Toronto Raptors: Stock Take, including Pascal Siakam’s dominance

Stanley Johnson

When the Raptors picked up Stanley Johnson in July, it was definitely a move of…sorts. The team penned him to a two-year deal, and it was justified as a flier. The Raptors hadn’t given Johnson any long-term commitments but had seemingly made it known that they were willing to put in the work to help him develop.

Right now, Johnson’s game is constantly over-analysed – but for good reason. He’s a grade-A defender on his day, but his offense is practically non-existent, even after four full seasons in the NBA. Being a great defender is such a valuable attribute, but if you can’t help the team on offense then you become a negative player.

Unfortunately for the Stanimal (still a great nickname), that’s an all too familiar feeling, and this week demonstrated that notion in full effect. Johnson featured in two games for the Raptors over the past week, in the loss to the Celtics and the following nights win against the Bulls.

His game against the Celtics was fairly forgettable, though he did knock down a three-pointer and pull down two boards. It was his performance against the Bulls that really stuck him into the bad guy section for the week.

It started so well, though, that’s the problem here. Johnson played some solid defense in transition, which led to him stripping the ball away from Thaddeus Young and Kyle Lowry scoring in transition.

Nice, now, if only he doesn’t mess it up on offense, we’re getting somewhere. Alas, I don’t think Johnson got the memo and proceeded to turn the ball over three times in 51 seconds. Three times. 51 seconds.

After that, he was pulled from the game and hasn’t been seen on the court since. Ouch. Bad man.

VERDICT: STOCK DOWN