Raptors win first exhibition – impressions of hopefuls

Oct 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles past Golden State Warriors guard Phil Pressey (26) in the fourth quarter at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles past Golden State Warriors guard Phil Pressey (26) in the fourth quarter at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors’ first preseason game was a turnover-filled, poor-shooting shambles. How did the youngsters make out?

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors 97 – 93 in Vancouver, B.C. yesterday. The result is of little or no interest to us. Not a single Raptors starter played half the game. The sold-out crowd (tell me again why the NBA abandoned this city?) was treated to all the looks they could handle of Raptor wannabees.

They also cheered lustily for Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, neither of whom played as many minutes as Patrick McCaw.

Given it was the first look at our kids, I thought I would share my early impressions.

Player snapshots (invitees)

Fred VanVleet – no fear. He’s a Kyle Lowry clone in so many ways, one of which is his willingness to penetrate. He didn’t add to the shocking number of Raptors turnovers (29!) in his 13+ minutes despite having the ball a lot of that time. Fred may not be the greatest athlete, but he looked like a ballplayer to my eyes.

Pascal Siakam – as advertised. A mobile and smart Energizer Bunny of a power forward, he may nudge his way into the lineup. Based on one game, which of course is absurd, he’s ahead of Poeltl.

Jarrod Uthoff – no minutes for him. I’m disappointed about that.

Oct 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Drew Crawford (11) dribbles past Golden State Warriors forward Elgin Cook (2) in the fourth quarter at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Drew Crawford (11) dribbles past Golden State Warriors forward Elgin Cook (2) in the fourth quarter at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Crawford – pleasant surprise. This fellow runs the floor well, and doesn’t make many mistakes. It’s hard to be sure on TV, but he looked like a sound defender. I don’t know if there’s a spot for him, but he may edge himself into the conversation if DeMarre Carroll’s injury problems are more chronic than the sunshine boys in Raptorland would have us believe.

Jakob Poeltl – patience, patience. Our #9 selection in the June draft isn’t physically or mentally ready for the challenge of the NBA. That’s neither surprising nor a cause for concern. He needs to protect the ball and learn to cope with the breakneck pace of the league.

Rotation prospects

Jared Sullinger – big caboose. Those were the words chosen by Jack Armstrong to describe Jared’s prominent butt. Our newest power forward hopeful used his…um…attribute to great effect in carving out rebounding space for himself. I could have done without his three attempts from beyond the arc, none of which went splash. In sum, he was about what I expected.

Norman Powell – he’ll be better. I strongly suspect he was miffed at himself, not just for his 2-of-9 shooting, but his questionable ball handling. He needs to be out there with the big boys, not the kids.

Lucas Nogueira – nothing new here. He’s a defensive presence and little more. One thing about being the centre in the pick and roll offense – you have to be able to score or your partner is going to get double-teamed. He’s not much further ahead than Bruno.

Bruno Caboclo – a disaster. He actually looked worse than he did as a rookie. He managed 3 turnovers in just over 6 minutes, after which coach Dwane Casey mercifully yanked him. I have no inkling what management is going to do about his woeful lack of progress. Show us something, Bruno…a 3-point shot, some defensive prowess, a decent handle. Even though of us who have been willing to be patient are getting alarmed.

The game itself was an entertaining mess.