Nothin' But Nets
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Nets: Analyzing Possible Playoff Opponent Toronto Raptors

By Colin Braun

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on January 04, 2020 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Nets 121-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on January 04, 2020 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Nets 121-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Pascal Siakam #43 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Pascal Siakam #43 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

The Starters

A lot of people expected the Raptors to take a substantial step back this season following the departure of Leonard. However, the remaining starters showed just how much talent is still on this roster. Let’s start with the reigning Most Improved Player, Pascal Siakam, who has exceeded expectations once again.

Siakam is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. He’s seamlessly become the franchise star, and even with all the defensive attention set on him, his shooting efficiency has hardly dipped from last season. Throughout the year, Taurean Prince was assigned to guard him, but he’ll miss the restart so the Nets will have to adjust.

The younger member of the backcourt, Fred VanVleet was a playoff hero for the Raptors last season and has blossomed even further this season. In his first full year as a starter, the Wichita State product is averaging nearly 18 points and 7 assists, well up from any previous year.

It’s worth noting, though, he’s playing 8 more minutes per game so naturally the stats will rise. VanVleet is a combo guard, meaning he can play the point or be off the ball. He’s more of a scorer than a passer, and can be absolutely lethal from deep if he gets hot. The Nets would be wise not to forget about him, as both the Warriors and Bucks learned the hard way.

Of course, the offense is led by veteran point guard and six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry. The Villanova product is scoring more this season, and shooting much better from downtown. While he’s more equipped to drive and kick, Lowry is more than capable of hitting outside shots off the ball or dribble.

The point guard position will be the X-factor in a potential playoff series, now with Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyrie Irving officially done for the year. Siakam is too talented for the Nets to completely shut down, but Lowry must be neutralized. Caris LeVert really needs to bring his A-game on defense.

The other two starters will most likely Gasol and lengthy defender OG Anunoby. Before being dealt to Toronto last year, Gasol was a former Defensive Player of the Year in Memphis, and was the anchor of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies. He’s no slouch offensively either, and has expanded his game to beyond the 3-point line.

However, he’s in the twilight of his career, and at times his age shows on both sides of the ball, something Jarrett Allen may be able to exploit. Anunoby is arguably the Raptors’ best perimeter defender, and in the matchups with Brooklyn this year he was assigned to LeVert. These two will never be the top options on offense, but are crucial to what Toronto does defensively.