Raptors: What can we expect from Patrick McCaw when he returns?

Toronto Raptors swingman Patrick McCaw has yet to play a game this season. The 25-year-old is still recovering from a knee problem, specifically a recurring benign mass on the back of his left knee. McCaw first had surgery to remove the mass in November of 2019. However, he has since had to have it treated multiple times.

McCaw played in 37 games for the Raptors last season but had to leave the NBA bubble in August following the restart for that same problem. Nick Nurse said last month there is no timetable as to when he could return, even though he has participated in a few non-contact practices recently.

While this has been a long-time coming for Raptors fans, they are finally going to see their rail-thin wing back on the floor soon. When McCaw finally does return, what, if any impact could he have for the Raptors?

Will he prove to be a reliable bench piece? Or will he have precisely the same amount of impact on the game as he did when he was deemed inactive perpetually?

Patrick McCaw is long which makes him a capable defender

At 6’7, McCaw’s length is what makes him one of Nurse’s favorite defenders off the bench. Although an argument could be made for him to bulk up to be able to handle one-on-one match-ups better, his smaller frame does provide him with athleticism and speed similar to Stanley Johnson.

A great defender or at least the potential to be one is in there and he could provide some protection off the bench on nights the defense and his bench mates like Johnson or Yuta Watanabe struggle.

McCaw’s faults as a player start to show on the offensive end. His NBA career field goal percentage is just below 42 percent, and the slender guard’s career points per game average of 3.9 go to show that he’s not putting the ball in the basket with a great deal of volume.

He just needs to fully recover and play minutes this season to regain his confidence. His shooting has been frustrating for Raptors fans, as he would often hesitate before committing and taking a shot, but his confidence will be key to a successful return. Pat’s shooting from deep leaves something to be desired at just over 30 percent efficiency last season and in his career.

Still, there is potential for him to expand his game under Nurse, as OG Anonuby has evolved from defensive specialist to feared offensive weapon under his watch. McCaw’s length and ball-handling are solid, and Nurse could help him find a more consistent jumper.

McCaw is luxury icing; nice to have but maybe not needed. McCaw is that pretty flower made of icing on the cake that would be nice to have, even if the cake would be perfectly serviceable without it. Here’s hoping McCaw can get and stay healthy going forward and resume a once-promising NBA career that’s already landed him three championship rings.