4 Raptors Storylines to Follow this Regular Season
By Demar Grant
Who’s Playing Back up Centre?
This storyline may end by December but now there is no clear-cut answer. The Preseason and training camp. meant to determine who would take Biyombo’s back up minutes, failed as none of the candidates Casey was observing look promising in the slightest.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith
Jakob Poeltl lumbers around the court and doesn’t have the explosiveness of a rim protector that’s needed for a playoff team. He’s still a rookie and prone to rookie mistakes along with his scarce offensive game.
Although Lucas Nogueira sprained his ankle in the latest preseason game he hasn’t shown any strides to becoming a real rotational player anyway. He still relies too much on his athleticism and is missing a feel for the game both offensively and defensively.
Jared Sullinger is more of a power forward than a center since he has neither the explosiveness, height or length required for the Raptors ideal of a back up centere.
Dwane Casey thinks Pascal Siakam is a 3 or a 4 instead of a 5 and has been discounted him for the back up position even though his profile and playstyle is Bismack Biyombo reincarnate. The start of the season is mere days away and still nobody answers the call, and if there is no answer coach Casey is going to have to get creative.