Everything Valanciunas

[raptors999]

How many low post centres have developed without a period where they were force fed the ball. Tim Duncan started as a PF so he doesn't count.

[JimiCliff]

He gets regularly double-teamed; he's absolutely a good third option right now

[charlesnba23]

Pf solution=Ed Davis

[rocwell]

Pf solution=Ed Davis

lakers love Ed

[charlesnba23]

So are we. And he has a player option of 1M$ for next year... he knows he's worth more than that.

[white men can't jump]

Ed Davis is not the answer. Don't be fooled by any numbers. He's still the exact same player with the exact same problems and limitations.

[white men can't jump]

He gets regularly double-teamed; he's absolutely a good third option right now

Not quite IMO. His game is improving, and he's just about there. His skill set is probably good enough, but we can expect it to still keep improving. It's more just the need for more reps, and the fact that the game is still too fast for him. That should make a huge difference, especially for handling the doubles you mention. Something he can be terrible with at times (though he's also shown good signs too, and yeah, just needs more reps/time).

Could even feasibly be a 2nd option type player. Not sure he can ever be the 1st option on a contender though.

[raptors999]

Not quite IMO. His game is improving, and he's just about there. His skill set is probably good enough, but we can expect it to still keep improving. It's more just the need for more reps, and the fact that the game is still too fast for him. That should make a huge difference, especially for handling the doubles you mention. Something he can be terrible with at times (though he's also shown good signs too, and yeah, just needs more reps/time).

Could even feasibly be a 2nd option type player. Not sure he can ever be the 1st option on a contender though.

Unless Toronto gets Durant or Davis, JV could potentially be Toronto's most consistent ISO scorer. If JV can replace DD at 20+ ppg and 8 FTA he is a better choice. Late game JV is better as an ISO option then Demar, potentially.

[white men can't jump]

Unless Toronto gets Durant or Davis, JV could potentially be Toronto's most consistent ISO scorer. If JV can replace DD at 20+ ppg and 8 FTA he is a better choice. Late game JV is better as an ISO option then Demar, potentially.

He could be. He obviously would have to keep improving quite a bit, and perhaps most importantly become a much better passer to be a good #1 option. (Note: He could be our best or most effective scorer and still be better suited to a 2nd/3rd option role)

[raptors999]

He could be. He obviously would have to keep improving quite a bit, and perhaps most importantly become a much better passer to be a good #1 option. (Note: He could be our best or most effective scorer and still be better suited to a 2nd/3rd option role)

2nd or 3rd through 48 but late game closer in tight games. In tight games having a 60% FG 7 footer who can hit FT is really advantageous.

[Puffer]

...Could even feasibly be a 2nd option type player. Not sure he can ever be the 1st option on a contender though.

Centers who are first options on contending teams are God-like creatures.

[hotfuzz]

Pf solution=Ed Davis

Horrible spacing with ED, JV and DD in the same lineup.

[raptors999]

Horrible spacing with ED, JV and DD in the same lineup.

Raptors run Amir,JV and DD now. Its not exactly the opposite of a cluster.

[CNinja26]

Offensively, I like how JV is coming along. He's obviously not perfect, and the Raptors need to figure out a way to better incorporate him into the overall offense throughout a game, but when he is given the ball (and Lowry has been feeding him more lately), he's got a nice little post move and he's shooting a solid percentage. Would like to see him be more authoritative around the rim (he blows chippies) and have more confidence in that quick face-up jumper. Longer term, it would be great to see him develop his passing skills.

Defensively, JV is not good. He's flat-footed, slow on rotations, slow to help, has limited vertical for blocks and rim protection and competing for 50/50 rebounds. I also literally want to punch him in the face every time he bites at pump fakes and jumps in the air like a fool (like he's gonna block anyone) only for his guy to blow right by him for an easy layup/dunk. Glad to see him doing a better job on the boards as of late, though.

[BrydenB]

After the game against the Griz I still think (offensively at least), that JV can be as good as Gasol. That reliable jumper from 15 feet out would open up so much for JV. Gasol isn't an uber athlete or anything and he has become an amazing player on both sides of the floor. No reason JV can't end up as something similar.