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Raptors: Panic or patience on 3 struggling players

By Pirasanth Gunasekaram

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots against Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Amalie Arena on December 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots against Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Amalie Arena on December 23, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks draws the foul from Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks draws the foul from Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

1. Yuta Watanabe

Yuta Watanabe’s defense has been stellar so far this season, as his play during the Golden State Warriors game on Jan. 10, where Warriors point guard Stephen Curry was shut down by the versatile Japanese forward, speaks to.

While his defense is helping the team, his offense is not. Watanabe is currently averaging 2.6 points, 3.4 boards, and 0.3 assists per game this season. His field goal percentage is currently just 28 percent, including just 18 percent from inside the three-point line.

Watanabe’s three-point percentage is not bad, as his 37 percent clip actually above the average three-point percentage of 36 percent, Watanabe’s 28 percent overall shooting percentage is currently much lower than the average NBA player field goal percentage of 46 percent. His defense and hustle are invaluable assets, but how much longer can Nurse tolerate inefficient shooting.

Watanabe, who made his name in college as an expert three-point shooter for George Washington, has shown some potential this year. During the Indiana Pacers game on Jan. 25, Watanabe made a last-second three-pointer to tie the game 86-86 with 3:10 minutes left in the third quarter.

Raptor fans don’t have to worry about his defense because he always brings it at that end. The offensive side of his game is questionable, but he will get better at the offensive end if he gets more consistent playing time.

Final Verdict: Patience

Next. 3 Raptors who are improving. dark