loveable lad to be around. Other than that, no one really knows what he can bring to the table because he hasn't had the opportunity to play meaningful minutes.
Will he get the chance to this season? I wouldn't bet on it. Coach Dwane Casey has a wealth of frontcourt options at his disposal, all of whom have more of a claim to playing time than he does.
14) Greg Stiemsma
2014-15 statistics: 8 games, 5.4 minutes, 1.5 points, 83.3 FG%, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.1 steals, 0.5 turnovers, 12.2 PER
With no real size behind starting center Jonas Valanciunas, it's rather surprising to see 6'11" Greg Stiemsma be unable to carve out a role for himself in Casey's rotation.
He's not much of a scorer, but he can provide some decent rim protection if given a chance. It doesn't look like there's any end in sight, though.
13) Bruno Caboclo
2014-15 statistics: 3 games, 5.0 minutes, 2.7 points, 33.3 FG%, 0.7 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, 0.3 turnovers, 9.9 PER
Bruno Caboclo could very well be the most popular player on the roster who isn't named Kyle Lowry. Fans regularly pine for him in blowout situations, echoing his name throughout the Air Canada Centre as if he were a mega-hit teen heartthrob being asked to do an encore.
Not bad for a 19-year-old kid with 15 minutes of NBA experience to his name.
He had a short stint with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, averaging 4.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in three appearances. He'll likely be making another trip down in the coming months.
12) Chuck Hayes
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2014-15 statistics: 9.8 minutes, 2.1 points, 53.8 FG%, 1.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 0.4 turnovers, 10.1 PER
Ten-year veteran Chuck Hayes is like an emergency roadside kit: You don't always need it, but when things look dire and you've run out of ideas, you're glad it's there.
He's been called upon to guard larger 4's and 5's when his teammates get outmuscled in the paint. His high basketball IQ and hefty frame were a huge contributor to the Raptors defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in a 96-92 win on Nov. 19.
As Hayes told Eric Koreen of the National Post after the game:
"You just do your homework early. You prepare yourself. You just stay ready. Throughout the course of the game, I can see the rhythm that Marc and Zach are in. I can see where they’re getting their sweet shots. At this time of their careers, they get to their money spots. They don’t try nothing they [haven’t] worked on before. You notice it, you picture it and you try to take it away.
"
He doesn't play on a regular basis because his strengths are only useful in specific matchups. He's a liability against anyone who isn't a low-post scorer who sticks to playing right around the basket.
Hayes is the same height as backup point guard Greivis Vasquez (6'6"). He's not an ideal option for a backup 5, but you work with what you have.
11) Tyler Hansbrough
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2014-15 statistics: 13.6 minutes, 2.8 points, 43.9 FG%, 3.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, 0.2 turnovers, 10.1 PER
Tyler Hansbrough is as physical as they come; almost to the point of being reckless.
His 2.2 fouls are fifth on the team, yet he's only averaging 13.6 minutes (10th). He's an extremely motivated rebounder with a REB% of 30.0, but that's left him vulnerable to several over-the-back foul calls.
He'll make decisions based on his desire to complete a play or snag a board, rather than evaluate his surroundings and use sound judgment.
Hansbrough's inability to finish simple looks is also disheartening. He's only hitting 52.9 percent of his shots around the rim, per Basketball-Reference.com. It's becoming a running gag of how many times the ball rolls out when his attempts look easy from afar.
An all-bench lineup with Hansbrough at center has the Raptors' best defensive rating at 94.4, which is startling considering he's undersized for the position. He's not an elite defender, but he gets the job done when he's not picking up silly fouls.
10) Landry Fields
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2014-15 statistics: 14 games, 12.8 minutes, 3.0 points, 52.9 FG%, 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.6 turnovers, 12.3 PER
It's hard not to respect Landry Fields.
No one has had more negativity flung their way over the years than he has. From his egregious three-year, $20 million contract to his litany of injuries, it's been easy to find reasons to be disgruntled with him.
Yet through it all, Fields remains a consummate professional who keeps his mind and body ready for when duty calls.
Inserted into the starting lineup as a replacement for the injured DeRozan, Fields has provided Casey with strong defending at the wing while helping preserve the continuity of his second unit. He's being asked to do the little things that don't necessarily show up on a stat sheet, only looking for his offense on occasion.
He may not last the season with his expiring contract of $8.5 million. Potential trade partners looking to clear cap room may look to acquire his services. Even if he doesn't finish the year in a Raptors uniform, Fields is showing everyone that there may be something left in the tank after all.
9) Greivis Vasquez
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2014-15 statistics: 21.4 minutes, 9.4 points, 38.7 FG%, 31.7 3P%, 2.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.1 blocks, 1.4 turnovers, 12.7 PER
The dubious honor of being the most polarizing player on the Raptors this season goes to Greivis Vasquez.
He's everyone's best friend when he's nailing floaters and knocking down three-pointers in transition. When he's having a rough night at the office and can't buy a bucket, you want to reach through your television screen and shake him until he realizes that the ball needs to move to someone else.
Valiant efforts don't compensate for poor decision-making. Vasquez often tries to do too much on offense, forgetting that he can make a difference by being a facilitator instead.
All of his shooting percentages are career-lows, making his trigger-happy tendencies all the more alarming.
His size at point guard should give him some advantage on the defensive end, yet he's getting blown by far too often.
It could be just a bad year. There isn't a definitive explanation as to why things have gone downhill to the degree they have.
8) Terrence Ross
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2014-15 statistics: 28.7 minutes, 12.1 points, 42.9 FG%, 38.7 3P%, 3.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 turnovers, 12.4 PER
DeRozan's absence has forced Terrence Ross to shoulder more of the load, returning to his more natural shooting guard position in the process. He's averaged 13.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 36.4 percent from three-point range.
Those numbers hover around where he's at for the season, so it's not as if he's taking the bull by the horns and really flourishing.
Ross is still infatuated with throwing up daggers from long range, attempting 181 three-point shots to 183 two-pointers. It keeps the defense honest, but considering his athletic gifts, you wonder why he doesn't make more of an effort to attack off the dribble.
It could have something to do with his ball-handling, which is still a work in progress. He'll dribble himself into a circle, settling for contested jumpers because he can't figure out the defense.
It's still far too early to know if he's peaked. His numbers are steadily rising, but not at the rate you'd prefer.
Patience is a virtue. It needs to be in this case.
7) Amir Johnson
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2014-15 statistics: 26.4 minutes, 9.5 points, 57.8 FG%, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.3 turnovers, 15.7 PER
The seemingly indestructible Amir Johnson is now showing signs of wearing down. His problematic ankles are clearly holding him back, restricting his speed and ability to jump/attack the glass.
He still provides the Raptors with his trademark repertoire: Above-average defense, hustle on both ends and strong shooting numbers. By watching him compete, you can tell that it's taking more of an effort on his part to play through the pain, though.
Opponents shoot 44.7 percent when he's on the floor, which then rises to 47.7 percent when he sits, per NBA.com. His NBA Real Plus-Minus is 3.73, which is 22nd overall (per ESPN.com).
As Andrew Thompson of Raptors Republic points out, Johnson's ankles may be affecting an aspect of his game that's usually been a strong suit:
"Once a fantastic rotation help player and an underrated rim protector, Amir’s numbers guarding the basket have dipped hard this year. His rim protecting stats in opponent field goal percentage at the rim have fallen from a team best 47.9% a year ago to 51% now. There is no attributing that stat to positioning away from the rim or minutes played. Ankles perhaps, but the difference has hurt.
"
Sitting isn't an option. Casey needs him to play. No rest for the weary, I suppose.
6) Patrick Patterson
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2014-15 statistics: 26.2 minutes, 8.4 points, 48.8 FG%, 46.0 3P%, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.5 blocks, 0.6 turnovers, 15.7 PER
"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me."
That's a Batman quote from the 2008 DC Comics flick, The Dark Knight. While he doesn't wear a mask like the Caped Crusader does, Patrick "Patman" Patterson does share one character trait: He lets his actions dictate how people perceive him.
“His instincts are great, his basketball IQ and the way he anticipates what is about to happen,” Casey said of Patterson, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. “He doesn’t let it happen and then play; he does a great job of anticipating the play and reacting to it. He is one of our high IQ guys.”
Patterson is helping spread the floor like never before, hitting 46 percent of his three-point attempts (fifth). It's become such a reliable shot that you can excuse the fact that 54.5 percent of his points come from behind the arc, per NBA.com.
His IQ for the game has also influenced his defensive growth, something Casey is very appreciative of, per Smith.
"Patrick has been a godsend defensively, especially among our bigs. He has a great job of verticality, he's one of our best (pick and roll) show guys, he's one of our best rotation guys and he has (those) fast twitch instincts defensively."
5) James Johnson
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2014-15 statistics: 21.0 minutes, 8.0 points, 58.3 FG%, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 1.0 turnovers, 17.8 PER
This is the James Johnson fans wish they had back in 2011-12 during his first stint with the Raptors.
Attitude problems are a thing of the past. Clashes with coaches are ancient history. It's now all about the game, the team and making a difference where it matters most.
His physical brand of in-your-face basketball, with a touch of swagger and a hint of brashness, is what this team has lacked in years past. It's confidence without cockiness.
His versatility on offense has turned him into a duel threat; a nice touch for someone who built his reputation off of being able to defend multiple positions.
Johnson can put the ball on the floor, drive through coverage and go right at the rim as if no one is around. He may even possess the most well-rounded back-to-the-basket game on the roster.
Even the almighty Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons couldn't stop him from creating a highlight-reel jam. I would recommend moving out of the way next time.
He's good enough to start, but his role as a backup is that extra spark Ross needs to play at a high level. If he doesn't, there's someone ready to scoop up his minutes.
4) DeMar DeRozan
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2014-15 statistics: 16 games, 33.6 minutes, 19.4 points, 39.4 FG%, 25.0 3P%, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 2.0 turnovers, 16.6 PER
The 25-year-old swingman was expected to be back in uniform for a Jan. 8 meeting with the Charlotte Hornets at the Air Canada Centre. It now appears that his long-awaited return will be held off for a little while longer.
"DeRozan’s groin injury is fully healed & he’s been cleared but both he & the docs feel he needs to get conditioning back before he returns.
DeRozan says he wont play tomorrow vs Charlotte, wants to get a couple more practices in before he comes back. Could return Sat or next week.
"
The team has gone 11-7 without him since he got hurt against the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 28.
His numbers are on the decline across the board, although that could easily be attributed to him playing fewer minutes than last season (38.2 to 33.6). Being on the court less can't excuse poor shooting, though. His 39.4 field goal percentage is the lowest of his six-year career.
Even so, going this long without his 19.4 points should have hurt the Raptors' ability to score.
On the contrary. The team has the best offensive rating since Nov. 29 at 111.5. It's their defense which has taken the biggest blow with a third-worst defensive rating of 108.6 (down from 100.4, seventh).
If his return can aid in repairing a defense that's given up over 100 points in seven of the last eight games, then it can't come soon enough. It won't trigger a sizeable turnaround, but it will definitely help.
3) Jonas Valanciunas
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2014-15 statistics: 26.5 minutes, 12.5 points, 54.2 FG%, 79.2 FT%, 8.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.2 turnovers, 20.3 PER
Why isn't Valanciunas on the floor in crunch time? Why does the offense not work its way through him more often?
In a habit that may never be kicked, Casey continues to let opposing coaches dictate the lineups he uses. Valanciunas becomes disposable as soon as the other team goes small, leaving him sitting on the pine during important portions of games because he can't keep up.
He's still so far off where he needs to be as a defender. The Raptors are actually a more effective defensive squad when he's sitting, allowing 104.4 points per 100 possessions. That number reaches a baffling 111.8 points when he's playing.
His training sessions with Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon over the offseason have made a world of difference in his post game. There isn't anyone in the NBA he's not willing to take on one-on-one in those situations. He's agile and savvy enough facing away from the basket to evolve into something really special.
The problem of his fluctuating minutes isn't going away. It's a combination of his defensive lapses and Casey not knowing how to incorporate him into late-game plans.
2) Lou Williams
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2014-15 statistics: 24.0 minutes, 14.9 points, 41.1 FG%, 36.3 3P%, 1.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.1 blocks, 1.1 turnovers, 20.0 PER
NBA players check their closets and look under their beds before they go to sleep at night, hoping they won't find Lou Williams waiting to draw a foul.
He's a defender's worst nightmare; faking opposing guards out of their shoes with quick pumps as he leans in to create contact and head to the charity stripe.
Williams is third amongst qualified bench players in scoring with 14.9 points, per NBA.com. He's also the only one with any hardware this season, having won NBA Player of the Week for Nov. 17 to Nov. 23.
It looks like Casey has given him his full blessing to chuck up shots whenever he sees fit. It's good in doses, but Williams can get carried away at times. Heat checks have their limits.
The Raptors can't continually go to him with the clock winding down at the end of every quarter, whether it's drawn up that way or not. It's redundant and lacks creativity. He had a stretch during the first month where he couldn't miss, but that good fortune has fizzled out in a big way.
It comes with the territory, though. He's a scoring machine with ice flowing through his veins. He's also a big reason why the Raptors have the fifth-highest scoring bench with 40.1 points, per Hoopsstats.com.
1) Kyle Lowry
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2014-15 statistics: 34.5 minutes, 20.6 points, 44.9 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 4.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.2 blocks, 2.3 turnovers, 24.1 PER
If Kyle Lowry isn't voted in as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team, Casey says he'll have to lay the smackdown on any coaches who don't name him as a reserve, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca:
"I hope our fans get out and vote and don't put it in the hands of the coaches. And if the coaches don't do it I'm probably going to get into a physical fight with those guys.
"
The latest All-Star returns have Lowry fourth amongst backcourt candidates with 274,741 votes. He still has a ways to go before he catches Dwyane Wade and his 396,757 votes for second place, though.
Lowry was recently named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December, joining Chris Bosh as the only players in franchise history to receive the honor. He led the Raptors to an 11-4 record, averaging 22.3 points and 8.9 assists.
It's hard to imagine the Raptors not getting one player on the All-Star team. DeRozan's injury all but takes him out of the running. Even if he were healthy, Lowry's play has been so exceptional that he would have to be considered the favorite to snag a spot over his teammate.
He's sixth in the East in scoring, second in assists, eighth in steals, third in PER and sixth in usage rate, per ESPN.com.
Lowry is going to be named an All-Star, whether it be by a sudden surge in votes or the rationale of coaches who appreciate the kind of season he's having. His numbers, leadership and tenacity on the floor can't be ignored.
Casey can rest easy and roll his sleeves back down. He won't need to get violent.
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.
All statistics, unless otherwise noted, are courtesy of NBA.com/stats and Basketball-Reference.com
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