"An innovative head coach of the Toronto Raptors is trying to win around the edges by hacking the possession game. The front office turns roster imbalance into a supposed strength, doubling down on length and strength and defensive structure while shrugging at the need for individual creation. The point guard is a shooting specialist who perhaps is limited at driving and creating for others, at least when compared to other starting point guards around the league."
"By the time the first half had wrapped up, CMB was leading the Raptors in points, rebounds, steals, and should've been in assists if not for shoddy shot-making by the roster around him. He was ever present defensively, popping up in the lane to play goalie against would be drivers, stepping out on ball handlers above the break to act as a guardrail; and overwhelming whatever offensive player had the bad luck of stumbling into his midst."
Toronto Raptors construct a roster that emphasizes length, strength, and defensive structure while deprioritizing individual creation and outside shooting. The point guard operates primarily as a shooting specialist with limited driving and playmaking compared to other starting guards. Wings across positions two through four provide versatile perimeter defense but contribute inconsistently as shooters. The center spot offers no reliable shooting threat. The team replicates an earlier Raptors blueprint by leaning on collective defense and physicality rather than creation. CMB emerges as a multifaceted presence, leading in points, rebounds, and steals, jumpstarting possessions with rebounds, deflections, and consistent defensive coverage.
Read at Raptors Republic
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