Position battles to come at Raptors training camp
By Brian Boake
Apr 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Backup Centre
Depth Chart: Bismack Biyombo, Lucas Nogueira
Analysis: While this appears to be an unfair battle, I think it might prove an interesting one. Clearly Bismack has a huge experience advantage over the green-as-a-leaf Lucas, but the giant Brazilian has shown progress. Let’s bear in mind he’s going to be facing the opponents’ second unit, so shouldn’t be overmatched.
The Raptors played a lot of small ball late in games last season, and one assumes the trend will continue, which means there won’t be 48 minutes of centre time available.
Conclusion: I’m going to wuss out and pick Bismack as the winner of this internal competition, and the lone big-ish man on the floor when the Raps are protecting a 6-point lead with 3 minutes to play.
Next: Who is backing up DeMar?