GAME THREAD: Will We Win against the wily WSH Wizards without Wall? (Lowry's back!)

Thought this was amusing:

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Beal didn’t necessarily have it easy in his first four preseason games, but he didn’t seem prepared for what the Raptors were throwing at him. He also was growing increasingly frustrated that no matter how closely he contested Jose Calderon, the veteran point guard kept making three-pointers over him.

“I was like, ‘What else can I do more?’ ” Beal said.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...ht-in-toronto/

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Nilanka wrote:

Thought this was amusing:



http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...ht-in-toronto/

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LOL

Welcome to the big leagues, Brad!

I am sure he will adjust soon enough. He is too talented.

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Soft Euro wrote:

Totally agree; but we don't want Bargnani to (just) be a spacing device.

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That's where I'm also trying to come from though, if Bargnani is effective, wouldn't the game be easier and better for guys like Derozan, Lowry, JV?

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Bendit wrote:

Regarding Battier/Fields, its still a bit early to make direct comparison imo, but I do see similarities in all round capabilities and the potential to be a glue guy (incl off court). Battier's top ability is his lock down defense (which was very imp. for the Heat championship) and Fields displays similar possibilities.

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Battier also contains great composure and poise, and that's something Fields has. Composure in terms of no fouls, and patience. Fields is a very good defender, but the one thing he needs to get to 'Battier' level, is his shooting.

Trying not to get to excited about JV but it's hard not to. Every time I see him I can't help but think he's not even close to his ceiling... barely scratching the surface of what he'll be doing in 2 years, let alone 5 or 6.

Very happy to see him try to force his offence a few times even though they were turnovers. He had the right idea but took too long to make it happen. Still, it demonstrates to me that the talent is there.

This is the most excited I've been about a Raptor player since Bosh debuted. Watching this roster for two years, I can barely remember what elite NBA talent looks like.

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slaw wrote:

Trying not to get to excited about JV but it's hard not to. Every time I see him I can't help but think he's not even close to his ceiling... barely scratching the surface of what he'll be doing in 2 years, let alone 5 or 6.

Very happy to see him try to force his offence a few times even though they were turnovers. He had the right idea but took too long to make it happen. Still, it demonstrates to me that the talent is there.

This is the most excited I've been about a Raptor player since Bosh debuted. Watching this roster for two years, I can barely remember what elite NBA talent looks like.

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+1

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RaptorReuben wrote:

Battier also contains great composure and poise, and that's something Fields has. Composure in terms of no fouls, and patience. Fields is a very good defender, but the one thing he needs to get to 'Battier' level, is his shooting.

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Word. +1

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RaptorReuben wrote:

That's where I'm also trying to come from though, if Bargnani is effective, wouldn't the game be easier and better for guys like Derozan, Lowry, JV?

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Probably, but I wonder what kind of chances an attacking Bargnani would give to DeRozan.

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Tesla wrote:

He probably could, and has.

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nah. Maybe the dunking part but not the pump fake. Vesely is a terrible shooter so no one would fall for his fake.

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Soft Euro wrote:

Probably, but I wonder what kind of chances an attacking Bargnani would give to DeRozan.

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Pretty good chances. I mean, if Derozan is playing well down low, shouldn't that allow Bargnani to be aggressive?

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RaptorReuben wrote:

That's where I'm also trying to come from though, if Bargnani is effective, wouldn't the game be easier and better for guys like Derozan, Lowry, JV?

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I think we are all in agreement here. I just think it's a little early to be tossing Bargs under the bus. Having AB and Lowry on the floor is going to open things up for DeMar. If Fields can find his shooting touch, or just keep making backdoor cuts like he did last night, there is going to be no one doing any double teaming against the Raps starting line-up, and with Bargs and Lowry able to be outside a fair bit the middle is going to be like the Double doors at Walmart. Other teams are going to have to start hiring "Greeters" to stand in the paint. Bargs shooting touch will come. And if his man comes out to guard him, then there are immediately three options available...drive by him for a lay-up, pass to Lowry for a three, drive or continuation pass to DeMar for a drive/dish to JV.

I am so thrilled by the possibilities this year. Going to enjoy the games like I haven't for four years.

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Puffer wrote:

I think we are all in agreement here. I just think it's a little early to be tossing Bargs under the bus. Having AB and Lowry on the floor is going to open things up for DeMar. If Fields can find his shooting touch, or just keep making backdoor cuts like he did last night, there is going to be no one doing any double teaming against the Raps starting line-up, and with Bargs and Lowry able to be outside a fair bit the middle is going to be like the Double doors at Walmart. Other teams are going to have to start hiring "Greeters" to stand in the paint. Bargs shooting touch will come. And if his man comes out to guard him, then there are immediately three options available...drive by him for a lay-up, pass to Lowry for a three, drive or continuation pass to DeMar for a drive/dish to JV.

I am so thrilled by the possibilities this year. Going to enjoy the games like I haven't for four years.

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I want us to make the playoffs soo bad. Just to see the reaction of guys like Barkley and Kenny Smith. Lmao it'll be hilarious

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RaptorReuben wrote:

Pretty good chances. I mean, if Derozan is playing well down low, shouldn't that allow Bargnani to be aggressive?

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That's the other way round. If Bargnani is aggressive I think DeRozan should be be moving a lot because he won't be helpfull by (e.g.) standing in the corner to spread the floor; they'll simply ignore him.