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Raptors need to settle backup point guard spot

By Justin Johnson

Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) reacts in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) reacts in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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Analyzing Toronto’s point guard rotation going into the second half of the season after experiencing inefficient play and defensive issues.

This has been a rough new year for the Toronto Raptors. Despite not having to face the Cavaliers, Warriors, Spurs, and Rockets for the rest of the season, they have dropped from the #2 seed to the #4 seed and are currently experiencing problems with determining their point guard rotation.

With the Raptors already searching for frontcourt help, it does not help that issues are starting to show in the backcourt. They have already allowed 40 point games from Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas, James Harden, and Kemba Walker.

As the Raptors advance into the second half of the season, who should be the primary backup point guard?

Cory Joseph

Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph (6) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (1) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Grizzlies 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph (6) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jarell Martin (1) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Grizzlies 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Going into the 2016-2017 season, this was not even a question. However, we have seen Cory Joseph start to fall off defensively.

Cory Joseph currently has the worst defensive real plus/minus on the team at negative 2.82. In perspective,  that’s worse than point guards who have a reputation for being terrible defenders such as Damian Lillard, J.J Barea, and Jose Calderon. Both Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet are top 10 in this category. He also managed to put up a plus 9 plus/minus in only 6 minutes played last night.

Although Cory Joseph has been receiving some negative criticism lately, This is his best year shooting the 3 at 39%. His shooting ability and length allows him to play off ball with Kyle Lowry as we have seen. This makes him the most versatile of the group.

Fred VanVleet

Jan 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) controls a ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Quincy Acy (13) defends during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 132-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) controls a ball as Brooklyn Nets forward Quincy Acy (13) defends during the fourth quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 132-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Outside of Cory Joseph and Kyle Lowry, the minutes among the 4 point guards on the team are not exactly spread out which could be one of the main issues regarding Lowry leading the league in minutes per game. Based on the way the bench has performed, it seems as if Lowry simply cannot afford to rest.

It is very tough to judge VanVleet right now due to his small sample size. However, he showed he was more than capable of being a backup to Kyle Lowry last night against Orlando. He put 15 points and executed on 50% of his 3 pointers while playing solid defense.

As mentioned before, Fred is among the top 10 in defensive plus/minus. His height however, may cause a problem in future defensive match ups. At only 6’0, it may be difficult to convince Dwane Casey to play him along side 6’1 Kyle Lowry until DeRozan comes back.

Delon Wright

Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Delon has yet to play a single game in 2016-17 for the Raptors. Although his point guard skills and size advantage are difficult to ignore.

The 6’5 point guard from Utah has the physical advantage of getting to the rim and occasionally being able to guard shooting guards and small forwards. In addition, his court vision and play-making ability makes him a great prospect. His pick and roll game with another former Ute and current Raptor, Jakob Poeltl, looks promising for a team that happens to run the play so often.

Delon Wright has the defensive versatility to play the other positions if needed. However, his offense is a concern with his shooting and lack of strength making it difficult for him to score against traditional Shooting Guards and Small Forwards.

Overall

Oct 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left) talks with guard Cory Joseph (right) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (left) talks with guard Cory Joseph (right) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

There are other options regarding this question such as acquiring a backup point guard from a potential trade or even experimenting with Norman Powell at point guard. For the time being, I believe it’s safe to stay with Cory Joseph for now.

His overall NBA experience and being a part of the deadly Lowry and the bench unit has been enough to excuse his recent play as simply a slump.  However as we saw yesterday with VanVleet getting Cory’s minutes, his spot is not secure. The Raptors are due for some changes.

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