Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors: 3 players with everything to prove in 2018-19

By Paul Taylor

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: The Toronto Raptors bench watches during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 7: The Toronto Raptors bench watches during the second half of Game 4 of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on May 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 128-93. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 5: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a rebound during the first half of an NBA preseason game against Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

1) Jonas Valanciunas

Some people may question Jonas Valanciunas‘ inclusion in this article and that’s fair enough. After all, we’re talking about a player who has improved every year he’s been in the NBA.

This includes last season, when Valanciunas set career highs for average points and assists per game, despite averaging a career-low in minutes played. His shooting efficiency is as good as ever, best exemplified by a career-best effective field goal percentage.

Regardless, this is an extremely important season for the 26-year-old, for a couple of reasons. The first relates to new head coach Nick Nurse.

It has often been said that Valanciunas was not used enough as a focal point of the offense, under Dwane Casey. This was frustrating for many fans, knowing the big man’s capability to take over games, best evidenced by several dominating performances in the playoffs.

However, this is no longer expected to be a problem under Nurse, who has an excellent relationship with the 2011 fifth overall draft pick. The stage has been set for the centre to take his game to the next level.

The second reason why this season is so important, relates to Valanciunas’ contract situation. His future will be a subject for debate, as he is entering the final season of a four-year contract.

While the Lithuanian has a player option for the 2019-20 campaign, you imagine he would prefer to negotiate a long-term extension — assuming he wishes to remain in Toronto. As such, this is why he needs a big season to prove his worth.

At least With Nurse now leading the way, Valanciunas will get more opportunities to show exactly what he’s capable of. It’s up to him to take advantage of this.

Home/Toronto Raptors