Three thoughts on the Toronto Raptors’ first Summer League game

By Kevin Nimmock | Jul 11, 2015

The Toronto Raptors have officially logged one Summer League game in Las Vegas, earning a big 90-68 win over the Sacramento Kings. The team was dominant in the victory, but of course, Summer League isn’t really about winning or losing. It is about giving rookies and fringe players the chance to show what they can do. So, what can we learn from the Raptors’ opening game?

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1. Is Bruno Caboclo officially a 3-and-D wing?

After being drafted in 2014 with the 20th pick, it was unclear what kind of player Bruno Caboclo was going to be. All that the basketball world knew was that he was a hyper-athletic, physically gifted prospect. At the end of his first season, there were many stories written about how much work he put in to develop on his raw potential.

After a single Summer League game, it seems apparent that Caboclo has been transformed by the Raptors’ coaching staff into some sort of a 3-and-D wing. He looked far more sharp defensively than he did in his appearances last summer, understanding when to rotate and when to help. He far was more confident and more willing to be physical against opposing players.

As for Caboclo’s offence, he shot the ball extremely well from deep, nailing 3-5 long-ball attempts. If he can figure out how to slash to the hoop more consistently, he will be a space spreading threat. His mechanics did look consistent, though a little wonky, but if it works, who cares?

2. Welcome to Raptors 905 Norman Powell

Powell shined in the Raptors’ triumph, notching 20 points on 8-15 shooting in only 24 minutes. He looked aggressive, confident and dynamic as an inside-outside scorer. Powell should be polished and consistent, graduating as a senior from UCLA, but his performance was still very impressive.

Powell is very unlikely to appear in a Raptors uniform this season, as the team looks to make a deep playoff push with a rebuilt roster, but he should earn his fair share of opportunities in Mississauga. Since the Raps have a new D-League affiliate, GM Masai Ujiri has the ability to keep guys like Powell in his system. Expect to see Powell play hard for Raptors 905.

3. Delon Wright may be ready

This year’s 20th overall pick looked dynamic in his first Raptors game. He looked like a man trying to earn a roster spot on an NBA team, which may be within his reach. Wright earned nine points and nine assists, adding two steals to his great all-around game. He was an unselfish contributor, showing an interest in facilitating for his teammates and playing gritty, solid defence.

Wright will need to continue to show that he can be a lockdown defender against NBA-quality players. He will also want to better his shooting performance of 3-7 from the field. Still, he set himself up well for the rest of his time in Las Vegas.

Obviously, Summer League isn’t the truest indication of NBA readiness, but it is a way of seeing who can do what for the Raptors. The Kings won’t be a particularly good team this summer, so we will have to wait until the Raptors take on a squad with more highly touted prospects to know where the Raptors really stack up, but game one was still a good indication of what is to come.

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