Raptors Discussion: v97 Raptor's 2024-2025 - Training camp begins Oct. 1

[DuklaNation]

This team needs a rebuild in the worst way. Masai and Bobby need to be fired before they lose key players in free agency for nothing. That is the worst case scenario currently but the risk is real.

This management team doesn't value offense in an offensive league. Figure that one out.

 

[Bjindaho]

This team needs a rebuild in the worst way. Masai and Bobby need to be fired before they lose key players in free agency for nothing. That is the worst case scenario currently but the risk is real.

This management team doesn't value offense in an offensive league. Figure that one out.

The Raptors have done a few things based on "offense" such as the Dick pick.

The current issues are things like: a certain player hasn't fully bought into the system, Trent takes too many shots with the starters on the floor (he should be shooting more with the reserves out there), McDaniels being a huge negative so far (it's only been 4 games, but he doesn't seem to be playing the system at all or working with it).

TO has 7 players who have contributed positively so far by WS (including one of the guys not playing the system consistently), 3 players who have had a roughly 0 impact WS-wise (Trent and Achiuwa are based on missing shots (and having to guard some of the best bigs in the game in Achiuwa's case) and Flynn's is based on having to guard guys who are faster than him), then McDaniels who hasn't found a fit yet.

 

[IceColdBear]

If Harden gets that return, we should be able to get a haul and a half for Siakam and OG when we're 25-30 at the deadline.

Or, maybe we'll trade next years first for a decent player and lose in the play-in again, that would be exciting.

 

[Bjindaho]

If Harden gets that return, we should be able to get a haul and a half for Siakam and OG when we're 25-30 at the deadline.

Or, maybe we'll trade next years first for a decent player and lose in the play-in again, that would be exciting.

If we could get a haul for Siakam, I would trade him today. He's still not fully buying in, which is problematic. I'm not sure I'd trade OG...

 

[IceColdBear]

If we could get a haul for Siakam, I would trade him today. He's still not fully buying in, which is problematic. I'm not sure I'd trade OG...

OG is great, but some team is going to back the brinx up to his agents house in free agency just like Fred.

He's got huge trade value, I'd rather trade him than sign him to a $40 million + deal that could hamstring us going forward.

 

[canucksfan]

The NBA isn’t a league where a team can squeak in and anything can happen. Pretty have to finish top four in the conference.

 

[Bjindaho]

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[DuklaNation]

The Raptors have done a few things based on "offense" such as the Dick pick.

The current issues are things like: a certain player hasn't fully bought into the system, Trent takes too many shots with the starters on the floor (he should be shooting more with the reserves out there), McDaniels being a huge negative so far (it's only been 4 games, but he doesn't seem to be playing the system at all or working with it).

TO has 7 players who have contributed positively so far by WS (including one of the guys not playing the system consistently), 3 players who have had a roughly 0 impact WS-wise (Trent and Achiuwa are based on missing shots (and having to guard some of the best bigs in the game in Achiuwa's case) and Flynn's is based on having to guard guys who are faster than him), then McDaniels who hasn't found a fit yet.

The stat you focus on is TS%. The best teams have above average true shooting %. This team does not. NBA changes rules to increase offense so it makes it even more damning that the offense struggles. There is no 3 level scorer on this team. How many can legitimately get a bucket in late game scenarios? Scottie maybe but only in the paint/high post maybe. Dick is an off ball/movement type shooter that thrives when there are two clear top scoring options on the team. He is also mediocre to below average defensively.

This roster needs to be rebuilt. Sixers will push for one of Siakam/OG in free agency, they have plenty of cap space. Book it.

 

[Bjindaho]

The stat you focus on is TS%. The best teams have above average true shooting %. This team does not. NBA changes rules to increase offense so it makes it even more damning that the offense struggles. There is no 3 level scorer on this team. How many can legitimately get a bucket in late game scenarios? Scottie maybe but only in the paint/high post maybe. Dick is an off ball/movement type shooter that thrives when there are two clear top scoring options on the team. He is also mediocre to below average defensively.

This roster needs to be rebuilt. Sixers will push for one of Siakam/OG in free agency, they have plenty of cap space. Book it.

You are confusing what we have with what management has done. We've drafted shooters (Flynn was considered a shooter, for example), but Nurse had no intention of letting them play through mistakes.

FWIW, our 3rd worst players last year in eFG% were Barnes, Van Vleet and Siakam, and they were 1, 2, and 3 in FGA.

The issue the last couple of years has been more about lack of development than anything. Management is acquiring raw talent, but it is never getting developed into NBA pieces (at least not for Toronto).

 

[DuklaNation]

You are confusing what we have with what management has done. We've drafted shooters (Flynn was considered a shooter, for example), but Nurse had no intention of letting them play through mistakes.

FWIW, our 3rd worst players last year in eFG% were Barnes, Van Vleet and Siakam, and they were 1, 2, and 3 in FGA.

Flynn is an on ball type guard, not off ball. I don't even know why they drafting his style of PG, its the opposite of what they look for usually. He needs a roll partner in a C which they don't have. Poeltl is limited.

Management has collected a group of players who can't score efficiently. That's what they have done. Against good teams, any scheming will struggle as they zone up. Only more failure will result in the necessary change. July 1, 2024 is going to be interesting.

 

[Bjindaho]

The stat you focus on is TS%. The best teams have above average true shooting %. This team does not. NBA changes rules to increase offense so it makes it even more damning that the offense struggles. There is no 3 level scorer on this team. How many can legitimately get a bucket in late game scenarios? Scottie maybe but only in the paint/high post maybe. Dick is an off ball/movement type shooter that thrives when there are two clear top scoring options on the team. He is also mediocre to below average defensively.

This roster needs to be rebuilt. Sixers will push for one of Siakam/OG in free agency, they have plenty of cap space. Book it.

BTW, the video above suggests that Philly might come calling for Siakam and/or OG during the season to compliment Embid and Maxey.

 

[Bjindaho]

What a quarter of kickassery!

 

[Bjindaho]

What a half! Scottie B is announcing his presence!

 

[Gary Nylund]

Missed the 1st half so I don't know WTF happened. I figured the Raps are nowhere near as bad as they looked the last few games but still, I was not expecting this! Love it!

 

[Bjindaho]

Some quality minutes from Malachi

 

[1specter]

Well, that was unexpected lol. Impressive win

 

[canucksfan]

I really like Schroder. He’s playing great and he’s entertaining to watch.

 

[1specter]

I really like Schroder. He’s playing great and he’s entertaining to watch.

At this point he's far better than FVV too.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Schroder is looking like an absolute steal of a pickup. Barnes looks to have taken a big step forward as well.

 

[Suntouchable13]

When I think I am out, they suck me back in. Milwaukee was probably sleeping on the Raptors, but that was still an impressive ass kicking.

 

[canucksfan]

When I think I am out, they suck me back in. Milwaukee was probably sleeping on the Raptors, but that was still an impressive ass kicking.

New coach and system so it will take some games to see how the team is.

I do like the starting five. The bench can't be shit.

 

[trellaine201]

Just want to say James Harden really comes off as a complete dick!

 

[Bjindaho]

Thoughts through 6

Siakam seems to be starting to buy in. He still has the worst TS of the starters. The Raps need him to get more cheap buckets (like everyone else)

The starters can go toe to toe with anyone.

Boucher is going to be valuable in this offense. He does so many things well.

Flynn's defense has taken a noticeable leap this year. He is absolutely busting his tail off in his own end. Between teammates actually knocking down open shots and getting more reps, I could see Flynn finally becoming a backup PG.

McDaniels finally started to show a pulse last night. Obviously it is a new team and scheme, so early struggles shouldn't have been unexpected.

Precious looked good in his first 3 games (keeping in mind that he was out there largely against 3 of the best bigs in the NBA)

Porter looked good the game he played (but slow). He's not 100% and will need to be phased in.

Temple can provide some vet minutes. He's essentially an extra coach most of the time, but he should be dependable if the Raps don't overplay him.

Dick has been inconsistent offensively offensively. His D has been better than advertised but he's still finding his way. Under Nurse, he'd already have been passed by Temple and Porter, but Darko is going to keep playing him to get him the reps and try and make things click.

Trent has been awful. He's 4th in FGA with the worst TS on the team. Nothing in his past suggests that this is more than a blip, but the Raps need him shooting less until he gets going.

 

[Bjindaho]

I dont want to talk too much about Nurse, but the situation he inherited in Philly is pretty much the best case scenario for him. He has two core pieces, contracts for matching, and vet bench pieces (similar to the Raptors in year 1). Without losing his best player, he should have this structure for a while.

The Raptors didn't build up that way and cannot rely on being that team. Maybe Scottie becomes an absolute stud, but the Raptors model is a development model (like San Antonio only without getting generational bigs with all their 1oa picks)

 

[CapspaceKiller]

Siakam, at this point, knows he's not getting the contract he wants. He's struggling with the new system and looks fatigued on back-to-backs. I don't think he's lasting the season in Toronto. Also, he's about to hit 30 and doesn't fit the timeline with Barnes.

Glad to see Barnes so confident in his 3pt shooting. Its night and day the way he looks when he's shooting it. He's a good one, they now need to find him a running mate. Preferably at PG to delegate the ball-handling duties. Dennis has been good, but he's a stop-gap.

This team needs to rebuild in the worst way.