DeRozan or Stephenson

[torch19]

i do not doubt his work ethic, hunger to win etc. still doesn't take away from the fact that stephenson is playing way better (yes they have different roles on their respective teams, but i'd have to say stephenson is playing out his specific role way better than derozan is)

Can't say I disagree with that. Lance is making the most of his opportunity in Indiana. He has more talent than DeMar overall. I just wanna reward the guy because he's been loyal to our franchise & he works his ass off to improve every single year. What he lacks in talent, he makes up for with his work ethic.

Like I said, I'm biased but realistically, both guys should make it. I see no reason why Afflalo gets the nod when you have these two producing for winning teams.

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[MACK11]

I know the question is Lance or Derozan but I'm pretty confident that they are both going to get in because Afflalo isn't gonna get in over any of them

[Axel]

He's 7th on the team in USG% - behind Granger and Chris Copeland, though they are limited minutes players. So he is indeed the 5th option on their team. Just because so few of his possessions end in TO or FT's, and he's second on the team in minutes, his FGA's are inflated relative to his usage.

That doesn't make sense. How are his FGA inflated relative to his usage? He takes the 2nd most shots on the team and averages more than 5 APG. That says he isn't just the fifth option but rather an important cog in the offence.

[torch19]

I think of it as "which guy would be harder to replace?" or "which player would the team do worse without?".

For me, it's a no-brainer that Lowry is the engine that drives the Raptors. The Raps have depth that can replace DeRozan more readily than Lowry.

I agree with this. I was simply making my choice between Stephenson & DeRozan.

[iblastoff]

He's leading the team in scoring, that's something. But in terms of what you're getting at, I agree that Lowry is the voice of reason in the locker room.

BUT, can you honestly admit that DeMAr's focus, work ethic & hunger to win doesn't qualify as leadership? Maybe he's not the most vocal of the bunch, but really? Cmon man!

i do not doubt his work ethic, hunger to win etc. still doesn't take away from the fact that stephenson is playing way better (yes they have different roles on their respective teams, but i'd have to say stephenson is playing out his specific role way better than derozan is)

[iblastoff]

Has this been mentioned: Stephenson's coach, Vogel will also be coaching the East AS. He would have much say in the selection I suspect. Hope they both can go.

well coaches can't pick their own teams players, but yah im sure some influence is there.

[CalgaryRapsFan]

He's leading the team in scoring, that's something. But in terms of what you're getting at, I agree that Lowry is the voice of reason in the locker room.

BUT, can you honestly admit that DeMAr's focus, work ethic & hunger to win doesn't qualify as leadership? Maybe he's not the most vocal of the bunch, but really? Cmon man!

I think of it as "which guy would be harder to replace?" or "which player would the team do worse without?".

For me, it's a no-brainer that Lowry is the engine that drives the Raptors. The Raps have depth that can replace DeRozan more readily than Lowry.

[torch19]

demar isn't leading anything. lowry is clearly the leader of the team, establishing tone by his play.

He's leading the team in scoring, that's something. But in terms of what you're getting at, I agree that Lowry is the voice of reason in the locker room.

BUT, can you honestly admit that DeMAr's focus, work ethic & hunger to win doesn't qualify as leadership? Maybe he's not the most vocal of the bunch, but really? Cmon man!

[Bendit]

Has this been mentioned: Stephenson's coach, Vogel will also be coaching the East AS. He would have much say in the selection I suspect. Hope they both can go.

[Edgar]

Anyone saying this is a no-contest either way is over-exaggerating or plain wrong. These are two borderline all-stars that have different strengths but are in the same league of talent.

I think it will be Derozan - simply because this is picked by coaches and I think Stephenson's defensive credit will be over-shadowed by attitude, history, contract situation, the consideration of team defensive system/help (Hibbert "verticality" non calls), and his showy and often bone-headed plays (the highlight assist from last night had a handful of bumbling near unforced turnovers - he clearly tries to do too much). If Stephenson gets picked it will be primarily based on the team record differential.

[DanH]

huh that's interesting. i figured West and Hibbert would get more touches for sure.

He's 7th on the team in USG% - behind Granger and Chris Copeland, though they are limited minutes players. So he is indeed the 5th option on their team. Just because so few of his possessions end in TO or FT's, and he's second on the team in minutes, his FGA's are inflated relative to his usage.

[iblastoff]

I'm so biased so I'm taking DeMar. I like what he stands for - work ethic and overall attitude. I feel that he needs this to validate all the work he's put in & the fact that he's handling the role of #1 option on a winning team.

Stephenson has ridiculous talent but I don't like the way he carries himself & I feel that Indiana deserves credit for getting the best out of him. He has JR Smith attitude & if I'm picking an all star, I want one who best represents a role model.

Talent wise, Stephenson has it (more than DeMar). But in terms of who deserves it, I'll give it to DeMar since I value attitude, work ethic and leadership.

Realistically, both should make it unless coaches really value what Afflalo is doing down in Orlando.

demar isn't leading anything. lowry is clearly the leader of the team, establishing tone by his play.

[Axel]

huh that's interesting. i figured West and Hibbert would get more touches for sure.

Touches (aka Usage) yes, but Stephenson gets a lot of shots. Partially because defences will inevitably throw doubles at Hibbert and West in the post. George leads the way in shots (I think 17 per game) but West and Stephenson are 2nd at 11.1 and 11.0 per game.

I think if people watched more Pacers game, the individual players would be appreciated a lot more than they currently are. They operate different roles than most teams and execute an old school style of hoops.

[ceez]

Lance is 3rd in total FGA on the Pacers this year and is only 0.1 less per game than 2nd on the team. Not sure the 5th option label really applies. Fact is, the dude has produced on offence with efficient scoring and play-making and plays great D.

huh that's interesting. i figured West and Hibbert would get more touches for sure.

[OldSkoolCool]

Would this guy have washed out if not for being on a team like the Pacers?

This has been covered on Grantland as well. I think almost all media sources believe that he wouldn't be the player he is now if he got drafted by any other franchise.

He had a ton of talent, but he had even more problems both on the court and off the court that without strong personalities around him to help him grow over 3 YEARS, he would be out of the league for sure.

IMO, not only the Pacers, but the Spurs and the Heat (LBJ)could have also helped him become what he is. Shows how important the front office/player development is...