Post by kmatrixg on Nov 17, 2010 21:08:45 GMT -5
A Look at the Toronto Raptors: Rookies
Before the 2002-2003 Season began, the Raptors taunted fellow teams with a lackluster tandem of Shareef Abdur Rahim and Damon Stoudamire. While the two have proven to be adequate additions to nearly established teams, they never could seem to put together a decent win streak to get the confidence instilled in their teammates through their two seasons paired up.
[image] Dwyane Wade
This summer, the organization made a change at the head, hiring Mr. Stephens to run the group of misfits. He was handed a couple great draft selections in the process - Marquette stand out Dwyane Wade and High School unknown Kendrick Perkins.
Both players have proven something in the past preseason, with Wade proving he was worth a top 3 selection. In 12 games, Wade averaged nearly 20 points per game, 5 rebounds and 4 assists - nearly becoming one of a few rookies to achieve such a statistical line.
With Wade's emergence as a rookie star, the Raptors have one less position to worry about, and with the recent trade for Tayshaun Prince, it could be even one less fans have to question.
"What Wade brings to the team is something you can't measure - a winner on every level of competition in his life, getting to the final four, winning a state championship, and hopefully now at the professional level, bringing the Raptors out of their perennial slump." Stephens said after a recent practice.
[image] Kendrick Perkins
"With the 10th selection in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...Kendrick Perkins of Cliftin Ozen High School" You heard it right. In what is most likely the last year the NBA will allow High School players to declare for the draft, the Raptors nabbed up a highly skilled, yet highly unproven big man in Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins has an incredible knack for finding the ball on the offensive end, mostly because of his huge frame - 6'10" at 280 pounds - and his defensive abilities must have really impressed the coaching staff so far. While still very raw on the offensive end, Perkins holds his own against his opponents, proving that sentiment by averaging 8 rebounds and a block per game this preseason.
Perkins still has a long way to go to become a dominant low post presence on either end, but reports are indicating the team sent him to a special offensive oriented training camp a week before the season is slated to begin. Apparently this camp cost the team nearly half of their expendable cash reserves, however Stephens feels the camp was well worth the money spent.
"Every step we get Kendrick closer to being that dominant low post threat, is one step closer to a championship. You can't win in this league without a deadly seven footer. It's just not possible"
[image] Paccelis Morlende: LDA Dijon
The teams second round selection, relatively unknown on this side of the pond, Paccelis Morlende was a French pro, who played for JDA Dijon from 1998-2002. In his final season with JDA, he averaged 14.4 points and 4.9 assists as the teams starting point guard.
He has shown promising defensive capabilities, and a great awareness for protecting possessions for his team. His deep threat shooting still must be worked on, especially for his size, however he has shown a great ability to drive, and score effectively, which could become a great asset to the second team with shooters Juan Dixon, and Andy Ellis patrolling the perimeter.
Overall, the coaching staff is extremely excited to start the season and evaluate the progression of the teams 3 cornerstone rookies. While Wade is expected to make a huge impact, Stephens is looking forward to the offensive progression of Perkins, as well as Paccelis Morlende.
"I'm expecting big things from Pac-Man. He has had some great moments in practice and this preseason - and the organization is certainly aware of his work over in France. He's got great potential and could become a top PG in the East if he puts in the work."
Before the 2002-2003 Season began, the Raptors taunted fellow teams with a lackluster tandem of Shareef Abdur Rahim and Damon Stoudamire. While the two have proven to be adequate additions to nearly established teams, they never could seem to put together a decent win streak to get the confidence instilled in their teammates through their two seasons paired up.
[image] Dwyane Wade
This summer, the organization made a change at the head, hiring Mr. Stephens to run the group of misfits. He was handed a couple great draft selections in the process - Marquette stand out Dwyane Wade and High School unknown Kendrick Perkins.
Both players have proven something in the past preseason, with Wade proving he was worth a top 3 selection. In 12 games, Wade averaged nearly 20 points per game, 5 rebounds and 4 assists - nearly becoming one of a few rookies to achieve such a statistical line.
With Wade's emergence as a rookie star, the Raptors have one less position to worry about, and with the recent trade for Tayshaun Prince, it could be even one less fans have to question.
"What Wade brings to the team is something you can't measure - a winner on every level of competition in his life, getting to the final four, winning a state championship, and hopefully now at the professional level, bringing the Raptors out of their perennial slump." Stephens said after a recent practice.
[image] Kendrick Perkins
"With the 10th selection in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...Kendrick Perkins of Cliftin Ozen High School" You heard it right. In what is most likely the last year the NBA will allow High School players to declare for the draft, the Raptors nabbed up a highly skilled, yet highly unproven big man in Kendrick Perkins.
Perkins has an incredible knack for finding the ball on the offensive end, mostly because of his huge frame - 6'10" at 280 pounds - and his defensive abilities must have really impressed the coaching staff so far. While still very raw on the offensive end, Perkins holds his own against his opponents, proving that sentiment by averaging 8 rebounds and a block per game this preseason.
Perkins still has a long way to go to become a dominant low post presence on either end, but reports are indicating the team sent him to a special offensive oriented training camp a week before the season is slated to begin. Apparently this camp cost the team nearly half of their expendable cash reserves, however Stephens feels the camp was well worth the money spent.
"Every step we get Kendrick closer to being that dominant low post threat, is one step closer to a championship. You can't win in this league without a deadly seven footer. It's just not possible"
[image] Paccelis Morlende: LDA Dijon
The teams second round selection, relatively unknown on this side of the pond, Paccelis Morlende was a French pro, who played for JDA Dijon from 1998-2002. In his final season with JDA, he averaged 14.4 points and 4.9 assists as the teams starting point guard.
He has shown promising defensive capabilities, and a great awareness for protecting possessions for his team. His deep threat shooting still must be worked on, especially for his size, however he has shown a great ability to drive, and score effectively, which could become a great asset to the second team with shooters Juan Dixon, and Andy Ellis patrolling the perimeter.
Overall, the coaching staff is extremely excited to start the season and evaluate the progression of the teams 3 cornerstone rookies. While Wade is expected to make a huge impact, Stephens is looking forward to the offensive progression of Perkins, as well as Paccelis Morlende.
"I'm expecting big things from Pac-Man. He has had some great moments in practice and this preseason - and the organization is certainly aware of his work over in France. He's got great potential and could become a top PG in the East if he puts in the work."
