Everything Demar Derozan

[ReubenJRD]

I would seriously entertain trading DeRozan along with Bargnani to net back a major piece in this never ending puzzle we call the Raptors. His value is probably pretty high right now & it could be that his learning curve is different from most basketball players (a little longer, sort of like a big man curve).

Usually, by the third year, you can gauge whether the player has all-star potential. In DeRozan's fourth year, he has proven to be the good secondary scoring option (who now has some semblance of play making ability). He has a long shot of being an all-star & that involves incremental improvement for another 3 years.

My problem with him is he allows just as many points as he scores to opposing 2 guards. He also needs a high usage % to get his numbers up. He also struggles against good perimeter defenders & he has not shown the ability to take over a game. Instead, he scores relatively well throughout the course of 3 quarters (steady scorer if you may).

If you trade him, we still have Landry Fields who does a lot of other things well (EXCEPT SCORING). But he can defend 3x better than DeRozan, he rebounds well, he's a smart player, cuts hard and he can somewhat pass the ball. You also have your #8 pick in Terrence Ross who I believe can be a good TWO way player in this league.

I'm still a firm believer that we need capable big men who can anchor your defense and be a threat offensively in order to be successful. It seems logical to me that in order to net a big like that (at least until Valanciunas develops -- which I give him another 2 years minimum), you have to give up a piece like DeRozan.

I would agree to this, especially if Ross can get consistent minutes and hopefully produce in a sixth man role (hasn't produced anything at all actually), and Fields can be the starting two guard that balances Gay (No volume shooting, off-ball cutter, defender, rebounder).

Just going to use Millsap as an example.

Starting Unit:

Lowry
Fields
Gay
Millsap
Valanciunas

Bench:

Telfair
Ross
Johnson

(Lineups without any other significant changes via trade/free agency).

[Nilanka]

Hahaha.... I was just about to type that! jokes

Haters say he's one-dimensional, hasn't improved??

Let's look at the numbers shall we.....Demar's averaging over 4 assists per game over the last 20 games. He averages over 4 rebounds per game on the season. How can you say he's one dimensional? How is that not hating??

Are you saying that DeRozan is know a legit threat as a passer and rebounder?

[Matt52]

Are you saying that DeRozan is know a legit threat as a passer and rebounder?

I don't think threat is fair but he has certainly become more of a contributor.

If he would just try to dunk everything I might actually lose the continual doubt.

[tucas]

Are you saying that DeRozan is know a legit threat as a passer and rebounder?

He's one of the top rebounding 2 guards in the league(top 8 I think). And interesting about his passing is its really his Ball IQ thats gone up. Look at all the games hes shot poorly in lately and look at the assist numbers. When his shot doesnt fall he creates for others. He's become more than a 1 dimensional player this season.

[Rapstor4Life]

On nights his shot isnt falling as much his play making is 6+asts a night So that is growth what did old DeMar do keep trying and killing the offense, but you know He WAS the entire offense last 2 seasons.

[Matt52]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/ranking-th...ooting-guards/

No love for DD in top SGs in the league:

Kobe
Harden
Wade
Manu
OJ
AI

[Rapstor4Life]

Andre Igudala is so overhyped... but whatever.

[Raptor_11]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/ranking-th...ooting-guards/

No love for DD in top SGs in the league:

Kobe
Harden
Wade
Manu
OJ
AI

Hard to put Demar in front of any of those guys. Maybe Mayo, but even he is more efficient than Demar

[Nilanka]

Hard to put Demar in front of any of those guys. Maybe Mayo, but even he is more efficient than Demar

I'd take Mayo over DeRozan without batting an eye. A more skilled player in general. Can get his shot off against anyone, is ridiculously quick, and has mid-range and 3-point range. My prototypical shooting guard.

[Chr1s1anL]

I'd take Mayo over DeRozan without batting an eye. A more skilled player in general. Can get his shot off against anyone, is ridiculously quick, and has mid-range and 3-point range. My prototypical shooting guard.

His undersized so his midrange is useless. Doesn't get to the line. His also a bad defender.

[Chr1s1anL]

It's funny that their college coach said that DD would be a better playing and Gay has said that DD is better as well.

[Nilanka]

His undersized so his midrange is useless. Doesn't get to the line. His also a bad defender.

You don't need size to have mid-range game.

[Chr1s1anL]

You don't need size to have mid-range game.

You do when you have regular two and bigs closing out on your shot. There a reason why it's a game to have.

[Nilanka]

You do when you have regular two and bigs closing out on your shot. There a reason why it's a game to have.

This implies that the only players who can score are those that have height advantages over their defenders. I don't believe that to be true.

A well-executed dribble move, use of screen, or back-cut is all it takes to create an open look from mid-range.

[Raptor_11]

This implies that the only players who can score are those that have height advantages over their defenders. I don't believe that to be true.

A well-executed dribble move, use of screen, or back-cut is all it takes to create an open look from mid-range.

Iverson!

[Chr1s1anL]

This implies that the only players who can score are those that have height advantages over their defenders. I don't believe that to be true.

A well-executed dribble move, use of screen, or back-cut is all it takes to create an open look from mid-range.

Midrange shots are easier to close out on. Having the height effect the shot being block/altered.

[OldSchool]

Midrange shots are easier to close out on. Having the height effect the shot being block/altered.

So many undersized players in NBA history (and even several shorties still active) have had a deadly midrange game. Is this even a discussion!?

confidence and basketball IQ > height

[ReubenJRD]

Height on the mid-ranged game is definitely an advantage, but you don't necessarily NEED height to be effective. I'm going to use Raptor_11's example. Allen Iverson.

[Chr1s1anL]

So many undersized players in NBA history (and even several shorties still active) have had a deadly midrange game. Is this even a discussion!?

confidence and basketball IQ > height

Name me some.

[Raptor_11]

Billups, Paul, Mayo, Ford, Iverson, Kyrie, Calderon (just off the top of my head) they are all dangerous from mid range, and take at least a few of them a game