With the regular season fast approaching, Sportsnet’s panel of Raptors & NBA experts will be answering the burning questions heading into the 2015-16 campaign. In this edition of the Raptors Roundtable:
What role do you envision Terrence Ross having on this team? And will he recover from a down year last season?
Steven Loung, associate editor: I see Ross moving into his natural shooting guard role as DeRozan’s primary backup. This shift will lead to him finally taking a noticeable step forward from his rookie season — which, I guess, could count as a breakout year.
Evan Rosser, senior editor: I think he’s DeRozan’s backup at the two, and obviously won’t average the 25-26 minutes a game he has the past two seasons. He shot just 40 percent coming off the bench last year, which isn’t great, but he was lights out from beyond the arc in those games. Recovering from a down year could just mean finding a nice niche for himself as a second-unit threat.
Eric Smith, analyst & radio voice: With Greivis Vasquez and Lou Williams gone — and Patterson potentially starting — there isn’t a lot of offence in the 2nd unit (Joseph can score, but he’ll likely be relied upon for his playmaking and defence more than anything else). Ross added some muscle in the off season as well so, in theory, he should be adept at getting into the lane and taking contact in addition to continuing his tendency to look for his outside shot.
Craig Battle, senior editor: His pre-season defensive-stats totals are good, but based on this small sample size his offence doesn’t look to have recovered from last year—he’s still taking too many shots off-the-dribble and he’s not hitting his catch-and-shoots.
Paul Jones, analyst & radio voice: Terrence has to be a scorer off the bench and become a better defender and rebounder. If he is healthy, and we don’t know how hurt he was last year, he will have a better year. There is lots of talent. He has to start using it to benefit the team.
Dave Zarum, NBA editor: Take this for what it’s worth, but there’s a noticeable difference in Ross’s demeanor since the start of training camp. Speaking to him, he seems more sure of himself than last season (when he admitted his inconsistent minutes were an ongoing frustration) and comfortable with his place on the team. It’s hardly scientific evidence, but I think coming into 2015-16 with a fully-defined role is going to make an immense difference.
Michael Hoad: Carroll’s arrival has bumped Ross to the second unit where he will become the best offensive weapon in a mostly defensive group. Ross has proven to be deadly from three-point range, but Toronto needs its young wing player to expand his game by creating off the dribble and, more importantly, use his athleticism to drive to the basket.