The Toronto Raptors not only have one of the best player development systems in the NBA, but they have shown a willingness to take on players that failed in their first location and developed a degree of radioactivity in the NBA. DeAndre’ Bembry looked like just another failed first-round pick, but the Raptors are molding him into a solid player.
Bembry, who developed into a star at Saint Joseph’s, was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks in 2016, but he never averaged more than 8.2 points per game in a season and was let go by head coach Lloyd Pierce. Bembry was given a second chance in Toronto, and he has taken full advantage.
Bembry’s performance in a win over the Washington Wizards, a game in which Yuta Watanabe and OG Anunoby were both out, was the finest game he’s played all year. If Watanabe or Anunoby is unable to play for an extended period of time, Bembry’s play should have the Raptors fully confident in his ability to hold his own on both ends of the floor.
Bembry is just so solid. Does everything well - plays hard, defends, cuts, makes good reads, rarely makes mistakes. Knock on him was the jumper (27% 3pt shooter coming into the season) but he's shot 6-for-11 from 3 with the Raps. Need to find mins for this guy when OG comes back
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 11, 2021
DeAndre’ Bembry is becoming a solid player with the Raptors
Bembry was known coming out of college as a player that would sky to the rim and throw down some thunderous dunks. While he is more than capable of doing that, when called up, Bembry has found new life as a two-way stud that can lock in on the perimeter and hit an open shot when called upon.
Bembry hasn’t taken many threes, but he’s making half of them. He isn’t scoring much, as evidenced by his 3.3 points per game average, but he’s shooting 55 percent from the floor and making 75 percent of his free throws. His play has helped him leapfrog Stanley Johnson in the Raptors’ pecking order.
No. 95 cited his ability to focus on what the defense is about to do while keeping the ball moving as the main reason he’s been able to be so successful.
“I’m always thinking about the next rotation coming. That’s what this league is all about.” - DeAndre Bembry, really just explaining a lot about how he plays on offence.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) February 11, 2021
Bembry might not be the most efficient shooter in the world, but he’s getting better on that end with every game, and his ability to use his athleticism to guard multiple positions could make him an invaluable member of the Raptors as they push for the postseason.
Bembry’s development from a bust that looked destined for life as a two-way player into a reliable role player that performs some very niche tasks is not only a major bonus for Toronto as they look to re-establish themselves as contenders, but it’s also a sign that the Raptors’ ability to develop talent isn’t slowing down anytime soon.