Raptors lock down Mavericks, improve to 3-0 at Summer League | Raptors Republic
At 3-0, the Raptors now bypass needing to play on Wednesday, securing a top-eight seed and probably one of the highest seeds for the next round. They’ll play one of the teams than ranks 9-24 on Thursday, and if they win, they’ll continue on in single-elimination format (if they lose, they’ll play a meaningless game and be done). Through three games, they’ve allowed an estimated 73.1 points per-100 possessions with a 33.5-percent opponent field-goal percentage, which is pretty ludicrous, even for Vegas.
“So far, so good. Three wins, so hopefully we can win this thing, man,” Stackhouse said. “We had a really good showing last year and the guys were a little bit disappointed. And I think some of those guys brought that back. We have a player that we feel like can carry us in Norman Powell.”
An unknown opponent beckoned. The only thing that can stop the Raptors now might be the dreaded day off in Vegas tomorrow.
Recap: Raptors are 3-0 after downing the Mavericks 80-69 in Las Vegas | Raptors HQ
I don’t want to end this recap on a downer note but readers, we have to talk about Bruno. God love the guy, because I feel like this too is getting repetitive. Caboclo still plays tremendously indecisively whenever he has the ball in his hands on the move. When the ball swings to him in the corner, he’ll shoot (he went 2-of-6 from deep). But task him with most other decisions and you can see the wheels spinning and ultimately grinding to a halt. One play in particular, in which Bruno had a semi-breakaway, ended with a soft dunk attempt that saw Bruno get fouled (which is good) but the force on the attempt was severely lacking. Caboclo was invisible for three quarters before pouring in 10 of his 12 points in the fourth, but that’s about the only positive thing to be said about his night. (Ah, OK, I’ll relent: Bruno also had three steals.)
The Raptors are, of course, going to keep Bruno around. They are still only half way through the experiment and they do have the facilities and staff to focus entirely on his development. If the gamble doesn’t pay off, it won’t exactly be a huge disappointment. Yes, they could have taken a more immediately talented player, but that’s almost always the case in the NBA Draft. The Raptors took a gamble and it could still pay off to some degree, and if it doesn’t? Well, the team is still in a great position, having both well-developed young players and a solid team overall.
LVSL Game 3: Raptors 80, Mavericks 69 | Toronto Raptors
RAPTORS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Norman Powell scored a game-high 23 points on 7-for-15 field goals, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and 6-for-7 from the free throw line. Powell played 27 minutes while adding three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Powell showed an all-around game on Monday, playing both ends of the floor, while also dishing a gorgeous no-look pass to Jakob Poeltl for an easy dunk, as well as finding Bruno Caboclo on an alley oop late in the fourth. Media and broadcasters alike raved about the play of the second-year Raptor.
Views from Summer League: Notes on the weekend’s action, the Raptors and more | Raptors HQ
Jama Mahlalela is the exact type of coach you’d want for a Summer League atmosphere. He’s energy level is up, he’s an extremely upbeat guy, and he never lets up with the encouraging and concise bits of analysis. And this was just from a five minute conversation. It’s impossible not to like the guy.
Raptors agree to terms on multi-year contract with Fred VanVleet | Raptors Republic
For now, the Raptors identified a player they really like and felt should have went drafted, and they signed him. Where, exactly, he fits won’t be clear until training camp, but the important part – landing a player who looks like an NBA piece and securing him to a flexible, team-friendly deal – is one of the safer bets you can make here in Vegas.
Raptors take a chance with Jared Sullinger | Raptors Republic
2 years ago, it was Tyler Hansbrough. Last year, it was Bismack Biyombo. And this year, it’s Jared Sullinger. There’s a common and increasingly noticeable theme underlying all of those transactions – and it’s one we’ve come to grown accustomed to with Masai. Take the flyer, and hope for the best. And worst case, rely on somebody else. By “flyer” we obviously don’t mean the Vince Carter of the bunch, but rather the “might-as-well” chance that Ujiri so often takes. By giving small amounts of money (and over relatively short guaranteed periods) to players with obvious levels of talent or at one time, potential, Ujiri has made an art out of getting the most out of a roster. And usually, not always, it pays off (at least in the short-term).
Think about it this way – best case, Sullinger carves out a great niche in the Raptors roster, becomes a starting 4 and commands top dollar next year as a free-agent (i.e. the Bismack Biyombo situation). And worst case, it’s $6M committed for one year (less than 7% of your cap) to a guy that at least on paper seems to fill a noticeable void. Not bad.
Robb: Jared Sullinger Signing Provides Great Value, Little Risk For Raptors | CBS Boston
Plenty of opportunity should be awaiting Sullinger in Toronto as he attempts to prove to teams he’s worthy of a long-term commitment before hitting the open market again next summer. The Raptors lost a pair of big men in free agency (Bismack Biyombo, Luis Scola), so Sullinger will have a chance to fight for a starting job immediately. Toronto also drafted Utah center Jakob Poeltl with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft so those two should round out the team’s frontcourt rotation with Patrick Patterson and Jonas Valanciunas.
Sullinger, 24, was one of the best rebounders in the NBA last season, averaging 12.7 boards per 36 minutes and should combine with Valanciunas to provide one of the most potent duos on the glass in the NBA. Spacing may be an issue with those two playing together, given Sullinger’s lackluster range from the perimeter (27.6 percent from 3-point range) but the deal is a great value for Toronto overall with the under-market price and lack of risk on a one-year deal.
Toronto Raptors sign Jared Sullinger | Toronto Star
Whether Sullinger is a good fit with centre Jonas Valanciunas is an issue for coach Dwane Casey to deal with. While not a prototypical stretch four, Sullinger has developed consistent shooting range that would create space for others to operate in.
Injuries plagued Sullinger in his four seasons in Boston. He played 81 games a season ago but only 58 the year before and 45 in his rookie year.
Some of that was due to conditioning issues and a back problem that knocked him down more than a few spots in his draft year. Sullinger spent time last summer with noted coach John Lucas, whose specialty is coaxing the most out of under-achieving players.
“Jared’s one of the more talented guys being able to get the ball off the glass, and he’s got beautiful touch and he’s a good guy, and so I think he’ll do well,” Boston coach Brad Stevens said when the Celtics renounced their rights to Sullinger.
Jared Sullinger agrees to deal with Toronto Raptors | ESPN
Sullinger could potentially start alongside center Jonas Valanciunas in Toronto’s frontcourt next season.
The Raptors, who are coming off a franchise-best season in which they won 56 games and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, had been seeking to upgrade at the power forward spot for a while.
Toronto lost Bismack Biyombo to Orlando in free agency and did not possess significant salary-cap space after locking up cornerstone DeMar DeRozan to a five-year, $145 million deal.
Sullinger’s scoring and playing time both dropped last season. He averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists over 23.6 minutes per game. Boston’s crowded frontcourt and penchant for small ball lineups limited Sullinger’s playing time, but the decreased minutes suggested the Celtics did not have confidence in leaning on Sullinger, who endured a rough postseason against an athletic Hawks front line.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Sunday that he believed Sullinger would find another home quickly.
“I think Jared’s a really good player, and I think Jared will continue to be a really good player,” Stevens said.
Person of Interest: New Raptors forward Jared Sullinger | Sportsnet.ca
Low-risk, high upside
The contract Sullinger reportedly signed is very similar to the deal Ujiri inked Bismack Biyombo and Scola to last year in that if Sullinger pans out it’ll look like he’s overplaying it, and if not then it just ends up being an easy deal to swallow for the season.
Sullinger is a legitimately talented low-post scorer, capable of carving out space with his body and find angles that make him difficult to defend. His wide body also helps him fight for position and makes it easier for him to grab rebounds, despite being slightly undersized height-wise for his position.
Additionally, Sullinger has a bit of a face-up game where he can make use of a his decent midrange jumper and surprising quickness against defenders who may not be comfortable guarding a big outside of the paint.
Essentially, should Sullinger work out the way the Raptors hope, he will end up looking like a clear upgrade over Scola from last season with a little more offensive grit to his game.
Jared Sullinger Signs With Toronto Raptors | Harwood Houdini
This deal shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as Toronto was still searching for a big man to help replace Bismack Biyombo and Luis Scola. They did draft Jakob Poeltl, however adding a veteran like Sullinger was a solid move for the Raptors. Sullinger should provide the Raptors with better offensive production than Biyombo or Scola, although they will miss Biyombo’s defense still.
Sullinger is a proven veteran who should fit well next to center Jonas Valanciunas. The Raptors also got him on a good deal after giving DeMar DeRozan a max contract this offseason, and Sullinger will be able to hit the open market next season, as well. The Raptors likely had interest in Sullinger the entire time, but not wanting to overpay so the Celtics wouldn’t match their offer, probably was why they waited this long to offer him a deal.
Sullinger didn’t attract the type of money he was hoping for but getting a one-year “prove it” deal is the next best thing. The Ohio State product averaged 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Celtics last season, although with the addition of Al Horford, it made Sullinger expendable.
Celtics Free Agent Jared Sullinger Heads North To Toronto | Pro Bball Report
Sullinger does not provide the same rim protection as Biyombo, blocking the ball at about a third of Biyombo’s impressive rate, however, Sullinger grabbed steals at four times the rate Biyombo did and he uses that 270 lb body with great effect in the paint. Sullinger also has the hands and the jump shot that Biyombo is still hoping to develop some day, so opponents will no longer be able to play off of the Raptors backup big man when Toronto runs their offensive sets.
Like Biyombo, Sullinger’s minutes were slipping with the Celtics and it had become apparent he wouldn’t be back next season. He should be driven to show what he can do and used to sharing minutes with another big man which is important for chemistry as he’ll likely be backing up Jonas Valanciunas and Patrick Patterson.
Once again the ever patient Ujiri has found value for the Raptors.
Raptors stronger as Ujiri snares power forward | Raptors Rapture
The sudden arrival of power forward Jared Sullinger came about because the Boston Celtics found themselves out of money, or more correctly, cap space, as a result of their successful wooing of Al Horford. Big Al will cost Boston the approximate GDP of a developing nation over the next four years. General Manager Danny Ainge had no choice but to rescind his qualifying offer to Sullinger.
Who appears on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Sullinger was kicked to the curb? Why look everybody – it’s “Swoop” Ujiri, sweet contract in hand, and today we have a starter-grade power forward.
Last year, the target was Cory Joseph, who was suddenly tossed out of the nest in San Antonio because LaMarcus Aldridge really, really wants a ring.
As we indicated to you months ago, Rapture Nation, DeMar DeRozan will be the last signee of the summer. That way, we can go over the salary cap using our Bird rights on the DeRozan contract. In the meantime, “Swoop” has performed his magic.
Sullinger offers considerable skills to the Raptors. He has the heft to box out mobile rebounders like Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson and grab the ball himself. I’ll be watching for Sullinger to pin opponents’ bigs while DeRozan or Kyle Lowry are attacking the hoop.
Get ready, Toronto: Pascal Siakam is ready to be your new favourite player | Raptors HQ
Despite being one game into his pro career — and half of one at that, after a left knee sprain forced him to sit out — it was impossible not to notice Siakam loping up and down the court. In 15 minutes he finished with 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while chipping in two offensive rebounds and a steal. More importantly, Siakam, despite a truncated history of actually playing basketball, looked comfortable against the competition. He helped on defense, looked smart and decisive in his cutting, and as expected, was relentless in his energetic play. Pascal even asserted later that he can guard any position from the 2 to the 5. (And who are we to doubt him?) Mahlalela was quick to remind it was just one game while also being excited about Pascal’s future. “He’s rim-running, he’s playing up and down the floor, he’s got a ton to learn, but his character will carry him.”
Afterwards, Pascal was all smiles, even with the pall of injury hanging over his promising debut. “I think I did OK,” Siakam said. “I was just out there being the player I am, running the floor hard and trying to play as hard as I can.” It should be mentioned again here, the Raptors went on to win the game 88-47, tying a record for fewest points allowed in a Summer League game. Siakam’s assessment: “I think it was an OK day. Hopefully we come out next time and play better.” Yes, better.
In this summer’s NBA Draft, much was made of the Raptors possibly taking on two new rookies after playing most of the season with a roster that featured as many as five development projects. General manager Masai Ujiri joked that he thought the team’s coaches wouldn’t be happy having to take on even more young players. And while it’s clear that Norman Powell is a rotation player, Delon Wright is maybe a step away, and Lucas Nogueira has the talent (if not the consistency) to play at the NBA level, both Siakam and new big man Jakob Poeltl are destined for either light usage or the D-League. (It goes almost without saying that Bruno Caboclo will be back with the 905 this coming season as well.)
Canada Basketball Is Being Held Back by Commitment, Not Talent | VICE Sports
There is cause for disappointment, to be sure. A program that’s been building momentum since well before general manager Steve Nash’s 2005 Most Valuable Player award is still looking to take the most important jump.
“It’s obviously disappointing,” head coach Jay Triano said. “I have respect for the France team, they’re a very good team. There were about four possessions where they hit shots at the end of the shot clock and those seemed to be back-breakers for us, every time we tried to get it close.”
Some of the blame will, fairly or otherwise, be directed at Andrew Wiggins, the most notable name to decline to participate. Wiggins opted to focus on his NBA development, which is his right, while Nik Stauskas and Trey Lyles made similar decisions to participate in NBA Summer League with their teams. In his post-tournament presser, Joseph somewhat subtly disagreed with that approach.
“I keep Canada close to my heart. So whenever I get a chance, I take it as I’m being honoured to play for them,” he said. “Playing for Canada, we have a great coaching staff. So on the side from the games, I’m still working on my game, still getting better. And there’s no better competition that you’ll get in the world in the summertime than playing.”
Wiggins, Stauskas, and Lyles weren’t alone. Kevin Pangos was taking a shot at Summer League, too. Andrew Nicholson and Dwight Powell were free agents held up without official contracts due to the NBA’s free agent moratorium. Jamal Murray and Kyle Wiltjer fell in a similar spot as incoming NBA rookies. Kelly Olynyk and Dillon Brooks are injured.
That’s a long list. And while the program has continued to churn out an unprecedented amount of NBA-calibre talent, the Canadians were in tough, stripped of most of the country’s best players.
Canada Basketball: Commitment Will be Key for Future Success | Tip of the Tower
Don’t get me wrong either, long gone are the days when our top players such as Jamaal Magloire and Steve Nash hung up the maple leaf over politics as opposed to availability. Everyone that has been showing up to these camps for the last four years or so believes they have a chance to do well in these tournaments.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t say it has been frustrating to watch time and again Canada put together B teams, especially when they can’t afford to. I’m tired of writing about the efforts of those who are there, while in the back of my mind wondering what kept the very best roster from showing up?
It is especially frustrating to see, when I witness the commitment level of some of the older players such as Joel Anthony and Levan Kendall.
Anthony, for example, had to leave the euro tour leading up to this tournament for the birth of his child, but was right back with the team just a few days later. He ended up playing just nine minutes in Manila.
When you see that kind of commitment from bench guys, it simply leaves you somewhere between a place of indifference and frustration towards some of our very best.
NBA: Grading Every Team’s Free Agency Moves | Sir Charles in Charge
The big issue for me, though, is that the Raptors didn’t necessarily get any better this summer. They brought back the piece that they needed, but weren’t able to add any complimentary pieces thus far. That could hurt them next season, especially considering that nearly every playoff team from the Eastern Conference got better in free agency.
Tight with money, this isn’t really something the Raptors could’ve avoided. It’s kind of what they’ve been dealt. That’s OK.
Raps to host Argentinean team in preseason | TSN
The Toronto Raptors will take on San Lorenzo de Almagro in a preseason game this fall. The Argentinean champions are scheduled to travel to Toronto to face the Raptors October 14.
“The Toronto Raptors have a proud history of playing host to international clubs and our organization and fans look forward to welcoming San Lorenzo de Almagro to our city,” Raptors GM Masai Ujiri said in a release. “We are honoured to join with the NBA to promote our global game.”Led by former NBAer Walter Herrmann, the Buenos Aires based San Lorenzo de Almagro won their first LNB championship last year.
“We are thrilled to have San Lorenzo take part in our preseason schedule and continue the NBA’s tradition of hosting top tier clubs from around the world,” NBA Latin America Vice President and Managing Director Arnon de Mello said in a release. “We are certain that fans will be treated to an exciting matchup between two of the top teams in their respective leagues.”
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