Re: Raptors are for real.
The biggest bonus for the raptors is that they are a great mixture of youth and vets. Everyone seems to have forgotten about Derozan in the last like 7 games (?) he’s been out. Derozan is No1 or No2 best player on this team, and with Toronto’s depth and heart, this team hasn’t missed a beat. When DD went down I was hoping for a minimum 500 ball until he got back and anything better would be gravy.
JV does need to get better at rebounding, but he won’t be replaced. The difference between him 2 yrs ago and this yr is massive; so big that I wouldn’t want someone to come in and take his minutes. I would upgrade Chuck Hayes tho. JV gets into foul trouble early sometimes and a center that’s solely there for rebounding could be good. But Chuck has the ability to stand his ground against BIG centers even tho he’s not tall (he’s just…well set).
Honestly, I don’t think this team needs improvements on the top 8. Derozan, Lowry, Amir, JV, and Ross are a very good starting 5. Greivis, Patterson, and Lou are a good next 3. Greivis and Lou can play a couple of positions which does help come foul/rest time. James Johnson brings some grit and hardnose defense to the team, and the additional surprise of his ridiculous slams. He goes up against anyone. It’s the Hansbourgh, Fields, and Stiemsma (maybe Lou even, he’s frustrated me this yr) are who you need to upgrade. Stiemsma goes out in the blowout games and that seems to be it, he’s unneeded really. Nogueira went out before him a few times.
But this team is a 1 series winning team, maybe 2 if they get lucky. But Chicago, and even the Cavs (just have the Raps number) are the 2 teams that’ll be the team to beat. If Toronto gets lucky, the standings will finish like they are now. Toronto vs Brooklyn, and Cavs vs Bulls. Toronto wouldn’t see the Cavs or Bulls till the semi-finals, and Toronto gets a big redemption series.
12 Team, H2H, Keep 6 (in Bold)
G, A, Pts, PPP, FW, SOG, Hits, Blocks
W, Saves, S%, GAA, Game Started
2C, 2LW, 2RW, 4D, 1Util, 2G, 5BN, 2IR, 1IR+, 1NA
C:
LW:
RW:
D:
Util:
G: