Toronto Raptors Roundtable: NBA Finals keys to the series, predictions, and more

If Danny Green struggles early could he be pulled from the starting lineup or rotation?

Mark Birdsell:

Danny Green is in the midst of a terrible shooting slump. He is shooting 31.4 percent from three-point range in the playoffs. He shot 15.3 percent in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks.

Despite his struggles, Green needs to stay in the starting lineup. Defenders continue to respect Green’s shot, and he is a strong individual defender. Green has also matched up with the Warriors in the playoffs in the past. He brings more to the table than just his shooting.

Mike Bossetti:

At some point, yes. Green’s misses against the Bucks weren’t close shots that didn’t fall, they were UGLY. The Warriors defense is too good to be playing 4-on-5, and if Green continues to struggles, that’s exactly what the Raptors will be doing.

Green should get the first two games at home to find his rhythm. If he continues to be a complete non-factor, the Raptors will need to look into finding a replacement for his minutes, whether it be Patrick McCaw (also an offensive non-factor but better defensively) or, more likely, cutting the rotation to seven.

Go Paolo:

Green has been nonexistent on offense, and against the Warriors, he could be a major liability. That said, Green isn’t lacking in confidence and the Raptors need him if only for his Finals experience.

Pulling Green could be a big mistake as Anunoby is still out and the Raptors need Green’s perimeter defense and scoring.

William Ricks:

Given Danny Green’s NBA Finals experience, he should be given a lengthy leash coming into the Finals. He showed up in Finals games in the past, dropping an NBA record seven three-pointers. Even though he hasn’t shot over 50 percent since Game 5 of the conference semis, he is due for an impact game. If he still struggles by Game 3 I’d think of switching things up.