The Raptors were defeated 92-82 by the Thunder in Summer League play. That’s Toronto’s third straight double-digit loss.
The Toronto Raptors dipped to 0 and 3 in Summer League play on Monday afternoon. The OKC Thunder jumped out to an early lead, and were never in trouble. That’s a line which I could have used as shorthand for the first two games.
Let’s consider some individuals, and hand out grades.
Shevon Thompson
This member of the Raptors 905 brushed aside his only other big man competitor. Augusto Lima, the veteran Brazilian, didn’t show much on either end of the floor. He has bad hands to boot. Thompson displayed sound shot selection, and didn’t try to move out of his lane. By that I mean he didn’t overdribble or fire up no-hope long balls.
In my thoughts about last game, I mentioned Thompson could do with more aggressiveness under the hoop. Be careful what you wish for – it might come true. Shevon managed 8 personal fouls against OKC, many of them borderline Flagrants (one foul was reviewed, after Thompson grabbed a contested rebound, swung his elbows and clocked a Thunder man in the forehead).
Thompson will be 25 years old in October, and his NBA dreams are getting further and further away. I doubt we’ll ever see him on the big team unless our front court suffers a serious spate of injuries.
GRADE: B-
Chris Boucher
This was my first opportunity to see this skinny stretch (and how!)-4 man. He’s listed at 6’10” and 200 pounds, a shorter Thon Maker. Boucher grew up rough in Montreal, but basketball has given him a future. While it would make a great story, that future probably doesn’t include the NBA.
The Las Vegas stands are full to overflowing with managers from around the world. Let’s hope Boucher finds his way to a well-paying team overseas.
GRADE: Incomplete
The Triplets
Sadly, Malcolm Miller landed most awkwardly after leaping to block a shot and was done for the night. He’s hurt his right wrist and shoulder, and I suspect we won’t see him in uniform again for some time.
Alfonzo McKinnie continues to play his way off the team. Admittedly, he only received 9+ minutes of PT, but he couldn’t manage a bucket. His defense isn’t enough to keep him around.
OG Anunoby led the extremely modest Raptors offense with 19 points. Malachi Richardson was just behind with 17. He was 4 of 10 from beyond the arc, and didn’t turn over the ball in 28 minutes.
GRADES: Miller – incomplete, McKinnie – F, Richardson – B
Codi Miller-McIntyre
I thought this combo guard was invited largely to make a full roster. However, he was all over the stat sheet in this game. Eight each of rebounds and assists, plus five steals…those numbers will get you noticed.
GRADE: B, and worth watching
Wrapping it up
Malachi has a contract, so he’s going to get paid. The most important matter for him is whether he’s going to put on street clothes or a Raptors uniform for 82 games. Assuming his solid play continues, he is the most likely of the Triplets to see meaningful playing time.
Our front court men don’t have much to worry about.
OG has more tools in his offensive kitbag than last season.