3 very bold predictions for next quarter of Raptors’ 2022-23 season
By Mike Luciano
2. Juancho Hernangomez remains a spot starter, rotation lock
Hernangomez struggled to get on the floor early in the season, and he was clearly frustrated by the arrangement. After getting some new life breathed into him following his insertion into the starting lineup, Juancho played too well to be removed from the rotation.
In his last eight games, Hernangomez has averaged 6.6 points and 6.5 rebounds (5.4 defensive) per game. In 24 minutes per game, Hernangomez is making 51% of his shots overall and 33% of his 3-pointers. It’ll be hard to sit him back down on the bench if he keeps this up.
Juancho Hernangomez has impressed the Toronto Raptors.
The return of Otto Porter Jr. could create some nervousness for Nurse, as their slightly similar styles of play might lead to the two butting heads. It’s incumbent on Nurse to find a way to get Porter’s shooting back in the lineup while rewarding Bo Cruz for his solid play.
Hernangomez is eventually going to get his 3-point shooting numbers back up to his old levels, but he’s rebounding at a rate that he’s never shown in his career while remaining a high-end off-ball cutter. Starting Juancho gives the Raptors another funky look that can befuddle defenses.