We've been reading a little in the FIBA thread, about improvements in DeMar's defense. There have also been some mentions of JV showing up on D in the friendlies. In the last half of the season Ross seemed to come into his own as a defender. And then the organization picked up JJ.
So I started wondering a bit about who would emerge as most improved in their defensive play, and who would ultimately be the Raptor's stopper?
It's waaaay to early to start talking about the "block brothers" in this conversation, so I think I will leave the Raps two rookies out of the convo.
Last season JV showed he was able to play pretty good "D" within the system, especially later in the season. His increased strength was a big help. In this off-season he appears to have gotten stronger, and added a little weight, without affecting his speed. Doe he emerge as the post presence everyone hoped he would become?
Lots of surprised comments about DeMar's defense playing for Team USA. Will it carry over into the regular season? Have his improved offensive skills (dribbling, post game and jab step) and possibly better usage by Casey, along with improved scoring from the rest of the team put him onto a position where he will have more energy on the other end?
Casey has praised the team for getting back to a better defensive effort. Will he put more focus on Ross and require him to continue and even improve on his D?
Landry Fields, most would agree, was the number one choice to shutdown the opponents best offensive weapon. But his "O" game has been flawed, and now James Johnson is on-board. I remember James as a defensive wizard whenever his mind was engaged. Does he step into that spot now?
Lot's of reason to expect better defensive play on the part of the Raptors. Does it happen, and who steps up? Inquiring minds want to know.
So I started wondering a bit about who would emerge as most improved in their defensive play, and who would ultimately be the Raptor's stopper?
It's waaaay to early to start talking about the "block brothers" in this conversation, so I think I will leave the Raps two rookies out of the convo.
Last season JV showed he was able to play pretty good "D" within the system, especially later in the season. His increased strength was a big help. In this off-season he appears to have gotten stronger, and added a little weight, without affecting his speed. Doe he emerge as the post presence everyone hoped he would become?
Lots of surprised comments about DeMar's defense playing for Team USA. Will it carry over into the regular season? Have his improved offensive skills (dribbling, post game and jab step) and possibly better usage by Casey, along with improved scoring from the rest of the team put him onto a position where he will have more energy on the other end?
Casey has praised the team for getting back to a better defensive effort. Will he put more focus on Ross and require him to continue and even improve on his D?
Landry Fields, most would agree, was the number one choice to shutdown the opponents best offensive weapon. But his "O" game has been flawed, and now James Johnson is on-board. I remember James as a defensive wizard whenever his mind was engaged. Does he step into that spot now?
Lot's of reason to expect better defensive play on the part of the Raptors. Does it happen, and who steps up? Inquiring minds want to know.
Comment