Raptors look to improve defence | Toronto Sun
“They had 56 points in the paint and we put them on the free throw 50 times,” Casey said. “That just tells me we are not down in a defensive stance with a defensive focus. But the most important thing is protecting our paint and we just got pushed around.” Casey realizes this is early in the process and he expects his team that returns almost intact from a year ago when it finished ninth overall in defensive efficiency will get back to what served it so well a year ago. But at the same time, he hasn’t seen it and that is concerning. “I’m looking more for the overall identity as far as protecting the paint and rebounding and we didn’t do all those things,” Casey said. “We didn’t play the style we need to play.”
Hungry DeRozan not satisfied with last season’s success | NBA.com
When Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri met with DeRozan after the World Cup, the first thing DeRozan wanted to talk about was his newfound respect for the challenges faced by bench players. “He treats them great anyway, but he said he has more respect and would treat them with more respect because of what they have to do night in and night out when they’re called upon,” Ujiri said Monday. “I thought that was great maturity on his part.” Perhaps the best part of the international experience was the chance to swap secrets and strategies with the cream of the NBA. DeRozan found plenty to talk about with Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving, comparing notes on how to get through traffic in the paint and finish at the rim.
DeMar DeRozan | The Evolution of Elite
“I just go out there and play” says DeRozan getting ready to face his fellow Team USA teammates DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay in a preseason game at Rogers Arena. “I’ve always been the type of guy that if I’m putting in the work, does everything I’m supposed to do. Work to be a great player like I’m supposed to, everything, all that will come into place and speak for itself, honestly.” Vasquez explains that DeRozan’s talents aren’t just what make him a special player. “He’s a very smart player, very smart guy that understands his situation right now” the second year Raptor says with conviction. “He’s realistic. (So) that’s why he’s our best player.” Humility comes easy for DeRozan, but don’t confuse that as a weakness, because as humble as the All-Star forward is, as Vasquez explained, DeMar is realistic about the titles that are placed upon him.
“We were all talking about getting JV with some sort of track coach where his footwork and his speed could be worked on,” explained Weltman. “I think they did want to make him more efficient and not just in his running but in general being on the balls of his feet, his balance against contact. It wasn’t just so [he] could run a faster 40-yard dash.” “Speed is the priority. High knees, form, technique, how to run, how to use less energy, how to turn with less steps,” Valanciunas said was the focus of his sessions with Radcliffe. “It is difficult. I still catch myself doing old habits but I’m working on it.” These subtle changes will pay dividends on both ends of the court. Improved speed and an efficient running style will help Valanciunas run the floor and establish deep position in the post before his opponents get set up.
WNBA Star Lindsey Harding Invited to Observe Raptors’ Training Camp | Raptors HQ
If Harding wants to be an NBA coach, she’s going about things the right way. She’s making connections, forging relationships, learning the ropes and bringing noticeable value. She’s an asset with a high basketball IQ and superb knowledge of the game. That’s all Casey sees and that’s all his players see. Slow and steady wins the race, though. Harding is well on her way.
Raptors Bruno Caboclo Is Not 2 Years Away From 2 Years Away | Pro Bball Report
Casey wants to bring Caboclo along slowly and there has been plenty of talk about sending him to the NBA D-League to get playing time once the season starts. However, Caboclo is showing signs of being sneaky good and President and General Manager, Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri truly believes that the best way to find out what you’ve got in a young player is to throw him into game action and see. Caboclo shouldn’t be expected to crack the rotation early in the season, but the kid Tolzman didn’t want to blow up in Brazil might be ready to play in the NBA on his own schedule and that could come a lot earlier than anyone anticipated.
