National Basketball Association

Raptors park regulars for much of loss to Nuggets

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Another exhibition game means a chance to see some people who won’t be Raptors long, sad to say.

The Toronto Raptors lost their second exhibition game 108 – 106 to a young and hungry Denver Nuggets squad.

While my intention for this post was to concentrate on the play of the Raptors’ veterans, coach Dwane Casey’s substitution patterns dictated otherwise. Expressed another way, I didn’t see enough of our likely starters to express an opinion.

I don’t know if DeMarre Carroll even dressed; he certainly didn’t play. Terrence Ross had 23 points after 3 quarters, then watched Q4 as the soon-to-be 905 lads tried to hang on.

Here’s more Gonzo journalism about our team’s keepers and the rest:

Jonas Valanciunas – not sharp yet. He couldn’t make a shot except from the charity stripe in the first half, but enjoyed success after the break. The Nuggets have a couple of impressive Euro-bigs who were giving JV (and everyone else) all they could handle. He still finished with 20 points and 9 boards.

Bruno Caboclo – got the start, but flubbed it. Coach Casey gave him a chance to backfill after his dreadful effort against the Warriors. No points and one board in 14+ minutes? Bruno, Bruno.

Norman Powell – gotta finish, my friend. Norman was aggressive in getting to the rim, but he couldn’t find the bottom enough. He’s now 5 of 19 in two games. We’re liking his D and his rebounding at least.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball under pressure from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

E.J. Singler – my first look. There won’t be many more if he doesn’t show something.

Pascal Siakam – it’s early still. We’ll give you a mulligan on a 0 for 6 night. Two of those attempts were blocked, which shows questionable judgement.

Fred VanVleet – building a case for sticking around. Our backup point guard looked very comfortable with the ball and got rid of it effectively as well. I’d like to see a little more defensive moxie; a steal or a charge taken.

Jakob Poeltl – more comfortable. He wasn’t able to physically match up against the Boulders, which is what I call Jokic and Nurkic, the Nuggets big men, but made his presence felt anyway. Has anyone seen any hops from this guy? I haven’t.

Patrick Patterson – needs to do more. Yes, he’s a useful player without the ball and is trusted by coach. Regardless, he’s got to get his nose into the play.

Drew Crawford – not the follow-up game he wanted. He needs to go somewhere and develop a speciality. I see occasional signs of being a lock-down defender.

Cory Joseph – steady as she goes. He overdribbles on occasion, but then quiets me down with a crisp pass or lay-up. I sure wish he were a better shooter.

DeMar DeRozan – (sigh) a one-track mind. He only passes the ball when in mid-air and his shot path is impeded, or so it seems.

We still haven’t had a look at Brady Heaslip or Jarrod Uthoff. C’mon Dwane, give them their moment in the spotlight.