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Toronto Raptors: 3 things to look for in preseason opener vs. 76ers

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 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 - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammates after scoring a 3-point buzzer beater to defeat the Washington Wizards 103-101 at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 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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Precious Achiuwa, Toronto Raptors
Sep 27, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Precious Achiuwa becoming a better shooter.

While Precious Achiuwa is by no means a finished product, there is no doubt that Toronto will find a way to utilize him. A top recruit with insane athletic ability, Achiuwa should provide a heavy dose of rebounding, rim protection, and interior finishing, all while showing competency as a ball-handler.

We know that Achiuwa has the potential to be a lethal player inside of the paint, but what about outside of the paint? While he was a double-double machine in college, he only averaged 1.3 3-point attempts per game, and his role with Miami last year left him mostly situated near the paint.

Can the Toronto Raptors trust Precious Achiuwa as a shooter?

It’s obvious that Nurse and the Raptors were crying out for a stretch big last year. Birch tried his best, but the Raptors need someone that can consistently rise up from deep. Achiuwa won’t evolve into this role overnight, but he can start to show some marginal improvements in this regard during his first Raptors action.

Part of the reason that so many are so high on Achiuwa is the idea that Nurse could use his masterful ability to work with players on their shooting to help make the Nigerian international center that much better. It might take some time, but Achiuwa spotting up several times against Philly could help him start.

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