Preseason Update: By the Numbers and What To Watch For

The Raptors are four games into the preseason and are sitting at a 2-2 record. What can we take away from the 2009 Raptors first games? Lets check out the numbers from the games. Of course, keep in mind this is the preseason and not actual basketball.

The Numbers

A key issue for BC in the offseason was toughness on the defensive end, especially when it came to rebounding. Thus far it seems that the same old Raps are coming out on the boards. They were beat on the glass in two of four games and are a combined -10 on the glass. In a conference of superstar forwards and centres, the importance of limiting second chance points will be crucial towards Raptor success this season.

Another point of stress for The Architect was defense. In the first 4 games, Raptor opponents are shooting on average 45.1% from the field and have scored an average of just under 101 points per game. This is very similar to the Raps 2008-09 numbers, as they gave up just under 102 points per game and allowed opponents to shoot 46.5% from the field. Oh yes, and the Raptors also allowed the 76ers to shoot 64% from three point land (J-Killa had 12 points on 4-6 from three, in case you were interested).

Save for one outing, the Raptor offense has shown little sign of weakness (even without Hedo). The Dinos are averaging just over 97 points per game on 44% from the field. Andrea Bargnani, largely considered to be the Raptors x-factor for success this season, is averaging 16 points in about 22 minutes per game.

W2W4:
Pleasant Surprises and Position Battles
The preseason has taken a more interesting turn for the Raptors this season. Why? Because with the influx of new players, (almost) nobody has a guaranteed rotation spot. Players like Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems, Marco Belinelli, and DeMar DeRozan have all began the preseason with a spark, trying to catch Jay Triano's eye.

To be honest, I was (and still am) confused at where Amir Johnson would fit into a Raptors lineup which had a veteran backup centre and a fierce backup power forward. However Amir is putting on a show in the preseason, averaging 8 points per game and 8 rebounds per game in just over 20 minutes per game. If Amir can keep up the energy off the bench and solid production, he may just find himself in the rotation.

Sonny Weems has been a pleasant surprise in my eyes. Coming off the bench for the first two games and then starting the last two, Sonny has scored over 10 points in three of is four outings.

Perhaps my favourite addition of the summer, Marco Belinelli has not disappointed so far. Marco has averaged just under 12 points per game thus far. I'd take that for Devean George.

To top off the seemingly crowded wing position is DeMar DeRozan (pictured above, pun definitely intended). DMDR is doing some special things on the court this preseason, including a 19 point outing in Washington. However, I am most impressed with DMDR's persistence in taking the ball to the rim. He is averaging 4.25 free throw attempts per game. Oh yeah, and he can dunk too.

The Raptors' next game is Wednesday, as they fly into Hartford to play the Celtics. Hedo Turkoglu is expected to make his Raptor debut.