Raptors Offseason: Week 3

 

During the Lebron James’ free agency frenzy the Raptors kept relatively quiet. They had already re-signed their key free agents and made a couple of trades so it was to be expected that the Raptors management did not make any noteworthy moves during the last week. Even though Masai Uriji kept quiet, the team was active from a different standpoint. The Las Vegas Summer League was ongoing the last week and the Raptors were participating. Findings and announcements made outside of the organisation were also discovered and announced throughout the week.

 

Las Vegas Summer League

The Raptors were one of many NBA teams participating in the annual Las Vegas Summer League. Last season all eyes were on incoming second year players, Terrence Ross and Jonas Valanciunas, but this year, anyone who was watching the Raptors summer league squad had their eyes on the rookie Bruno Caboclo. The Raptors summer team as a whole might’ve finished with a not so impressive record of 2-3 but Caboclo impressed all who watched. The young Brazilian played five games and recorded averages of 11.4 PPG, 3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.2 BPG in only an average of 26 minutes per game (via nba.com). Caboclo displayed an impressive defensive side of his game that could allow him to receive some spot minutes in the NBA this year. His incredible wingspan was on display and it allowed him to do things on both sides of the court that most couldn’t imagine doing. He also displayed an ability to handle the ball very well and his shooting stroke from behind the three point line looks promising. Overall, it was a very promising summer league for the young Raptors rookie. Other future Raptors who were participating were DeAndre Daniels, the team’s 2014 second round pick, and Lucas Nogueira who was acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Both of these prospects impressed during their time in Vegas.

 

DeMar DeRozan

Derozan was invited to the USA’s national training camp for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. A wonderful accomplishment for the young all-star.

 

Jonas Valanciunas

Valanciunas was arrested in April before playoffs and drinking and driving charges ensued. Those past charges have now been dropped leaving the Raptors big man without any legal issues to worry about. This is clearly a positive for the team and Valanciunas and it is unknown whether or not the NBA will punish Valanciunas or not.

 

With no official changes made by the Raptors organisation, it was a quiet week on the managerial side of things. Bruno Caboclo made some positive strides on the court, DeMar DeRozan had a positive announcement off of it, and Jonas Valanciunas received some great legal news. Zero negatives and a few positives involving the Toronto Raptors wraps up another good week for the team.