Position battles to come at Raptors training camp
By Brian Boake
Oct 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors small forward Bruno Caboclo (5) shoots over New York Knicks small forward Cleanthony Early (17) and New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
You can’t carry everyone
Depth Chart: Let’s assume there are 11 roster slots spoken for, leaving 2 for the hopefuls to fight over. Those players include: Norman Powell, Axel Toupane, Michale Kyser, Shannon Scott, Ronald Roberts, Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira.
Analysis: Bruno needs to play, so he’s earmarked for the 905. It’s hard to see Kyser fighting through the logjam at the 4-spot, so down he goes. Shannon Scott is an undersized point guard; he too needs PT, so let him show his wares in the D-League. Axel Toupane? I can’t see it. That leaves Norman, Ronald and Lucas.
Conclusion: Lucas is the man who can upset all the plans if he has a strong camp. If not, he’s like Bruno – he’s got to get on the floor and refine his skills. I’d move him to 905, and keep the versatile Ronald and scoring-minded Norman.
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