Morning Coffee – Tue, Jun 21

Raptors Player Review: Terrence Ross, everyone’s favourite enigma | Raptors HQ

And he found more success in this role. His 3PT% was up to 39%. His defence looked better for the most part, whether it be because of a smaller, more defined role or being able to play primarily against bench players, and it resulted in him having one of the best on-court defensive ratings on the team (behind only Joseph and tied with Patterson and Biyombo).
Part of that success is playing so much with the bench lineups that incorporated one of the team’s all-stars, which became a primary weapon for the team this season. His two most used lineups this season (by far) were the Lowry plus bench lineup and the DeMar plus bench lineup, which had net ratings of +16.4 and +13.7 respectively.
And those lineups were a big part of the reason for the Raptors’ success this year.
In the meantime, while Ross’ shooting percentage from three went up, and his defence was less disastrous, he produced less across the board in other measures. He had the lowest rebounding rate of his career, the lowest assist rate, and carried the lowest usage yet. Which is a long way of saying he didn’t really step into that Lou Williams role envisioned for him by the team.
But, all in all, Ross delivered the best all around season he has ever played, with career highs in WS/48, TS% (practically tied with his second season), and a career low turnover rate.
And then the playoffs hit.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Raptors to trade No. 9 pick at NBA Draft | Sportsnet.ca

Part of the reason the team is moving further away from trading the pick may be because it’s hard to imagine the No. 9 pick yielding a huge return, or the kind of player the Raptors could have envisioned on the floor vs. Cleveland or Miami during the playoffs.
Sure, the team could package the pick with a player or two on the current roster, but would that be worth it? For argument’s sake, let’s take a completely hypothetical deal with the Los Angeles Clippers for a reliable veteran shooter, J.J. Redick, who would certainly help the Raptors off the bench, or beside Kyle Lowry in a smallball lineup with DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll and Jonas Valanciunas.
Would you trade the ninth pick and Terrence Ross for Redick (who is in the final year of his contract next season) and change? Would the Clippers even say yes? Conversely, if the Raps were to go after a starting-quality power forward, the market for candidates who could fill that role would almost certainly dictate a higher asking price than the Raptors can pay in a trade.

NBA Draft Prospect Preview: Skal Labissiere, the Next Great NBA Wildcat? | Raptors HQ

‘d be okay with it. Although the Raptors already have a project in Bruno Caboclo and a quasi-project with Bebe Nogueira in the front court, Labissiere’s jump shot could be the swing factor in him eventually earning playing time over a Nogueira. If he filled out his body and made strides defensively, his ceiling could be a Serge Ibaka-lite that every Raptors blogger so covets for this franchise to acquire.

Raptors Should Bet on Potential and Draft Skal Labissiere | Tip of the Tower

RIght now, Labissiere’s biggest flaw is his rebounding. During the college season he only snagged 5.5 defensive boards per 40 minutes. That’s pretty bad for any big man as he tends to get pushed around underneath the basket when wrestling for position. It may seem bad on the surface, but Labissere only weighs 215 pounds at this point (the same as Klay Thompson), with added heft blended with his already superior athleticism he can mature into atleast an average rebounder for his position.
In an era that demands for uber versitile big men that can run in transition, finish around the rim, protect the rim, switch on screen and rolls and space the floor, Labissere projects to be the exact definition of that player. He can play small ball because of his speed and shooting but he can also play big because of his shot blocking and ability to switch.
The draft is all about finding the best talent possible, cornerstones to success. Labissiere has the second highest upside in the draft while already presenting skills that are near NBA ready at the power forward and center position.