Something every Toronto Raptors player can work on this offseason
By Jeff Borsuk
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson is one of the Raptors offseason free-agent signings. He is joining the team on a two-year deal worth $7.5 million with a player option in the second season. Toronto will be his third home in two years after the Detroit Pistons traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans declined to extend Johnson a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Clearly, the Pelicans did not see Johnson fitting into their future.
Johnson will be a project for the Raptors. He is a talented defender but underwhelms on offence. In his career, he has averaged seven points on 21.6 minutes of action. He owns an atrocious field goal percentage of 37.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 43.4.
This offseason, Johnson will need to work on his shooting. If he wants to play an impactful role, he must see his shot drop with greater frequency. Otherwise, his time on the floor could lead to empty possessions for the Raptors. There is a lot of potential for Johnson who has yet to put it all together in the NBA. Hopefully, the change in scenery, new teammates, and coaches help him find his stroke.
Biggest area to work on: Shooting
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is one of the Raptors latest signings. He happens to have a number of similarities to Johnson, including also not having his previous team, the Brooklyn Nets, extend a qualifying offer. Both he and Johnson also played together in college for the Arizona Wildcats.
Like Johnson, Hollis-Jefferson is a solid defender with a weak offensive skillset. Both will need to work on their shooting. Hollis-Jefferson will also need to add more range to his shot since 60-percent of his attempts were within five feet of the hoop, according to cleaningtheglass.
Getting the former teammates back together could be helpful if they find themselves in the gym pushing each other to improve their respective shots.