[https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KWZMWtf19oc7I6wCiHAuq?si=YdMb1okHRjqXkRz\_1lNi1w&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A7h1JJsyZOwpuzwgn9ruRMe](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KWZMWtf19oc7I6wCiHAuq?si=YdMb1okHRjqXkRz_1lNi1w&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A7h1JJsyZOwpuzwgn9ruRMe)
(August 17, 2022)
Matt Devlin and Paul Jones discuss the Raptors upcoming season; year 3 Scottie, NBA scouts love Gradey & more.
Some notes from the pod:
* A lot of the questions from last year still remain
* Bench appears to be better with Schröder, Mcdaniels, Boucher, etc
* *Believes Scottie will start at PG as the initiator over Dennis*
* Raptors really want the ball in Scottie’s hands
* League moving towards positionless basketball, Scottie can handle the point
* Still 3 contract questions in Gary, OG, Pascal
* How the team starts may determine which direction they decide to go. Jonesy agrees
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* *The big thing this season will be the progression of Scottie in year 3 with the ball in his hands*
* Can look at last season as a growth year for him; down year for the team
* If Scottie takes this step forward – that everybody believes skill set wise he can do it – passing, ability to involve others, all of that – if he can add some shooting, that will really elevate the team
* Can’t forget about first round of playoffs vs 76ers when Scottie was playing versus when they were without him, big difference maker
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* *Another important development piece is Precious*
* If he wants to be a wing, has he developed a skill set to be that guy? Or is he the player Miami thought he was as an undersized big?
* Last year Precious was injured in the middle of the season, poor timing (Jonesy)
* Has shown flashes, Matt thinks he can have a very long career as an undersized 4 or 5 who can stretch the floor and be a 10 and 10 guy
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* Otto Porter Jr can be plugged in 10-15 minutes a night – that’s what he was with Golden State
* Important piece especially around Scottie and his development
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* *Gradey will be on the main roster and play a lot. Not in the 905*
* Raptors need his shooting and it’s part of the development
* 3pt shooting can’t all be on him
* Has talked to some NBA scouts who really like Dick. He’s confident, forgets about the last play – important qualities for a shooter
* *Talked to NBA scouts who say you’ve got this pair with Barnes and Dick, think about what they can be*
* *That’s kind of the standpoint of the FO too, thinking what do we do here. Can go this direction towards these two really good young players*
They also discuss the Raptors development over the past few years, how the Raptors are in a transition period, coaching staff, comparing the upcoming season to the 2019 team in terms of acceptance+definition of roles, and more.
by Plantedballer
3 Comments
Who is getting benched if Gradey is playing a lot? They aren’t running 12 man units on the regular
100% Grady is playing a lot, anyone who doesn’t think so is fooling themselves. He is elite at our biggest weakness, and he has a bit more in his bag. Based on last seasons play he will be given an opportunity over Boucher and Precious, who are a bit more redundant on this roster.
His biggest question mark is defence, as long as he is not TERRIBLE, he will be given plenty of run.
they will for sure prioritize development over winning imo.
if we can do both at the same time then that’s the dream