We've hit 25 assists in a game ONCE this year.

[CalgaryRapsFan]

Some related stats

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Our passing does not pressure the defence or lead to opportunities.

We dribble too much and don't get good looks because we don't pass well.

This is 100% on the system and the players within it.

#FireCasey now, because this will not work in the playoffs (again).

[Henry_Chinaski]

Assists don't have to be 3 pointers. They can also be layups, or any other high percentage open shot you want. Hit the big man rolling to the basket, bam, assist. Hit the big man who just set a pick for the pick and pop, bam, assist. Hit the cutter going towards the basket, bam, assist. It's not fucking rocket science, it's basic god damn basketball. Unless you're an iso monster, our offense does not put you in a position to succeed.

To really drive the point home, Carroll's FG% the last 3 seasons were .460, .470 and .487. His FG% with us is .394. His ORtg is 98. It was 115, 113, and 117 the past 3 seasons. We're fucking killing him, because we suck smelly butthole at passing. The whole iso is the only way to score offense doesn't work for the vast majority of our team, and I'm fairly certain even Lowry and Derozan would benefit from a more assist heavy offense.

My biggest criticism towards Casey is that in his 5th year as Raptors' head coach he's clueless how to run an efficient, smart offense. And the worst thing about this neanderthal-esq offense is that you can get away with it on most nights of a regular season, but you won't in the playoffs.

[Axel]

Make me coach and I will

The numbers don't lie, the offence isn't very good at creating good looks so we rely on hitting tough shots to win games (usually by Lowry or Demar). Hitting tough shots & getting to the free throw line - can work in the regular season, but will not win in the playoffs.

[slaw]

See I'm not so sure. DeMar, Lowry, and Cory are playing phenomenal in Calipari's (ie Walberg's) dribble-drive motion.

I do think the offense is aiming for the Karl/Calipari/Walberg/AASAA/Memphis Attack/DDM/ style but:

1. Fit. The Raps don't have enough guys who fit the system. On the attacking front, Derozan/Lowry/Joseph can beat their guys one-on-one (a must for the system) but beyond that the team doesn't have anyone who can do that without the "triple gap". It's no surprise that those three guys plus JV/Carroll are the best 5-man unit cause it's the unit best suited to the system even though it kinda isn't.

The problem with creating gaps is that Ross, Patterson, Carroll all can shoot but everyone knows that they can't put the ball on the floor consistently, which bogs things down when initial drives get shut down. JJ can drive but he can't shoot the three and Derozan and Joseph primarily are looking to drive as opposed to shoot threes.

The only guy who is completely suited to the style is Lowry cause he can shoot threes, get to the rim and is smart enough to make decisions on the fly. And then you have JV who is a very effective offensive weapon who is underutilized so he doesn't fit at all.

2. Speed. The other major issue, and one I've harped on for the last couple of years, is that the Raptors are too slow. The Memphis Attack/DDM/AASAA is all about attacking with speed, making quick decisions on the fly and reacting to teammates. Too often the ball gets moved and then... stops. And sits in one place. That doesn't work in any offence, let alone in an offense referred to as "Princeton on Steroids". Karl was adamant in Denver that the ball never stop cause he knew what would happen if it did.

3. No one moves. If you look at Sacramento/Kentucky/Old Denver (even Boston ran some great DDM stuff with Pierce et al) there was lots of movement to create the requisite gaps for penetration. Doesn't happen in Toronto. Too often our guys are attacking 1-gap, 2-gap and not 3-gap. Sactown does a great job at getting Cousins looks at the 3-gap and he's tearing up opponents on those plays. Carroll, Ross, PAtterson could do it, too, but the RAps aren't creating those kinds of gaps cause of the slow ball movement, lack of player movement, poor decision-making and lack of shooting.

[slaw]

Just as an aside - the Kings are 4th in the NBA at ~24 assists per game running the DDM stuff, so it's not so much about the system but how it's being run in Toronto and the decisions the coaches/players are making.

[golden]

Just as an aside - the Kings are 4th in the NBA at ~24 assists per game running the DDM stuff, so it's not so much about the system but how it's being run in Toronto and the decisions the coaches/players are making.

Kings have Rondo, who is "pass-first" by necessity and also a gifted passer. Plus the Kings can play inside-out with Cousins, who is an above average passer for a big man. So, yeah, as you said I think it comes back to the coaching & decision-making of the guys who have the ball the most (e.g. Lowry & DD), who are almost always in attack mode.

The coaching instruction part is probably reflected most in CoJo who looks like a completely different player, even from pre-season to just 20 games in. Great for him, but it's not necessarily benefiting the shooters.

[planetmars]

The offense is terrible to watch. Outside of the loss to Miami (who has a top 5 defense) I don't think an improved offense would have helped much. Even against Denver last night they lost because they gave up too many 3's.. which is an ongoing defensive issue not an issue because they don't pass the ball.

I knew Carroll would have been ineffective in this system.. but I think he was brought in more for his defense than his offense.. and he's been doing the right things there.

Casey isn't a long term coach for this franchise.. he's just not the right guy to go forward with.. but the lack of assists isn't bugging me.. what's irritating me is the number of minutes our guys are getting. That is going to backfire. Lowry especially needs rest.. and we have two capable PG's to help fill in to give him that rest. He doesn't need to be playing 37 minutes on a second game of a back to back against a lottery team. They lost anyway so what was the point?

This team goes as far as Lowry takes it. Keeping Lowry healthy should be the #1 priority for Casey.. nothing else really matters.

[slaw]

Kings have Rondo, who is "pass-first" by necessity and also a gifted passer. Plus the Kings can play inside-out with Cousins, who is an above average passer for a big man. So, yeah, as you said I think it comes back to the coaching & decision-making of the guys who have the ball the most (e.g. Lowry & DD), who are almost always in attack mode.

The coaching instruction part is probably reflected most in CoJo who looks like a completely different player, even from pre-season to just 20 games in. Great for him, but it's not necessarily benefiting the shooters.

They are supposed to always be in attack mode. Every guy who catches is supposed to be in attack mode first and foremost. That's the whole point of the offense. Supposed to benefit shooters because the driving lanes need to be closed (help! help!) and the shooters get open looks on kick outs or, if they get closed out, they attack their gaps and (help! help!). And so forth until you get a layup/dunk or a three, which is why the DDM is appealing cause it is designed to generate the type of shots analytics guys love - layups and threes. But part of the problem is that the Raps have too many predictable specialists for an offense that requires versatility and creativity.

[Axel]

They are supposed to always be in attack mode. Every guy who catches is supposed to be in attack mode first and foremost. That's the whole point of the offense. Supposed to benefit shooters because the driving lanes need to be closed (help! help!) and the shooters get open looks on kick outs or, if they get closed out, they attack their gaps and (help! help!). And so forth until you get a layup/dunk or a three, which is why the DDM is appealing cause it is designed to generate the type of shots analytics guys love - layups and threes. But part of the problem is that the Raps have too many predictable specialists for an offense that requires versatility and creativity.

Considering Casey's views on passing and turnovers, creativity is likely a big no-no despite it's necessity in the system.

[golden]

They are supposed to always be in attack mode. Every guy who catches is supposed to be in attack mode first and foremost. That's the whole point of the offense. Supposed to benefit shooters because the driving lanes need to be closed (help! help!) and the shooters get open looks on kick outs or, if they get closed out, they attack their gaps and (help! help!). And so forth until you get a layup/dunk or a three, which is why the DDM is appealing cause it is designed to generate the type of shots analytics guys love - layups and threes. But part of the problem is that the Raps have too many predictable specialists for an offense that requires versatility and creativity.

Tony Parker is in attack mode, but there's a mix between using his excellent penetration ability to break down the defense and open space for shooters vs. hunting for his own shot. With Lowry and DD especially, there's an additional element of trying to draw fouls by contact, which is actually kind of like a hyper attack mode. When the offence becomes predictable (like those repetitive DD ISOs in the 4th quarters) some of those forays end really badly (picture DD jump passing in the air to the nearest teammate, hopefully). And even though you might find an open shooter with the defense collapse, it's more like a broken play, with the shooter not really ready to shoot.

[Axel]

Tony Parker is in attack mode, but there's a mix between using his excellent penetration ability to break down the defense and open space for shooters vs. hunting for his own shot. With Lowry and DD especially, there's an additional element of trying to draw fouls by contact, which is actually kind of like a hyper attack mode. When the offence becomes predictable (like those repetitive DD ISOs in the 4th quarters) some of those forays end really badly (picture DD jump passing in the air to the nearest teammate, hopefully). And even though you might find an open shooter with the defense collapse, it's more like a broken play, with the shooter not really ready to shoot.

Also seems like the perimeter players don't cut/move for fear of not being able to get to the bail-out spots on the floor that the offensive dribbler will be looking for when they go up and have to make that desperation pass.

[Cody73]

To really drive the point home, Carroll's FG% the last 3 seasons were .460, .470 and .487. His FG% with us is .394. His ORtg is 98. It was 115, 113, and 117 the past 3 seasons. We're fucking killing him, because we suck smelly butthole at passing. The whole iso is the only way to score offense doesn't work for the vast majority of our team, and I'm fairly certain even Lowry and Derozan would benefit from a more assist heavy offense.

His foot is causing issues with the shot too (I see it everytime he lands) .... and isn't he also taking more inside chances with us than the Hawks?

[Lark Benson]

Some related stats

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That the lack of assists cannot be blamed on Ross, Patterson, Carroll missing their shots.
The lack of assists cannot be attributed to the number of times we get to the free throw line.
The lack of assists is simply because we do not pass the ball in a productive manner. We swing it around the perimeter until someone drives.

Our passing does not pressure the defence or lead to opportunities.

We dribble too much and don't get good looks because we don't pass well.

This is 100% on the system and the players within it.

#FireCasey now, because this will not work in the playoffs (again).

Those were some painful stats to digest, but I disagree with the conclusion that it's not on the players. I think it is, even if it's not necessarily their fault.

One thing San Antonio (Duncan, Diaw), Atlanta (Horford and Millsap), Golden State (Green, Bogut), Sacramento (Boogie), Boston (Amir, Sullinger and Olynyk), Milwaukee (Monroe) and Cleveland (Love and LeBron) all have in common aside from being the top 8 teams in total assists is that they've got bigs who can pass and are comfortable passing.

The Raps have JV, who is not a good passer and who tends to be a black hole. They've got Biyombo, who has no hands. They've got Patterson, who's job is to avoid the areas of the floor that a passing big is most effective, and you've got Scola who looks for his own first on the block and almost never demands a double.

You hit it on the head that the Raps just pass it around the perimeter and over-dribble, but what's the alternative? It might be ugly to watch, but they're playing to their strengths and frankly it's working. The Raps are 4th in offensive rating, 10th in TS% and yes, they're living at the line. But they're paid to win and I feel like right now they're consistently retreating back to what they know will probably work. Hard to blame them.

All that being said, I definitely agree that this offence won't work in the playoffs. The team needs to be dedicated to making plays for others first and themselves second instead of the reverse, and to actively seek out and create mismatches. Those are two things that veteran teams do when they're comfortable with each other and the Raps certainly aren't there yet. I think the slow starts are a symptom of not being able to generate the kind of easy, open looks that result from good passing or elite play-making (whether that's via drive and kick, posting, the gravity of shooting, etc). To me that's a personnel issue, even if it's compounded by Casey's lack of offensive imagination.

[Axel]

Those were some painful stats to digest, but I disagree with the conclusion that it's not on the players. I think it is, even if it's not necessarily their fault.

One thing San Antonio (Duncan, Diaw), Atlanta (Horford and Millsap), Golden State (Green, Bogut), Sacramento (Boogie), Boston (Amir, Sullinger and Olynyk), Milwaukee (Monroe) and Cleveland (Love and LeBron) all have in common aside from being the top 8 teams in total assists is that they've got bigs who can pass and are comfortable passing.

The Raps have JV, who is not a good passer and who tends to be a black hole. They've got Biyombo, who has no hands. They've got Patterson, who's job is to avoid the areas of the floor that a passing big is most effective, and you've got Scola who looks for his own first on the block and almost never demands a double.

You hit it on the head that the Raps just pass it around the perimeter and over-dribble, but what's the alternative? It might be ugly to watch, but they're playing to their strengths and frankly it's working. The Raps are 4th in offensive rating, 10th in TS% and yes, they're living at the line. But they're paid to win and I feel like right now they're consistently retreating back to what they know will probably work. Hard to blame them.

All that being said, I definitely agree that this offence won't work in the playoffs. The team needs to be dedicated to making plays for others first and themselves second instead of the reverse, and to actively seek out and create mismatches. Those are two things that veteran teams do when they're comfortable with each other and the Raps certainly aren't there yet. I think the slow starts are a symptom of not being able to generate the kind of easy, open looks that result from good passing or elite play-making (whether that's via drive and kick, posting, the gravity of shooting, etc). To me that's a personnel issue, even if it's compounded by Casey's lack of offensive imagination.

Nice response.

I think Scola is a pretty good passer from the post but I don't think that the lack of passing big men is enough to justify being nearly dead last in most categories. Those teams you mentioned are the top and yes, to go from good to great, having a passing big would be important. But we are tied with Lakers (Kobe, Lou and Nick Young), Utah (lost Exum before season and are bringing their only true PG off the bench - Trey Burke) and Detroit (terrible shooting team that largely generates offence by crashing the glass with Drummond).

We have enough skilled passers (we play two PG lineups a lot) that we should be better than last or nearly last.

I'd also question the line about players "retreating to what they know will probably work". Players are paid to execute, not dictate the strategy and system. Considering how poor last season ended, I would hope the players are smart enough to see what works and what doesn't. But at the end of the day, it's on the coach to get the players to look for the right plays. So either Casey is designing a flawed offence and deserves to be fired, or he isn't controlling the players and let's them do what they want - and deserves to be fired.

I agree that the slow starts are partially attributed to lack of good open looks. I think we do have the personnel on the team to get better looks and could better leverage the skills we have. Pick and roll where we actually pass to the roll man consistently would draw the defence in for more open looks on the perimeter. Patterson at PF would help spacing as well.

Once JV is back, I would also consider moving DD to the bench for either CoJo or Ross. Let Lowry and JV get going with a 2 man game early and then let DD do his thing with the 2nd unit (with Scola).

[OldSkoolCool]

Those were some painful stats to digest, but I disagree with the conclusion that it's not on the players. I think it is, even if it's not necessarily their fault.

One thing San Antonio (Duncan, Diaw), Atlanta (Horford and Millsap), Golden State (Green, Bogut), Sacramento (Boogie), Boston (Amir, Sullinger and Olynyk), Milwaukee (Monroe) and Cleveland (Love and LeBron) all have in common aside from being the top 8 teams in total assists is that they've got bigs who can pass and are comfortable passing.

On a related note, it is tough for someone like JV to pass the ball when he only gets 2 touches a half consistently