Two Games In and What We Learned About The Raptors
By RaptorTalk: It’s two games in and we already know this new Raptor team will frustrate us to no end - just like the old Raptors. First they won an improbable game against LeBron and the Cavs, only to follow-up with a stinker loss to Memphis.
So what have we learned so far and how do we grade the Raptors?
So Jay, do you have any idea as to what you want me to do on the court?
Bosh: 'A' – Mr. Double/Double is still our franchise player. He can score and he can rebound. Defence still needs improving. His 16 boards against Cleveland were huge.
Bargnani: 'B+'– More confident and improved over last year. Defence and rebounding needs work. No doubt the kid is going to be good, even though he struggled against Memphis. When he got hot in the 3rd quarter versus the Griz, I have no idea why the Raps gave him zero touches in the 4th quarter. When he goes through droughts, the Raps still need to feed him the ball because he doesn’t just get hot – he’s on fire!
Calderon: 'C-' – Can we please have the real Jose Calderon back? I don’t like the imposter that’s playing now. This guy misses free throws, doesn’t drive, doesn’t put up any assists and turns the ball over. The only time I think the new Jose and old Jose may be the same person is when I watch him suck defensively. I'm not so sure he fits with this offence.
Turkoglu 'B' – Is a solid, clutch professional. Only problem is that right now Triano doesn’t have a clue as to how to integrate him into the offence. Until Jay figures it out, Hedo will waste away.
DeRozan: 'B" – Tries hard and competes. His athleticism pulls you out of your seat a couple of times a game. He’ll be a good one once he gets more NBA experience.
Jack 'B+' – Honestly, he’s miles better than Jose in defending his own man. Plus, the offence moves better with him in control. There seems to be more spacing and he’s not afraid to drive to the hole.
Nesterovic: 'B' – A solid pro who showed little in preseason, but who delivers solid minutes now that we’re playing for keeps.
Belinelli: 'B'– Wild, erratic and plays with an edge – but that’s all good. When he’s in the game good things happen, both offensively and defensively. Jay needs to get him more minutes.
Wright: 'B-"– Really gets after it defensively, but needs to understand that he’s the 5th option on offence. With Bosh, Bargnani, Hedo and Calderon on the floor, he should be immediately yanked from the game if he even thinks about taking a shot.
Evans: '?' – Sure could have used him against Memphis. Come back soon, big fella - we need you in the paint.
Johnson: 'D' – For someone who showed so much promise in preseason, he’s been a real Houdini – having completely disappeared. Where’s Pops Mensah-Bonsu when you need him.
Weems, Banks, Douby, O’Bryant: '?'– Other than 30 seconds for Banks, these are the early season DNP crew members.
Triano: 'C' – Clearly the Raptors forgot Jay’s new defensive philosophy between the Cavs and Griz games. Let’s hope they remember it for this upcoming week. Not sure what their identity is offensively. I’m not entirely sold on Jay and I’m not sure he’s the long term solution at the helm.
The Offence: 'A' - The old two man game with Calderon and Bosh is guaranteed to get CB4 a lot of points – but it won’t deliver a lot of W’s. To be successful, the Raptors need to move the ball and give touches to Bargnani and Turkoglu. Keep them involved on offence and it will help the Raptors avoid scoring droughts. Plus, they’ll get a better effort on the defensive side, too.
The Defence: 'C' - Looked so good against Cleveland and atrocious versus Memphis. Are we better defensively? Hard to tell.
Preseason: 'C' - Yup. To a degree, it does matter. While the home win was one of the best games in years, it was largely an adrenaline win. The loss against Memphis proved that many of the mistakes and problems from preseason still need work – lot’s of work.
Let's hope the Raptors come back home and look after business against Orlando and Detroit (who thumped the Grizzlies by 22 points). I think the Memphis game was an early embarassment and that they will want to make statements on Sunday or Wednesday, prior to hitting the road.
If they don't, then my colonoscopy on Thursday will be the highlight of my week which speaks for itself. So win a couple for me, guys! Please.
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