Three takeaways from Toronto Raptors first two preseason games

I still don’t see it with Patrick McCaw

This offseason, Patrick McCaw was signed to a two-year $8 million contract. While $4 million per season is far from a backbreaking figure, it was a deal that ate into the Toronto Raptors mid-level exception and cost them a look at another rotation-quality player.

At the time, I was critical of the deal. And boy, I still do not see it.

McCaw’s biggest problem last season was an unwillingness to shoot the basketball. He attempted just 5.4 field goal attempts per 36 minutes. Eric Moreland was the only other player on the Raptors roster who attempted fewer than 10 shots per 36. TEN! as in nearly double McCaw’s figure. When it’s you and Eric Moreland, that’s probably not a great sign.

So far this preseason, it’s more of the same. In 36 total minutes, he’s attempted five shots. In the Raptors’ first preseason game, he attempted zero in twenty minutes. If there was ever a time to stretch your game and make a few plays outside of your comfort zone, it’s now.

Not every player needs to be a high volume shot creator. However, in today’s NBA, everyone needs to be a threat and put some pressure on the defense. Throughout last year, and early in this preseason, McCaw has failed to do that.

You don’t want to overreact from two preseason games, but so far, McCaw’s shown very few signs of offensive growth.