Who should be in the Toronto Raptors final rotation spot?
Patrick McCaw
McCaw featured in Game 4 briefly, clocking in for 4:49 and contributing with a rebound, an assist, and a steal. All of which seem completely on brand for the two-time NBA Champ.
There’s a lot to like about what McCaw can bring to the table. He’s energetic, explosive, and a superb defender. And, like Miller, he has size on his side.
Laterally quick and possessing a high defensive-IQ, McCaw could slide in at shooting guard alongside Kyle Lowry, or even at point guard if the Raptors go big. Having McCaw in the lineup aides one of the Raptors biggest traits, too.
As one of the better transition teams in the NBA, having another energy guy who can push the tempo and attack the rim as a cutter or by driving into lanes could only benefit the Raptors.
McCaw’s game isn’t complete, though. Not by a long shot.
As a player and specifically a shooter, McCaw is pretty linear. He’s a 32-percent jump shooter this season and hits the exact same percentage from beyond the arc. Those numbers are pretty kind to McCaw.
If he’s on the court and hanging around the perimeter, expect the Sixers to back off him and dare him to shot. Joel Embiid has sat off Pascal Siakam and tried to turn him into a jump shot specialist, and it’s hindered Pascal this series.
Attempting the same approach with McCaw will only expose his offensive frailties further, and you can’t win a four vs five game of basketball, and that is exactly what you’ll get with McCaw on the court.
He may be able to slow down the Sixers offensively, but unless he’s constantly attacking the rim and providing cuts for playmakers, he might end up slowing down the Raptors.