5 things to watch for during Toronto Raptors training camp

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#1 – The fruit of Jonas Valanciunas’ labour

Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. The Pelicans beat the Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

We said this last year, but this time I truly believe it:

“This is the year.”

Stemming from a partially new coaching staff, I fully expect Valanciunas to be more of a focal point in the team’s defence and offence.

The Raptors’ defence was never tailored to his strengths last season, which is why you would often see Valanciunas in no man’s land chasing around guards. Still, Valanciunas ranked 9th in rim protection last year, so with tweaks we should be able to become one of the league’s best defenders int he paint.

JV excels at one thing on offence, and that is post-ups. However, new age big men need to be able to attract double teams in order to find open passing lanes. Valanciunas has not mastered this art just yet but there is no reason why he can’t.

Next: How near are the Toronto Raptors to elite status?

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