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Biyombo and Valanciunas: keys to the Raptors’ defence?

By JT Tomiyama

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Rim protectors in the NBA have become a rare but needed commodity. A player that can turn slashers into jump shooters is a significant asset for any team, considering the way modern basketball is played. DeAndre Jordan and Roy Hibbert are feared centers, who effectively deter opposing teams from attacking the paint.

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The Raptors will need Jonas Valanciunas and Bismack Biyombo to be that kind of presence. Teams attacked the paint at will last year against the Raps and it wasn’t pretty. The team was ranked 25th in the league with a defensive rating of 107.7. Opponents averaged 100.9 points per game against the Raptors, but the team was bailed out slightly by their offence, which averaged 104 points per game.

Biyombo will be looked on to be a shot blocker and rebounder. He was 17th in the league in blocks last season, averaging 1.5 per game. He should try to increase that number to 1.8 or 1.9. This could prove to be massive for his new team. Increased numbers and efficiency in limited minutes would be the ideal scenario for the Raptors. The former Bobcat should also look to raise his defensive rebounds from 3.9 to around 5.5 or 6. His defensive rating was 99 last season, which would have ranked top ten in the NBA if he had played the minimum minutes required.

"Biyombo will be looked on to be a shot blocker and rebounder. He was 17th in the league in blocks last season, averaging 1.5 per game."

GM Masai Ujiri invested a lot of money in Valanciunas ($60 million over 4 years) and JV will have to prove he’s worth every penny. He averaged 12.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Do they want him to be a rim protector or a focal point of their offence? The dream would be to have the best of both worlds. He is getting paid as a top player, but it’s tough to ask a young player to assume such a role.

If Dwane Casey wants him to be a threat on offence, he has to figure out a way to get him the ball. Valanciunas only averaged eight shots a game last year and that is not enough for someone being paid $15 million per year. But, the Lithuanian center was second in the league in field goal percentage (57%). JV even had his career high last year against Andre Drummond scoring with 31 points. Unfortunately, he was never on the floor in crunch time because of his defence. Seeing how Biyombo times blocks could help JV immensely.

JV and Biyombo are both 23-years-old and have many more years to improve on both ends of the floor. Defence wins championships, and the Raptors will need both of these guys to protect the rim. Advancing past the first round will be dependent on both players.

Next: How new playoff seeding rules affect the Raptors

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