The Toronto Raptors, according to head coach Dwane Casey, were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season when it came to protecting the rim. He noted that, while Toronto did a decent job running teams off the three-point line, his club struggled too often with the opposition getting into the lane and getting straight to the rim. Thus, the likes of Jonas Valanciunas will have to raise the level of defensive awareness.
“It’s timing (and) measuring the speed of how fast that guy is getting there,” Casey said. “That’s what I’ve always said about Jonas, (you) have to measure the speed of the NBA. How quick do I have to get there to have an impact on the ball? In fact, we call it ‘do the Hibbert’ because he (Roy Hibbert) is one of the best in the league at doing that.”
For his part, Valanciunas knows he has to step it up as well. The young centre was busy this summer – not only putting in work with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, but leading the Lithuanian national team at the World Cup of Basketball, as well. He feels more ready than ever before to help Toronto on both ends of the floor, but he acknowledges and values the importance of simply stopping the ball.
“This is a priority,” Valanciunas said of Casey’s plea for more defence. “I’m the big man in the middle. I’m going to protect the paint (and) protect the rim. It’s a big job for me.”
Valanciunas also spent a good chunk of his off-season working with a running coach at the University of Oregon, trying to improve his overall fitness and speed. The principles learned could be a major asset, according to Casey.
“I think that a lot of times you can expend so much energy by using too much of your arms and flailing all over the place and not going anywhere,” he said. “That was one of the main things (for Jonas): run lighter, more efficient (and) tighten your arms tighter to your body…a lot of those technique things more than anything else.”
Casey jokingly added: “(Jonas) is running better. He’s getting there (and) he’s getting faster (but) I don’t think he’s like Usain Bolt yet!”
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SICK BAY
The daily update on bumps and bruises includes … nobody. Casey said he’s happy to report that everyone is healthy thus far and it has made for a productive and competitive camp.
Much like the comments that came from DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry Wednesday, Casey noted that having his core group back – and healthy – has afforded the Raptors a chance to focus on the season ahead much quicker than ever before.
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DAILY DOSE OF VANCOUVER
Toronto’s charter landed in Vancouver on Tuesday evening. The team then went through two-a-days on both Wednesday and Thursday. So, there hasn’t been a ton of time for the players or coaches to explore the local sights and sounds.
However, if Casey had his druthers, the Raptors would be returning to the west coast more often in the future.
“I’ve always said that – Seattle and Vancouver – both (should have teams),” Casey said. “I think this is a great basketball city – so is Seattle. I think those two cities – the fans there – are second only to Toronto as far as their fans are concerned. Both cities are passionate about basketball and I think we’ll see it Sunday when we play here (in Vancouver).”
The Raptors ‘host’ Sacramento at Rogers Arena (7 p.m. ET, Sunday).
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HOW’S THE ROOKIE DOING?
Bruno Caboclo was standing by himself in the corner of the gym, his practice jersey dangling off one hand and his backpack in the other.
“I worked this summer – all summer – but it’s still difficult,” he said of his first few days of training camp. “It’s more intense and everybody is stronger and more focused.”
The youngster, whose ridiculously long wingspan is legit (I can verify it…from standing right beside him and chatting for five minutes), sighed and smiled when talking about his experiences thus far.
“It’s very hard,” he said. “James Johnson and Kyle Lowry (have) helped me a lot. The team is very hungry to begin the season.”