Toronto Raptors: Possible lineups for the 2019-20 season
Bench:
- Fred VanVleet
- Matt Thomas/Norman Powell
- Stanley Johnson/Patrick McCaw
- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson/OG Anunoby
- Serge Ibaka/Marc Gasol
Fred VanVleet is possibly the best backup point guard in the NBA, and he will be the undisputed leader of the second unit this year.
VanVleet can run an offense as a facilitator. However, he has also showcased the ability to play off the ball. He is an elite catch and shoot three-point shooter but he can also create his own shot from almost anywhere on the floor and do it efficiently.
At the end of the shot clock, if the Raptors’ bench unit gets in trouble, VanVleet will be the one to bail them out. During last year’s playoffs, VanVleet made 10 field goals with four seconds or less remaining on the shot clock, which was second only to James Harden.
In the backcourt with him, VanVleet will either have Norman Powell or Matt Thomas.
Hypothetically, he would work well with either; whether spotting up during Powell’s drives to the rim, or getting the ball to Thomas for three-point shots. At center, whether it’s with Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka, VanVleet can run an effective pick and roll with either.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a combo-forward who will probably play with the bench unit this season as a high energy guy.
Hollis-Jefferson’s motor and athleticism give him an advantage over other second-unit players. Despite not being a high-percentage three-point shooter, he’s shown that he can score the ball. In last year’s playoffs, he was the highest-scoring front-court player for the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging just over 13 points per game.
Another player who could break into the rotation is Patrick McCaw.
McCaw gave the Raptors some solid minutes during the regular season last year. He’s long and can defend multiple positions, but he will need to shoot the ball better if he wants significant playing time. McCaw’s career three-point shooting percentage of 29 percent is his biggest weakness.
VanVleet alone will guarantee a competent Toronto Raptors second-unit, but someone else will eventually need to step up as a second option. The sooner Nick Nurse identifies that player the better.