The Toronto Raptors are banking on consistency and continued development from each of their players this season. While point guard Kyle Lowry and wing DeMar DeRozan led the way in the team’s return to the playoffs after five seasons, it could be big man Jonas Valanciunas who causes heads to turn this year.
Averaging 11.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and nearly a block per game in his sophomore season, the 22-year-old shot 53 percent from the floor. Valanciunas ranked 80th in Sports Illustrated’s Top 100 with the website noting that he was the only player under 24 to average more than 10 points and eight rebounds for a playoff team in 2014.
In between suiting up for Lithuania in the FIBA World Cup (where he averaged 14.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game on a tournament-high 69.9 percent shooting), he spent time in Los Angeles working out with Raptors teammates and coaching staff and Houston where he studied post moves from Hakeem Olajuwon. To help Valanciunas be lighter on his feet and conserve his energy while on the floor, he trained with Oregon Ducks strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe in Eugene.
Reporting to training camp with a bulked-up frame and full beard, Valanciunas looks completely different than the rookie big man who arrived in Toronto from Lithuania just two years ago.
Amir Johnson will join Valanciunas in the starting lineup again this year. Despite playing through pain for much of 2013-2014, Johnson still posted averages of 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting better than 59 percent from inside the 3-point arc. Recording a block per game, Johnson moved into second place on Toronto’s all-time blocks list with 421 rejections during his time with the Raptors. Chris Bosh holds the top spot with 600 blocked shots over his seven seasons with the team.
A 10-year vet, the 26-year-old Johnson’s biggest strength is knowing his game. Johnson understands what is needed from him to make his teammates better. He isn’t flashy, but undeniably effective. More often than not, Johnson will be in the right place at the right time to grab a much-needed offensive board, take a charge or get his hands on a loose ball. Where Johnson sometimes had to step out to guard athletic swingmen for Toronto, his job will be easier this season thanks to the addition of defensive ace James Johnson.
As is always the case with Johnson, the key is keeping him healthy. A true warrior of the hardwood when it comes to playing through pain, Johnson also trained with teammates in Los Angeles as well as worked out at Peak Performance Project — P3— in Santa Barbara this summer. The P3 specialists worked with him to analyze his running and jumping patterns to help lessen his chances of rolling an ankle upon landing.
Backing up Johnson will be recently re-signed Raptor Patrick Patterson. After coming to Toronto in December, Patterson quickly showed his worth. Posting averages of 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in 23 minutes per game, Patterson stretched the defence with his 41-percent shooting from beyond the arc. While that percentage is expected to go down over 82 games, having Patterson on the floor will continue to open space.
With so much attention paid to Patterson’s three-point shot, his decision-making sometimes went under the radar. Learning Dwane Casey’s offensive and defensive systems easily, Patterson fit seamlessly into Toronto’s game plan last season.
Rounding out things on the bench are Chuck Hayes, Tyler Hansbrough and Lucas Bebe Nogueira. Greg Stiemsma is hoping to turn a training camp invite into a roster spot. Hayes and Hansbrough bring veteran experience and toughness. The 31-year-old Hayes also serves as the elder statesman in the locker room. Nogueira is a rookie project and will spend much of his season learning the NBA game from the bench. Still, his seven-foot frame and long arms make him an intriguing prospect.
