Raptors Report Cards: Tyler Hansbrough

With the Toronto Raptors’ 2014/15 season finishing sooner than predicted, it is time to start looking back at the team’s players, head coach and general manager. We at Raptors Rapture present our 2014/15 report cards. Stay tuned throughout the next two weeks as we analyze each piece of the current team.

Every year since his sophomore season, Tyler Hansbrough has become gradually less important to the team he is playing on. The 29-year-old still has plenty of fight left in him, but age has taken away some of his bounce, speed and overall athleticism. While he was used consistently this year in a well-defined role, his minutes were very limited. For a player who was one of the most exciting college basketball stars ever, Hansbrough’s continued trajectory is quite disappointing.

The power forward played in just 14.3 minutes per game during the regular season, averaging 3.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He was third on the power forward depth chart behind Amir Johnson and Patrick Patterson, which is too bad because of his chops as a rebounder. Though he hardly got the chance to get comfortable on the court, Hansbrough played with the same energy and fire that has defined his career in the NBA.

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Simply put, when he was on the court, Hansbrough outworked everyone, regardless of whether they were teammates or opponents. He played hard, scrapping for rebounds, bodying up on opposing bigs in the paint and driving to the hoop when he got the chance. His effort was admirable, though his skill often left something to be desired. Hansbrough isn’t a graceful player, but he was a useful asset as a high energy reserve this year. When the Raptors needed more toughness and intensity, Hansbrough would come in.

Though he didn’t do much in the way of improving, Hansbrough had a pretty solid season. He played unselfish basketball, looking to help his team score in anyway he could. Defensively, he was his usual aggressive self, earning a few too many fouls, but still making a net positive contribution by intimidating his opposition. Unfortunately, Hansbrough fell apart during the playoffs.

Physcho T started games one and two for the Raptors, and played in all four contests. But, he logged only 12 minutes per game, averaging 1.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Those ugly numbers help demonstrate how nothing was working for Hansbrough against the Washington Wizards. During the regular season, he shot 52% from the field, falling off all the way to 20% during the playoffs. His effort simply wasn’t good enough, and though he certainly wasn’t the reason the Raptors were trounced so easily, he failed to help his team in any measurable way.

If Hansbrough is kept around next season, he will need to be better in crucial games. He has it in him, having logged considerable playoff minutes during his time with the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, this year’s playoffs hurt his report card, which otherwise would have been pretty decent.

Raptors Report Cards: Tyler Hansbrough

By Kevin Nimmock | May 10, 2015

Defence: B

Offence: D+

Overall: C+

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