Another win in an already successful off-season for the team, especially considering a 4-year max contract extension would have been in the $93m ballpark once the salary cap rises next season. (read more)
Even still, the present-day Valanciunas is still a rather useful player. He’s somewhat awkward and his game is inflexible, but he’s good at what he does. He was tremendously efficient while operating in the post and held opponents to a respectable 46.5 percent shooting at the rim last season. If that’s the baseline for his production, Valanciunas is off to a good start. (read more)
What about Ross’ Extension?
Is burning dollar bills a better use of money? (listen to pod)
After toiling in his development last season, Ross is not a popular figure within the Raptors’ fanbase. The idea that Ross might be retained for the long haul is not a pleasant thought. However, if Ujiri can manage to lock Ross into a reasonable figure, an extension might not be such a terrible idea. Ross’s price will never be lower. (read more)
Is Ujiri: Status quo or moving the needle?
But is the team better? After all, DeRozan, Lowry and Valanciunas struggled on defence last year, but they’ll still be getting the bulk of the minutes for the club at their respective positions. Patrick Patterson is expected to slide into the starting five to replace Johnson, but his defensive bona fides aren’t really anything to write home about, either. So is the idea here that Carroll starting, Joseph backing up the 1 and the 2, and Biyombo playing spot minutes is all going to amount to a defensive turnaround for the club? Are they meant to vault the Raptors from the basement back into the top ten, or just into the middle-of-the-pack defensively? (read more)
Another win in an already successful off-season for the team, especially considering a 4-year max contract extension would have been in the $93m ballpark once the salary cap rises next season. (read more)
