"When the Raptors lost their Austrian Hammer (Jakob Poeltl) and had to improvise with unorthodox tools at the centre position (Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles) they discovered that they didn't have an awkward implement, but rather a new super tool (a nail gun? A small boulder the size of a large boulder?) that has driven nails (done big-man stuff) just as well."
"Sandro Mamukelashvili has occupied the role of backup five for the better part of the season, but his playstyle is well outside that of a typical big man. His greatest strength is shooting or driving out of spot ups, and he is average (again, for his position) or worse at rebounding, screening, and protecting the rim. He's more of a skilled forward in centre's clothes."
A lack of a traditional center forced the Raptors to use Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles at the five, creating a small-ball frontcourt of undersized but versatile players. The team has remained around .500 during the experiment, relying on unique skill sets and a minutes-winning rookie. Sandro Mamukelashvili provides backup center minutes but plays more like a skilled forward who shoots and drives out of spot-ups rather than rebounding, screening, or rim protecting. Barnes and Murray-Boyles offer a more pronounced paint presence on both ends. The lineup demanded role adjustments and revealed an unexpected competitive advantage.
Read at Raptors Republic
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