Toronto Raptors: How the Kawhi Leonard trade impacts every player

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball as Jordan Clarkson #8 and Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defend in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Jonas Valanciunas: Reduces defensive limitations

Offensively, Jonas Valanciunas is one of the most well-rounded centers in the NBA. He can finish around the basket, shoot from the perimeter, and is an exceptional passer.

On the other end, JV is a better defender than he is given credit for. He is a very good rim-protector and gobbles up defensive rebounds like he is seven-foot, 265 pounds.

However, JV still has his limitations defensively. He’s not the lightest of foot, and as a result, guarding the pick-and-roll can be a problem.

Having Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green will help hide those limitations. Both player’s ability to avoid screens will allow for minimal help from JV at the point of attack. Allowed to hang around the paint, rather than be forced into the action, should help curtail Valanciunas’ problems defensively.

Fred VanVleet: Increases playmaking responsibility

DeRozan was always an underrated playmaker, and last season he improved his playmaking dramatically. DeRozan averaged 5.5 assists per 36 last season, the third highest on the team.

As a result, when other players, including Fred VanVleet, shared the court with DeRozan, their playmaking responsibilities were reduced.

Last season, when VanVleet shared the court with DeRozan he averaged 4.5 assists and 1.0 turnovers per 36 minutes. When DeRozan was off the court, he increased his assists to 6.5 but also more than doubled his turnovers.

Clearly when DeRozan was on the floor, VanVleet was not asked to create for others as much.

For all of Kawhi’s strengths, playmaking is not one of them. He’s not a poor passer, but he is not an exceptionally good one either. Next season, VanVleet will be tasked with more shot creation than the year prior. He will need to make sure the additional responsibility doesn’t result in additional turnovers.

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