Toronto Raptors: 100 most important facts before the season starts

Serge Ibaka

26. Serge Ibaka was second on the team in shots and third on the team in points per game last season. His scoring volume and the importance to the team might not be discussed enough.

27. Ibaka finished in the top 85-percentile at his position in mid-range shooting each of the past eight seasons and has never finished below the 77th-percentile (according to cleaningtheglass).

28.  A very odd Serge Ibaka stat, I am not sure I can explain. When he’s on the court, the Raptors’ ability to force turnovers craters. During his three seasons in Toronto, the Raptors have forced 5.9-percent fewer turnovers, 3.9-percent fewer turnovers, and 3.1-percent fewer turnovers with him on the court.

29. Over the course of his 10-year career, teams have NEVER forced more turnovers with Ibaka on the court.

30. Serge Ibaka’s AST% last season was 7.6-percent, which is not very good. However, when you consider his two previous seasons in Toronto were 3.4-percent and 4.3-percent, that is a huge sign of improvement!

Fred VanVleet

31. 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.

32. In 2015-2016 18-percent of FVV’s minutes were with Lowry on the court, in 2016-2017 29-percent of his minutes came with Lowry on the court, last year 38-percent of his minutes came with Lowry on the court. Expect Nurse to play the two together, even more, this season

33. Fred VanVleet’s shooting percentages at the rim and mid-range have been bad throughout his career. His high percentages and ability to get shots off beyond the arc are what keep him relatively efficient.

34. Fred VanVleet’s AST% has increased every season in the NBA.

35. FVV’s TOV% has decreased every season in the NBA.