Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) defends in the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Power Forward – up for grabs
You knew I had to lead with this one. Somebody’s got to be the fifth starter, and I’d be very surprised if Dwane wants to play small ball from the opening tip.
Depth Chart: Patrick Patterson, Luis Scola, James Johnson
Comment: While RGM and almost everyone else seems to think the starter’s job is 2-Pat’s to lose, I’m not convinced. Luis Scola showed in FIBA that he’s got a significant amount of fuel left in his 35-year-old tank. Patrick has been asked to play a lot of perimeter defense in Toronto, and he’s hellish good at it. However, you can’t expect the guy to race back under the boards to put his body on a man if he’s been running around past the 3-point arc. One to a customer, please.
If the Raptors’ defense can be stalwart once again, leading to a lot of tough shots by the opponents, it follows there will be a bunch of rebounds. JV can’t grab them all.
Conclusion: Dwane is going to have to pick his poison on defense. I don’t think Luis will grab enough boards, or change enough shots, to win the coveted role. When the Raptors have the ball, I suspect DeMarre will help our spacing sufficiently to free up 2-Pat for open 3s. I give Patrick the nod, barely. But if the team starts 4-6, coach will shake things up.
Next: JV needs a breather - who's up?