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Raptors practice – as season approaches, is squad ready?

By Brian Boake

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors is seen at the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors is seen at the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game on July 13, 2017 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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One of the last Raptors practices before roster cut-down day occurred Sunday, and I was there. Here’s what stuck out.

I watched almost all of the Raptors practice on Sunday morning, and here are some thoughts.

I had my first look at OG Anunoby not on a YouTube video. For a young man enduring a lengthy recovery from a serious knee injury, he performed extremely well. I expected an industrial-strength brace and little to no participation in drills, but I was happy to be wrong in both cases. He had an elastic brace on his knee, and ran and jumped with no evident restraint.

Evaluating OG’s NBA readiness based on a practice would be absurd; it’s sufficient to note he should be able to find some floor time well before the New Year (which is when I had originally penciled him in to the lineup).

I was disappointed on Saturday night to learn that Kyle Wiltjer, Kennedy Meeks and Andy Rautins have been waived. The three cuts weren’t a surprise, but I thought they would last long enough for me to see them.

All the players looked to be in top shape. I was particularly interested to see if Kyle Lowry had kept off the weight (the off-season can bring temptations), and he has.

C.J. Miles was bombing away from the corner at every opportunity. He was the only Raptor other than Lowry to hit consistently from distance. I saw nothing from DeMar DeRozan to presage better 3-point shooting.

TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 25: DeMar DeRozan
TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 25: DeMar DeRozan /

Bruno & Fred – moving in opposite directions

Apropos of that, Bruno Caboclo took a number of long shots, most of which missed. The lengthy campaign to put some bulk on the Brazilian’s skinny frame has worked, and the extra weight hasn’t hurt his mobility. Bruno still doesn’t appear comfortable on offense, had no impact on the boards, and received more post-drill coaches’ attention than anyone else. However, he seemed sharper than he’s ever been with his on the ball defense. Can he stick as a backup PF/C based on his D?

The guy who most impressed me was Fred VanVleet. He aggressively attacked the paint, and made excellent decisions under pressure. He showed advanced instincts for when he could continue to the rim (scoring with either hand, and from both sides of the rim), and when a pass was called for.

None of the swingman hopefuls showed me anything exceptional, and that was the biggest disappointment. I’m sticking with my prediction that K.J. McDaniels will crack the roster, but without much excitement.

I’ll next be at the ACC for Tuesday’s pre-season scrimmage against the Detroit Pistons.

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