Despite this, Raptor fans still have that one big question on their minds. Which shooting guard will Herbie Kuhn say when he announces the starting lineups on October 28th? Will it be DeMaaaaaaaaar DeRoooooooozan? Marrrrrrrrrcooooo Bellllllllinellllllli? Antooooooooine Wrrrrrrrrrright?
This is actually a pretty tough question, and I don't think we'll know until perhaps the pre-season. DeMar DeRozan has a very bright future ahead of him, but he needs more time to put the pieces together. Will he be ready to take on a starting role? Antoine Wright could also start, considering his exceptional defense. But does he have the shot consistency to be a starter? Marco Belinelli could also start, but I think the chances are slim. While he's talented, I don't think his defense is acceptable in a starting role. I think he's a guy who will give the Raptors a big boost off the bench.
In my opinion, it's a toss up between Antoine Wright and DeMar DeRozan. For the first few games, I wouldn't be surprised if DeRozan and Wright switch on and off for the starting position (DeRozan starts one game, comes off the bench next game....) But when it's all said and done, I think DeRozan will be full time starter at some point in the season. If he's not, I think he'll be considered as a somewhat bust, given his high draft pick and potential.
Whoever comes off the bench, however, will give the Raptors a big boost, and will contribute immediately. Bryan Colangelo has put together a great bench, and it's one of the big reasons why the Raptors will be successful next season.
While DeRozan could backup Hedo at the SF spot, I'm thinking the starting SG is his to lose. With the only lack of depth at the SF spot, inserting Wright here puts a veteran on the floor when Hedo needs a rest and opens up minutes for the combination of DeRozan, Belinelli, and Jack at the 2. It's easy to forget Jack plays both guard spots and at $5m per season, it'll be hard to keep him off the floor for at least 12-14 additional minutes at the 2. If DeRozan plays 20-24 minutes, that only leaves 10-16 minutes for Belinelli. Wright will be hoping DeRozan and Belinelli (GM's picks) don't have break out type seasons or he could be DNP-CD. But what a luxury to have a player like Wright when one is trying to develop 2 young players at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think DeRozan will start too, but I think it'll be a matter of how ready he is to have such a big role.
ReplyDeleteI actually think Wright is a little underrated. He's an exceptional defender, and I think, like you said, it'll be nice to have him off the bench.