This topic contains 8 replies, has 5 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar thparadox 11 years, 5 months ago.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 7:43am #58869
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    kerrst
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     Raptors fans have been talking about it for a while but in Toronto’s last game analyst Jack Armstrong brought up a great point about making 2 changes to the starting lineup.

    Has James Johnson and his jack of all trades game done enough while Derozan has been out to get him the starting nod? While Ross is capable of having big nights evidenced by his 51 point explosion last year, he hasn’t shown enough consistency or defensive intensity to justify his starting spot.  The only issue preventing the Raps coaching staff from making the switch has been the floor spacing issue.  Having James Johnson, Derozan, Amir and Valanciunas on the floor at the same time leaves Lowry as the only deep threat.  But if Amir is moved to the second unit and Patrick Patterson slides into the starting lineup than that still gives the Raptors 2 legitimate deep threats. While Ross and Lou Williams become the focal points on offense within the second unit.  Amir can play both backup center and PF and reduce his minutes keeping him healthy for the playoffs as he struggled with injuries in the first round last year (despite the injuries he played really well vs Brooklyn unlike Ross who was terrible).  

    I am a big James Johnson fan and personally think he should be in the starting lineup.  He is capable of defending multiple positions and brings intagibles like shot blocking, ball handling and decent court vision to the table.  He won’t be asked to score much with the first unit but he doesn’t need to as Lowry, Derozan and JV should get most of the touches and set plays.  Far too often I have seen JV get off to a good start only to be cooled off by Ross jacking up too many 3’s.  The demotion to the bench may actually light a fire under Ross and improve his defensive intensity and shot selection.  

     I think the team has a more balanced attack and becomes a tough defensive unit with JJ and PP in the starting lineup.  Patterson has improved immensely on defense this year and looking to the future has a contract for the next few years while Amir is a free agent.  For continuity, playoff toughness and balance I think the switch is a no brainer.

    Thoughts?

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 8:02am #962950
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    Wavy Bagels
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    If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Raptors have been playing well with their starting lineup intact. Plus, Despite Ross’ inconsistencies, he does spread the floor, something JJ can’t do. This allows Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan to attack the basket.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 8:02am #962810
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    Wavy Bagels
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    If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Raptors have been playing well with their starting lineup intact. Plus, Despite Ross’ inconsistencies, he does spread the floor, something JJ can’t do. This allows Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan to attack the basket.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 9:09am #962826
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    OhCanada-
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     If JJ started it would leave Lowry as the only 3-point shooter in the starting lineup. Ross gives Lowry and Derozan a much needed bailout for when teams double.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 9:09am #962966
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    OhCanada-
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     If JJ started it would leave Lowry as the only 3-point shooter in the starting lineup. Ross gives Lowry and Derozan a much needed bailout for when teams double.

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 3:52pm #962875
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    DolanCare
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    I think James Johnson is great off the bench and should ultimately get more minutes than Ross. His presence is immediately felt once he’s on the floor because of his hussle plays. It seems like he always gets the loose ball and the timely rebound. With Casey’s hesitance to use more J-Val, Johnson geives them some much needed interior defense 

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 3:52pm #963016
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    DolanCare
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    I think James Johnson is great off the bench and should ultimately get more minutes than Ross. His presence is immediately felt once he’s on the floor because of his hussle plays. It seems like he always gets the loose ball and the timely rebound. With Casey’s hesitance to use more J-Val, Johnson geives them some much needed interior defense 

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 8:07pm #962889
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    thparadox
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    same as @No_Left

    James Johnson is the more effective player, and should be getting more minutes

    But Ross is a better fit in the starting line up as a role player who can nail 3s.

    Then you have Patterson + Lou Williams to space the floor when James Johnson is on. And James Johnson and Lou can both create shots

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Posted on: Fri, 01/16/2015 - 8:07pm #963030
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    thparadox
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    same as @No_Left

    James Johnson is the more effective player, and should be getting more minutes

    But Ross is a better fit in the starting line up as a role player who can nail 3s.

    Then you have Patterson + Lou Williams to space the floor when James Johnson is on. And James Johnson and Lou can both create shots

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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