The Raptor Report: Growth

King Solomon

The Championship Growth

After the Toronto Raptors lost Kawhi Leonard & Danny Green they were ruled out from contention. Some analysts thought they would still be a non-threatening playoff team, and many didn’t even have them making the playoffs.

As we all know, the Raptors have proved themselves this year to be true contenders. This isn’t just a fan speaking out of emotion…here are the facts of growth (other then just the eye test).

All-Star Starter Pascal Siakam has improved in every statistical category with the biggest jump in his scoring, going from averaging 16.9 ppg during the championship season, and jumping up to 23.9 ppg. Pascal is being considered for Most Improved Player for the second year in a row.

There are many other Raptors who have taken the next step with their championship pedigree. You can see the growth in many of the Raptors and check out the graphic below to see four of the key contributors.

I hoped you noticed the massive bump in almost all statistical categories. The Raptors, before the season was put on pause, are in a better position then the previous championship year, during the regular season. In addition, they are also in the top 5 of ‘man games’ lost due to injury, which further adds to their success.

A Defensive Backbone

JJ Reddick, veteran shooting guard of the New Orleans Pelicans, was on his podcast talking about how the NBA has changed over the decades. JJ Redick explained what makes the Toronto Raptors special defensively, mentioning the intricacies of their defensive rotations.

“better than any team I’ve ever seen.”

JJ Reddick

He also said

Toronto Raptors do this better than any other team he’s ever seen.

JJ Reddick

The Toronto Raptors tenacious defense might be there greatest attribute as they have been preparing for another playoff run.

The NBA’s Optimistic Growth

Since 1947, there has always been an NBA Champion crowned at the end of the NBA Season. Whether the NBA returns in the summer or near the end of the year, there seems to be a growing optimism that there will be a 2019-2020 NBA Champion. There is a long way to go before any of this happens, but I am going to lean on the end of optimism. Maybe, that means the NBA will be played in front of no fans for a long time. However it unfolds, I am holding on to hope that it works out.

NBA has ’25-day plan’ to return to game action if season resumes
Plan includes 11-day series of individual workouts, 14-day training camp

The NBA may not know when — or if — play will resume this season, but the league reportedly has a plan to get players into game shape and onto the court should that day come.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Sunday, the league has a “25-day plan” that would kick in after the league sets a return date from the coronavirus-induced layoff and would conclude with players ready to play regular-season games again. Commissioner Adam Silver has previously said the league doesn’t plan to make any decisions regarding the calendar until at least May 1. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

If the NBA does resumes, they will have incentives to play at least 70 regular season games, as that will complete the TV contract deal, which generates a lot of money.

CHECK IT OUT:

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