With Jared Sullinger returning to full health, the always-topical power forward discussion has resurfaced for Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey.
Speaking to Dean Blundell & Co. on Sportsnet 590 The FAN Thursday morning, Casey admitted that Patrick Patterson is a sixth man for the Raptors, but he also claimed that the forward is still dealing with a knee issue.
“He is a sixth starter for our team,” said Casey. “He plays starter minutes, he’s a glue guy, he does so many things that the naked eye doesn’t see. He’s out there quarterbacking, telling guys what to do, where to be, talking on defence, communicating and doing the dirty work that the numbers on the charts don’t show.
“Right now, he’s not 100 per cent, his knee is still bothering him a little bit, but he’s playing through it.”
Casey went on to say that once Sullinger is ready, he will be the starting power forward for the Raptors.
Sullinger signed a one-year deal this past summer, but was ruled out indefinitely after he had foot surgery back in October. Casey said there’s still no timetable for a return.
“He’s still doing a lot of movement and a lot of working out,” said Casey. “He hasn’t really gone five-on-five at all yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, we’ll get a better timeline and see where he is and when he is going to come back.”
Pascal Siakam, who has played in 35 of the Raptors’ 38 games this season, has shared minutes at power forward along with Patterson. Even though Siakam has dealt with a heavier workload than he expected in his rookie campaign, Casey is adamant that this will serve the 22-year-old well in the future.”
“The games he’s started really are going to help propel his career and his experience and development,” Casey said. “That’s part of our job as coaches to develop young players and give them an opportunity when he can, but at the same time, winning.
“It’s a very difficult thing to do is to play young players and to win at the same time in this league.”
The Raptors currently lie in second place in the Eastern Conference, three games back of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
