Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is rising/falling, plus a Siakam career-high

Marc Gasol – Stock Up

The arrival of Marc Gasol caused a stir in Toronto this week.

Many fans were torn due to the loss of one of the franchise greats, Jonas Valanciunas, as well as fan favorites Delon Wright and C.J. Miles, and many wondered if the move really tips the Raptors over the edge.

If you’re still not sure about the move, that’s absolutely fine. But if you haven’t enjoyed watching Marc Gasol go to work so far, you’re lying and that’s not okay. Really, it’s not okay.

Gasol has been a breath of fresh air in his first three games for the Raptors. In his first three games with the Raptors, he’s averaged 10 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while also adding in just under two blocks and two steals per game. All while shooting, ahem, 100-percent from three, but don’t check how many threes he’s taken so far. Just enjoy those percentages.

There were fair concerns about how the Raptors would optimize Gasol on the court, as they struggled to implement and largely misused Jonas Valanciunas a lot during his time with the team. So far, that mistake hasn’t been made.

Gasol is an excellent player in the post, whether it’s as a passer or a scorer, you want to give the ball to Gasol down low. That much was evident against the Brooklyn Nets, where Gasol was 7-9 from the field for 16 points. He only added two assists, but the signs of incredible creativity were there.

If players are willing to cut for Gasol, then his impact in the game can become that much greater, and once everyone is on the same page as him, it’ll be poetry in motion.

Big Spain had a pretty first week as a Toronto Raptor, but how long until he starts?