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Raptors suffering from an identity crisis

By Sahal Abdi

May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a timeout in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 116-78. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a timeout in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 116-78. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The solution

When the team’s defensive shortcomings come into conversation, Raptors former big man, Bismack Biyombo is often mentioned and rightfully so. Luckily for the Raptors, they replaced Biyombo’s defensive ability with fan favourite, Lucas ‘Bebe’ Nogueira. Advanced metrics such as defensive rating, true shooting %, and box plus/minus tell you the team, as a whole plays better when Bebe is on the floor and worse when he is off of it. These are great early signs for a young player who barely touched the hardwood last season for the Raptors. Nonetheless, Bebe doesn’t rebound nearly as well as Biyombo (Raptors ranked 27th in defensive REB%) nor does he bring the inspiring defensive aura that the latter brings.

Jan 22, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Suns beat the Raptors 115-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Suns beat the Raptors 115-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

What the Raptors have badly needed is a perimeter-stopper with the likes of Phoenix Suns’ swingman, PJ Tucker being one of the long-rumoured targets.

Liike the early years of Casey’s tenure, Toronto must develop a defensive identity to challenge in the East. This means acquiring a player (most likely through a midseason trade) who not only brings defensive ability, but presence — two completely different attributes.

Raptors sportscaster, Jack Armstrong constantly mentions the team’s need to add a ‘mean-streak’ presence and he’s absolutely right.

Kyle Lowry summed it up quite well following the recent Orlando Magic loss:

"“Dwayne Casey’s staple in this league has been defense and we’re not living up to that”"

[Source: Josh Lewenberg – TSN Sports]

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