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Raptors Discussion: v96| Playoff Round 1 vs Philadelphia

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Man Bear Pig said:
Masai is pretty easily the most important person on the Raptors. It's insane that Rogers wanted him gone.
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I don't know the details but it didn't sound like they "wanted him gone", more like one person had the attitude that "he wants to be paid how much ... no way ... who does that guy think he is". But yeah, he's awesome and it's obviously huge that he's still here, I'm so happy. :)
 
Gary Nylund said:
If you want to make the case that Dubas hasn't drafted well, you should be telling us why it was a mistake to draft guys like Knies, Sandin, Robertson, Niemela etc., players drafted by other GM's have no relevance whatsoever to this subject.

This will be my only reply on the subject as well as this thread has been derailed enough. And just to be clear, you're the one who derailed it by mentioning Dubas.

In other news, the Knicks seem to be relevant again which is great news for the NBA! We are 7 point dogs tonight, hoping for a great game. Go Scottie! Go Raptors!
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In the interest of keeping on topic, I'll stick to why one is very different than the other. Masai appears to put a lot of emphasis on talent but also intangible qualities and physical attributes that cannot be taught. The Raptors culture and identity is that of a hard-nosed, defensive team. They play with intensity, physicality, grit, and toughness. When they're on, they're very hard to play against.. To fit this proven model of success, he targets high motor and hard working intense players with physical and mental toughness and that hate to lose. He understands that skill and offense are important, but defense and competitiveness are half the game, and something you can control 100% of the time. Offense goes cold and can sometimes run into tough matchups with certain opponents. Defense, depth and versatility are key to overcoming this both in the regular season and playoffs with the need to win 4/7 against often 4 different opponents with different personnel and different strengths/weaknesses.

If the Maple Leafs tried to build this same culture, structure, or employ this same draft strategy, I think many would have a lot more confidence in them.
 
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Off topic, but figured this would be the place for it, but anyone else completely turned off by espn’s new coverage? The jump was fine, and I get they needed to make a move with Rachel Nichols, but this new nba today show is just the view with a basketball skew.
 
Gary Nylund said:
If you want to make the case that Dubas hasn't drafted well, you should be telling us why it was a mistake to draft guys like Knies, Sandin, Robertson, Niemela etc., players drafted by other GM's have no relevance whatsoever to this subject.

This will be my only reply on the subject as well as this thread has been derailed enough. And just to be clear, you're the one who derailed it by mentioning Dubas.

In other news, the Knicks seem to be relevant again which is great news for the NBA! We are 7 point dogs tonight, hoping for a great game. Go Scottie! Go Raptors!
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Julius Randle was sorta turning into a meme after the Knicks missed out on KD and Kyrie and had to settle to resigning JR to a generous contract instead, perhaps he took that as motivation because he played like a star player last season with the Knicks.
 
Suntouchable13 said:
They are 5-3 without Siakam, hmm... Are they going to be even better when he returns? Or are they just better without him?
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They should be better with him.. you're adding another guy who can score but also defend multiple positions.

Edit: Curious what everyone thinks the starting line-up looks like with Siakam back?

Siakam
OG
Van Vleet
Barnes

Then you have Trent Jr. and Achiuwa; so does Achiuwa stay in because of the size and there's some rotation happening with Trent Jr. and the others listed above? It's not super easy since the Raptors are embracing 'positionless' Basketball
 
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If I am the Raps when Siakam and Barnes are back we utilize our bench which than becomes a strength. Resting players for the long season and not playing them crazy minutes.

Starting 5 - FVV, OG, Barnes, Birch, Siakam
Next 5 - Trent, Achiawa, Banting, Dragic, Micheylic
Fighting for minutes: Boucher, Watannabe, Flynn

The hope is that they can make a deal with Boucher and Dragic to someone for one useful player. We need Flynn to continue to develop. Another 3 and D wing would be nice. Does Dallas have anyone that fits that mold for those 2 players? Reggie Bullock?
 
1 Fred Flynn Banton
2 Trent JR Dragic
3 OG Barnes
4 Siakam Boucher
5 _______ Berch

We need another Gasol!
 
WeThreeKings said:
They should be better with him.. you're adding another guy who can score but also defend multiple positions.

Edit: Curious what everyone thinks the starting line-up looks like with Siakam back?

Siakam
OG
Van Vleet
Barnes

Then you have Trent Jr. and Achiuwa; so does Achiuwa stay in because of the size and there's some rotation happening with Trent Jr. and the others listed above? It's not super easy since the Raptors are embracing 'positionless' Basketball
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precious, has been benched 3 straight games in the second half. also with him and barnes in the starting lineup the spacing is pretty bad since neither can hit a dependable 3. birch isnt much better spacing wise but at least he boxes out and can do a PnR properly.
personally i see...

siakam
barnes
OG
FVV
trent/berch(depending on the opponent)

precious might need 905 time tbh if this continues, i trust banton as a center more than him atm lol.
 
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A1LeafNation said:
1 Fred Flynn Banton
2 Trent JR Dragic
3 OG Barnes
4 Siakam Boucher
5 _______ Berch

We need another Gasol!
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banton has clearly passed flynn on the depth chart, and i doubt they take barnes out of the starting 5 at this point, could be wrong though.
you also missed a guy who has put up 16 and 15 points and has provided us a real spark the last 2 games in svi, and you missed yuta too. dragic wont be played over them.
 
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A1LeafNation said:
1 Fred Flynn Banton
2 Trent JR Dragic
3 OG Barnes
4 Siakam Boucher
5 _______ Berch

We need another Gasol!
Click to expand...
re: center - I really like Jakob Poeltl who spurs fans are raving about. A 7'1, 250 glass clearing C with a good two-way game and work ethic is just what we need. He's been a bit of a revelation this year offensively but he's always been an underrated player. He would be such a perfect fit here with our need for a C and the defensive identity the Raps play with.
 
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