While the Raptors have primarily been linked to centers on the trade market, Eric Koreen of The Athletic believes they could use additional shooting around Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram more than a big man.
As Koreen writes, Toronto has looked particularly overmatched this season against New York, which has multiple wing defenders capable of slowing down Ingram and Barnes. The Raptors went just 7-of-26 from three-point range in Wednesday’s loss to the Knicks, and are currently 24th in the NBA in three-point attempts and makes per game and 27th in three-point percentage (34.2%).
“We took only one three in that (third) quarter, and that’s not sustainable,” head coach Darko Rajakovic said. “You cannot play against great teams and win (like that).”
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Michael Porter Jr. views the summer trade that sent him from Denver to Brooklyn as a win-win for both the Nuggets and the Nets, tweets Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “I would say it’s a very unique situation where I think both organizations and both teams kind of benefited from the trade,” Porter said. “I don’t look back at it with any saltiness toward the (Nuggets) organization or anything. I think they got a lot of trading me. They got not only Cam (Johnson), but (Jonas) Valanciunas, Bruce (Brown), Tim Hardaway Jr., who’s playing amazing. … I think it’s cool. … So it probably is one of those unique trades where it kind of worked out for everybody.” The 6’10” forward made those comments on Thursday ahead of his first game in Denver as an opposing player, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Porter finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, but he was disappointed that Brooklyn’s comeback bid came up short. “There was a little motivation,” Porter said. “We should’ve pulled it out, though. I felt like I missed a couple shots I should’ve made down the stretch.”
- Bulls big man Jalen Smith experienced tightness in his right calf during Thursday’s loss to Miami, per Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic (Twitter link). Smith, who has been starting recently, was ruled out after just 15 minutes of action. However, the injury doesn’t appear serious — he’s listed as questionable for Saturday’s rematch with the Heat.
- The two-way contract Tristan Enaruna signed with the Cavaliers this week covers two seasons, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link). The Dutch forward has been a key contributor at the G League level this season for Cleveland’s affiliate team, the Charge.
Raptors are playing well. They don’t scare any top team in East. Raptors should play Gradey more if they want more three point shooting. What else did they get him for. Top Teams in East have good bigs. Poeltl is not enough especially on defense. They should be looking for a center.
Why? It’s not like Dick is a sharpshooter or anything. .348 for his career and .317 on the season.
Really you need to ask …. .317 is not good. He is much better than that. That’s why you use him.
They drafted him cause he was a shooter 40.3%.
I do have to ask. He’s never shown it at the NBA level. .365 rookie/.350 sophomore/.317 this season. His rookie season was acceptable but he’s gotten worse since. They made a mistake and they’re moving past it.
Anything over 34% in NBA is considered good. Over 37% is very good. And ov r 40% is considered the best. He shot over 40% in college. He gas a great stroke. He has great size and mechanics. He is in the NBA cause he can shoot. So why wouldn’t you play him if you need shooters. Read his scouting report.
The East is starting to round into shape. I don’t expect Raptors to stay at top 4. If they make a good trade. They could make noise in playoffs.
Celtics can also use a center for a playoff run. Especially if Tatum is coming back. I don’t see them trading Simons. He is fitting well there imo.
Knicks are back in 2nd place. Have we noticed. Spanked the Blazers tonight. Towns with 20 reb in 30 mins. Finally found a way to help when not scoring.
There is only one reason not to trade Mitch next week. And that’s cause Knicks are still not sure about Towns. So they will hold out one more playoffs. Depending on how it plays out. They can move Towns or sign Mitch next year. So if this true.
Then I want Achiuwa and Westbrook from Kings.
Yabusele, Kolek, 2nd rd pick.
MPJ has been a class act since the trade. I’m a Nuggets fan, and he’s right, it worked out for both parties. I’m glad to see him excel as the main guy.
Poetl, Quickley, Mogbo and 2 firsts for Sabonis, Ellis and Monk