How’d We Get Here?

The defending champs put up a valiant effort, losing two starters, including Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, but still emerging as one of the league’s best teams anyway. Built on a willingness to play as hard and smart as possible while not being afraid to try new things, the Raptors continued their stay towards the top of the league’s rankings, leaning on a swarming defense and a balanced offensive attack that called on everyone to chip in. Their playoff undoing was a result of no true tough-shot-maker, but it was a wonderful defense of a title that few predicted.

The Raptors decided to approach the offseason with a star-hunt in the summer of 2021 in mind, and it cost them Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol. They were able to retain Fred VanVleet and added some intriguing, low-cost depth guys, as usual, but this looks like a retooling year. The desire to keep the cap sheet clean for 2021 led to some hard decisions this summer, but the Raptors have proven they can outplay a talent deficit.

Offseason Moves

Arrivals: Aron Baynes, Alex Len, DeAndre’ Bembry, Alize Johnson, Yuta Watanabe, Henry Ellenson
Rookie Arrivals: No. 29 Malachi Flynn, No. 59 Jalen Harris (2W)
Departures: Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Malcolm Miller, Dewan Hernandez
Retained: Fred VanVleet, Chris Boucher, Oshae Brissett

Depth Chart and Minutes Per Game

PG: Kyle Lowry (32-34) / Fred VanVleet (34-36) / Malachi Flynn (0, 7-14) / Paul Watson*
SG: Norman Powell (27-30) / Terence Davis (17-23) / Matt Thomas (0, 13-18) / Patrick McCaw / Jalen Harris*
SF: OG Anunoby (31-34) / DeAndre’ Bembry (16-24) / Stanley Johnson (0, 5-10) / Oshae Brissett*
PF: Pascal Siakam (34-36.5) / Chris Boucher (15-20) / Alize Johnson*
C: Aron Baynes (18-22) / Alex Len (15-18)

Position Battles

Point Guard: Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet should get most of the work here depending on how Nick Nurse staggers their minutes. Malachi Flynn fits the Raptors mold as a tough, heady player who can shoot, and he’ll be the first guy off the bench for PG minutes. Terence Davis might run point in some bench groups as well though he can also play off the ball, which is likely to happen more often to accommodate Flynn’s arrival.

Shooting Guard: VanVleet and his big new contract will start at the two, with Norman Powell the leader in the second unit as a high-usage sixth man. Davis is also in the mix there, likely ahead of situational sharpshooter Matt Thomas assuming he gets past his legal troubles. Patrick McCaw also emerged as a pet project of Nurse’s at times last season, so he could carve out some minutes at the expense of Davis and Matty Ice.

Small Forward: OG Anunoby is part of Toronto’s next core so he’s going to get all he can handle. Newcomer DeAndre’ Bembry will back him up as a versatile combo forward with some ball-handling chops, and McCaw and sophomore Oshae Brissett might also see a little run depending on how things go. Anunoby’s got no threat to his minutes.

Power Forward: Pascal Siakam will be trying to bounce back after he was admittedly not himself inside the bubble. With a max contract in hand he’ll have run of the position, and we might see him slide down to center a little more often given Toronto’s offseason. Anunoby will get his share of minutes at power forward as well, with Chris Boucher and Bembry the likely PF options as reserves. Boucher can play some center but the Raptors have gone back and forth on his long-term position, and if they feel he’s not strong enough to hang at the five he’ll have to get his work in behind Siakam and OG.

Center: Aron Baynes is set to start with Boucher and Alex Len backing him up. All three will make sense in specific matchups, and given Baynes’ injury history this could be a situation where none of the three hits 25 mpg. It has the potential to be a headache for fantasy GMs but Baynes and Boucher are the guys you’re pulling for in the only real battle on Toronto’s roster.

Outlook

*Note that the fantasy values/games played are indicative of the official fantasy season; they do not include the NBA restart in Orlando

Kyle Lowry, PG

ADP: 69.2 / 56.4 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 19 / 19 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 26 / 30 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 52

2019-20 Review: It felt like the old days again with Lowry leading the charge for the Raptors and turning in a tremendous fantasy season as a result. He wasn’t always asked to grab the bull by the horns as a scorer but continued to be the straw that stirs the drink, giving the Raptors big, timely plays whenever they seemed to need it. He put up 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.4 blocks and 2.9 triples per game, with the scoring and threes taking a notable jump (up from 14.2 and 2.4 in 2018-19) as Lowry took up more offensive responsibility with Kawhi Leonard out of the picture. A .417 mark from the field was the only blemish, and even then it clearly didn’t prevent him from churning out top-20 production. North Philly’s Finest, indeed.

This Year: The GROAT is getting up there in age but has never really relied on athleticism or quickness, and his institutional knowledge of everything the Raptors do should keep him plenty involved. He is on a one-year deal so Toronto can star-hunt in free agency, but Lowry is shaping up as someone the organization would be quick to re-sign once those dominoes fall. There shouldn’t be much concern of a phasing-out given how important he is to the organization.

Injury History: Lowry missed 11 games with a left thumb fracture as well as one with a neck injury during the regular season, also dealing with a left ankle sprain in the playoffs but not missing any action. In 2018-19 he battled back problems (eight games over three separate stints, including pain-relieving injections), a thigh contusion (four games) and injuries to both ankles (two games apiece). Lowry also suffered a left thumb dislocation in the playoffs and underwent offseason surgery, but the subsequent fracture didn’t seem to be related.

In 2017-18 he missed only three games after landing hard on his tailbone but the year before that he missed 21 games after undergoing surgery to remove “loose bodies” in his shooting wrist and then sprained his ankle in the playoffs. Lowry’s a safe bet to miss some time given his age, physical style and Toronto’s proven ability to handle other teams in the regular season even when key players are in street clothes.

Outlook: Lowry will be an early-round player on a per-game basis and the only real question is how many games he might miss in a condensed schedule. There could also be some minor adjustments with Lowry now down his top pick-and-pop partners, who were reliable release valves, but he’s a solid choice in the first 40 picks.

Fred VanVleet, PG

ADP: 137.2 / 92.1 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 30 / 25 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 50 / 49 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 48

2019-20 Review: VanVleet is definitely undersized but brings smarts and toughness that most opponents simply can’t match. The Raptors rolled with him as the Danny Green replacement in the starting five and FVV responded with a career year: 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.3 blocks and 2.7 triples on .409 from the field in 35.8 mpg. Those were all career-highs besides blocks and FG%. VanVleet was given huge responsibility as a primary shot-creator, ball-handler and facilitator, and he proved his worth with a flourish. We knew that Steady Freddy would sail past his ADP, but this was a big-time breakout.

This Year: VanVleet said he’d be chasing a check and he got one, with Mr. Bet On Yourself cashing the chips in for $85 million over four years. He’s locked into a starting role and we’re getting closer to the time where Kyle Lowry officially passes the torch. Even if that’s not for another year or two, FVV is a huge part of everything Toronto does.

Injury History: VanVleet missed five games with a right knee contusion, another five with a right hamstring strain and the final six of the original schedule with left shoulder soreness. He also dealt with some left knee soreness and a right knee hyperextension in the bubble but those were minor ailments.

In the 2018-19 season VanVleet missed 12 straight games after undergoing surgery to repair ligament damage in his left thumb around the All-Star break, and he also missed four games with a sprained left big toe and one apiece for back and thigh issues. After the season VanVleet revealed that he dealt with back issues for much of the year and a hip pointer in the postseason, in addition to stitches and a chipped tooth, but none of that forced him out of action. In 2017-18 he spent time on the sidelines due to a right hand contusion, a tight back and a right knee contusion, as well as a shoulder strain on the last night of the regular season that limited him in the playoffs.

Outlook: VanVleet is coming into his own as a player and is likely to go underdrafted in fantasy, even after last season’s output. He’s a great snag at ADP and is one of the better players available in the early-middle rounds, with another top-40 campaign easily attainable.

Pascal Siakam, PF

ADP: 14.9 / 27.1 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 33 / 35 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 35 / 37 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 53

2019-20 Review: While Siakam’s offseason will be haunted by talk of his poor play in the Orlando bubble (both the seeding games and the playoffs), it has to be remembered how well he played in the much larger sample of the regular season. With Kawhi Leonard gone, the Raptors elevated Siakam into a primary scoring role to see what they were really working with. He displayed a handful of new moves and took shots with the confidence of a top dog, even if his efficiency lagged as defenses keyed on him. Siakam finished the fantasy year with averages of 23.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.2 threes and a .459 mark from the field. While this was the first season of Siakam’s career in which he finished under .500 from the field, the Raptors should be happy with the results overall.

This Year: While Toronto’s stubbornness in trying to get Siakam going might’ve been their postseason downfall, there’s been nothing but unwavering faith in his ability to bounce back. Siakam has still been playing basketball for less than a decade and the organization consistently raves about his work ethic, so we’re betting he puts a lot of offseason work in after getting locked up by the Celtics. His handle, more consistency with his jumper and some more finishing touch will probably be the top priorities and it’ll be exciting to see what Siakam brings to the table.

Injury History: Siakam missed 11 games with a “stretched groin” that popped up out of nowhere. In 2018-19 he played through a right calf issue in the second round of the playoffs but missed just one game due to injury — back soreness — in the regular season. Siakam didn’t hit the injury report in his first two years in the league.

Outlook: Siakam might be about to thread the needle here as he improves while the market sours on him a little bit. He’s not the type of player to crumble after being humbled and the experience of facing all that scrutiny should only help him improve. He’s not going to be less involved after the offseason Toronto had, so he’s definitely capable of a top-25 season with a tiny slice of upside.

Norman Powell, SG

ADP: 140.1 / 139.1 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 62 / 53 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 121 / 114 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 44

2019-20 Review: Powell finally took the step forward that he’s been forecasted to take since his rookie campaign. Outside factors like injuries and changing personnel have prevented him from cementing a spot in the starting five, but Powell took advantage of Toronto’s wave of injuries (while playing through his own) to emerge as one of the team’s top scoring options and an important part of the core. He put together a career year with averages of 16.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.4 blocks and 2.1 triples per game on .502 shooting in 28.8 mpg. The Raptors did a nice job scheming for Powell, allowing him to get out and run in transition and limiting his iso work, which helped him see a nearly 33% increase in the number of his shots that were layups and dunks. Some of the opportunities Powell received were a result of good fortune, but the work he did to maximize them is legit.

This Year: Toronto’s desire to remain competitive while keeping financial flexibility for the 2021 offseason puts Powell potentially on the chopping block, as he’s turned into a solid value on his current contract. If he stays, expect Norm to operate as the Raptors’ top wing player off the bench, though better health for the guys around him might cause a dip in playing time. If he goes, a new team might actually plug him into the starting five.

Injury History: Powell, like the rest of the Raptors, was no stranger to the injury bug last year. He missed 11 games with a left shoulder subluxation and nine with a fractured left fourth metacarpal. Powell also sustained a left ankle sprain in the final game before the hiatus, though the timing of the injury meant he didn’t miss any games. He was declared fully healthy about a month later, for whatever it’s worth.

Powell missed 21 games with a left shoulder subluxation in 2018-19 too, as well as four games with a hip pointer, but had been mostly healthy prior to that. Repeated shoulder dislocations are troubling but Powell’s bounced back well from each injury so far.

Outlook: Powell’s role and shots are completely safe with the Raptors and he’s going to offer plenty of profit simply because most GMs are unaware of how good he was last season. We’d treat him as more of a top-85 type rather than expect a repeat, but there’s still lots of cushion between that and his ADP in most leagues.

OG Anunoby, SF

ADP: 139.2 / 138.4 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 88 / 72 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 58 / 45 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 63

2019-20 Review: Anunoby got lost in the shuffle a bit in 2018-19, especially when an appendectomy knocked him out of Toronto’s postseason run. He regained his starting spot last season and looked like an ascendant two-way star in the making. Anunoby is still limited on offense but the Raptors weren’t shy about letting him get more work as a post-up or iso threat, empowering him to do more than launch 3-pointers. In 29.9 mpg, Anunoby delivered 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.3 triples while going .502 from the floor and .706 from the line. Every single one of those numbers was a new personal best, with the steals and blocks doubling the previous high.

This Year: Expect Anunoby to take a more diverse diet of shots this season as the Raptors continue to round out his game. The defense is already right where it needs to be and Toronto has quietly been running the offense through OG in certain situations over the last couple of years; perhaps this is the one where they do it a little more vociferously.

Injury History: Anunoby was one of the few Raptors not to miss significant time last season, missing one game with an eye contusion and two in the bubble due to right knee soreness. In 2018-19 Anunoby missed three games with a right wrist sprain and four with concussion-like symptoms before undergoing an emergency appendectomy on the eve of the playoffs. That surgery led to big weight loss, preventing him from playing in the postseason. In his rookie season, Anunoby missed eight games with an ankle sprain.

Outlook: Anunoby’s about to take on a very important role for the Raptors and we’re right at the point in his development arc where he starts embracing more scoring responsibility. He’s a triple-one threat and might inch up a bit more into the middle-rounds.

Aron Baynes, C

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 190 / 189 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 235 / 228 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 42

2019-20 Review: There was some question as to whether Baynes would even suit up for Phoenix after he was traded from Boston, but it ended up working out for everyone in the end. Baynes’ value was directly tied to Deandre Ayton’s presence, and luckily for the Aussie it was a year where Ayton missed over half the schedule. It gave Baynes some long runs as a must-start player and even sparked debate about whether his defensive impact made him a better fit with the starters than Ayton. Unfortunately, Baynes’ own injuries and Ayton’s strong play took the wind from his sails, though there were still new high marks in minutes (22.2), points (11.5), rebounds (5.6), assists (1.6) and threes (1.4).

As a starter, Baynes averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 blocks and 1.7 threes in 26.2 mpg while shooting .490 from the floor. Off the bench, Baynes’ line shrunk to 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 blocks and 0.8 threes in 14.4 mpg on .448 shooting.

This Year: Baynes procured a two-year deal from the Raptors (with a team option) and is penciled in to start at center given his newfound shooting touch plus the traditional toughness, rebounding and defensive smarts. Toronto’s loss was Baynes’ gain, as he was likely headed for a timeshare role off the bench before a second-tier contender lost both of its centers in free agency. Health is a concern as he begins his age-34 season but Baynes is going to get a shot to replicate the role he held when Ayton was out.

Injury History: Baynes suffered a preseason groin strain while playing for Team Australia and was shelved for about a month, though he was ready for the NBA season. He also sustained a broken nose in early October, making it one of the more painful exhibition seasons of anyone in the league. During the year, Baynes missed five games with a right hip flexor injury, four with a left calf strain and 13 with a left hip strain. He also tested positive for COVID-19, which got him to the Orlando bubble behind schedule, only to suffer a right knee contusion when he got there. Baynes ended up missing all of the team’s seeding games.

It was a tough year health-wise for Baynes in 2018-19 as well as he missed three games with a hamstring strain, 13 with a broken left hand, 11 more with a bruised cuboid bone in his left foot and three games with a left ankle sprain (two separate instances). He has had surgeries done on both ankles from multiple years ago too, though the health issues only really started in 2018-19.

Outlook: Baynes is a solid late-round selection in standard leagues. It might not be an exact recreation of his run as a starter last season because of the Raptors’ added versatility, and he’ll almost certainly hit the shelf at some point, but he’s a great source of cheap big man stats and out-of-position 3-pointers.

Terence Davis, SG

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 243 / 239 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 188 / 191 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 64

2019-20 Review: Davis went undrafted but quickly found a home, convincing the Raptors to offer a two-year deal after just one appearance in Summer League — and he was playing for Denver, not even Toronto. Davis hit the ground running and was the only Raptor to appear in every regular-season game this season, flashing a combo guard skill set and a dash of physicality on both ends of the floor — to say nothing of athleticism that pops off the screen. He ended with averages of 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.2 blocks and 1.4 3-pointers in 17.0 mpg, but there were stretches of legitimate standard-league appeal when the Raptors were missing one of their top two guards. Davis was also named a member of the All-Rookie Second Team.

This Year: Davis is going to be competing with Malachi Flynn for backup minutes but looks like part of the next wave for Toronto. Nick Nurse deemed him unready for playoff basketball when the going got tough so allowing Davis a little more leash figures to be part of the plan.

An increase in playing time and role for the rising sophomore was the expectation, but an ugly arrest has put Davis’ future with the organization in limbo.

Injury History: Nothing other than a cut under his right eye that didn’t force him to miss any games.

Outlook: Davis is a top-250 guy with some spurts of borderline standard-league play when the Raptors rest their guards in the condensed schedule. That’s only if his legal troubles clear up.

Chris Boucher, PF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 261 / 223 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 225 / 203 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 55

2019-20 Review: Boucher, the G League’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2018-19, got real rotation minutes for the first time last season and had some fun lines along the way. Most of his opportunity came when either/both of Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka were sidelined, but Boucher showcased a tantalizing stat set whenever he got his chances. He’s a chaotic player, with limbs that seem to stretch forever and a willingness to try and block everything on defense and shoot any half-open shot on the other end. In 13.2 mpg Boucher was able to cook up 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 1.0 blocks and 0.5 triples. There are some exciting per-minute numbers in there.

This Year: Boucher was quickly re-signed to a two-year deal once the Raptors lost their two main centers. They know what Boucher offers more than any other team at this point, and while he’s a jolt of energy (and fun), his wiry frame and lack of strength might put a hard cap on his ceiling. The hope is for more minutes given those departures, as Boucher in 20 mpg would be a sight to see, but the subsequent additions of Aron Baynes and Alex Len likely funnel Boucher into the PF lane, where he’ll have to carve out time behind Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

Injury History: Boucher stayed out of the infirmary last season but dealt with back spasms throughout the playoffs as well as minor ankle issues throughout the regular season in 2018-19. He tore his ACL back in college too.

Outlook: Boucher is already a popular late-round pick in standard leagues so that’s the price it’ll take to acquire him whether you like it or not. If he can stay on the floor he should hit that price point fairly easily.

DeAndre' Bembry, SF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 224 / 241 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 247 / 251 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 43

2019-20 Review: Bembry took a big step back last season and felt the squeeze with the Hawks drafting a pair of forwards in the lottery. Previously operating as Atlanta’s do-it-all bench contributor, Bembry struggled to maintain his production, and cratering efficiency made it harder to keep him on the floor. He shot just .231 from deep (he’s a career .269 shooter so it’s ugly, even for him) and was just .542 at the charity stripe despite hitting a still-bad .640 the year prior.

The Hawks’ added depth meant his volume numbers suffered too, as he posted just 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest. The one bright spot is that Bembry stayed level at 1.3 steals per game, but he became a pure specialist after flashing some late-round upside.

This Year: Bembry signed a two-year contract with the Raptors in free agency, continuing their annual tradition of picking a toolsy but flawed player off the scrap heap. He’s a defensively capable forward but his total lack of offense is going to limit his utility, even with his Swiss Army knife skills as a rebounder and playmaker. He could be the 8th or 9th man in a role player capacity and is a decent low-cost add to round out Toronto’s forward depth.

Injury History: Injuries were the salt in the wound of Bembry’s campaign, as he missed 13 games after undergoing surgery for right hand neuritis and then was felled by abdominal pain that cost him the final 11 games of the year. He was able to play all 82 in 2018-19 but had similar problems in years prior, failing to play in half of his games in both of his first two seasons due to multiple wrist injuries, an abdominal strain and issues with his groin.

Outlook: If anyone can help Bembry get back on track it’s the Raptors, who should give him a rotation spot right out of the gates. He can get back to the top-200 with a couple breaks, so draft accordingly.

Alex Len, C

ADP: 139.8 / 125.4 ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 205 / 198 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 210 / 205 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 49

2019-20 Review: Len was once again in the running to start for the Hawks but didn’t do much despite Dewayne Dedmon’s departure and John Collins’ 25-game suspension. He made nine starts in 40 games with the Hawks, averaging 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.5 steals, 0.8 blocks and 0.4 3-pointers on .546 shooting in 18.6 mpg. That put him right around the top-200 mark, which would peak with some late-round value before Len went down with a hip injury.

He would be traded to Sacramento at the deadline (for Dedmon, ironically) and played just nine games with the Kings before the shutdown, getting 16.7 mpg thanks to injuries to Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley. Len remained around the top-200 thanks to a fluky 1.4 blocks and a strong .619 mark from the field in that small sample.

This Year: Len signed with the Raptors and should slot in as the backup behind Aron Baynes, whose health could leave a few more minutes on the table than you’d think. He’ll give them some decent interior play and burgeoning 3-point shooting, though his inability to defend in space will cap his playing time. He and Chris Boucher could be competing for minutes at center, though at least Boucher can slide over to power forward if need be.

Injury History: Len missed four games with back pain, 11 with a right hip flexor injury and one with a left ankle sprain. Back issues kept him out for a few games in 2018-19 and he does have a history of ankle troubles, but Len tends to miss small bits of time every year rather than long chunks due to chronic issues. He also tested positive for COVID-19 but was able to return in the Orlando bubble.

Outlook: Len’s workload will depend on how active the Raptors want to be about taking it easy on Baynes. He’ll hold value as a fill-in for when Baynes inevitably gets injured but he’s likely going to settle into the top-225 range.

Malachi Flynn, PG

ADP: - / - ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: - / - (8/9-cat)

Total Value: - / - (8/9-cat)

Games Played:

2019-20 Review: Flynn capped off his NCAA career with averages of 17.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game as a junior at San Diego State. A well-rounded guard, Flynn comes with a high basketball IQ that made him one of the best pick-and-roll players in the nation and allows him to defend tenaciously despite average measurables. Flynn is a crafty, creative ball-handler who also does well to limit mistakes and has deep 3-point shooting range, entering the league after leading the Aztecs to one of the best seasons in school history.

This Year: If only the Raptors knew how to work with point guards who fit that description. Flynn was plucked off the board at No. 29 and will learn the ropes under Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, who surely have some intel to share for an undersized guard who’s smart and tough. He could very well be in the rotation from day one, as his sense for the game will allow him to contribute right away.

Injury History: Flynn doesn’t have anything significant in terms of injury history.

Outlook: Flynn’s game gives him a safe floor as a positive contributor to an NBA team, but the real question is whether his game carries over enough to be worthwhile in fantasy. We’d caution against that in his first season but it’s not impossible with the way the Raptors tend to get the most out of their players. He’s a safe but boring dynasty selection and a flier in 20-team redraft leagues.

Patrick McCaw, SG

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 274 / 265 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 286 / 279 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 37

2019-20 Review: McCaw was a rare source of fan frustration in Toronto as Nick Nurse occasionally opted to roll with the low-usage ex-Warrior over more explosive, captivating talents. While McCaw remained a timid offensive player on a deep roster, he clearly has the support of the organization. While it’s not much to write home about, he did produce career-bests in minutes (24.5), points (4.6), rebounds (2.3), assists (2.1), steals (1.1) and field goal percentage (.414). In sadder news, McCaw also experienced losing a playoff series for the first time.

This Year: McCaw might move up a rung depending on what moves the Raptors make this offseason but his place in the pecking order is unlikely to change. Toronto really likes his physical profile and defensive potential, so the hope is he starts to get it together and that turns into some steals.

Injury History: McCaw missed the first three games of the season with left knee soreness, which ended up being some ominous foreshadowing. After playing in three games, McCaw reported more soreness and eventually underwent left knee surgery, with that ordeal knocking him out for 18 games. He would later miss three games with a broken nose and three more due to illness. McCaw reported to Orlando for the restart but didn’t play a single game thanks to more left knee soreness, and he eventually left the bubble for surgery to remove a benign mass in that knee.

In 2018-19, McCaw missed three weeks with a left thumb sprain. In 2017-18, he missed two games with a concussion in December, two with a mid-back strain in January, sprained his left thumb, sprained his right wrist and then sustained a fracture in his left wrist. There was also a scary back injury (a lumbosacral bone bruise) he sustained on March 31 when he was undercut going for a dunk that kept him out until deep into the playoffs.

Outlook: McCaw might get a little more run if the Raptors trend small but he’s got a ton to prove as a fantasy asset and shouldn’t be on draft boards.

Matt Thomas, SG

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 388 / 372 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 363 / 354 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 33

2019-20 Review: Everyone knew what the deal would be with Thomas. He’d check in and bomb away from deep. The rookie had immediate gravity as a shooter and ended up hitting a cool .467 from behind the arc, but a limited role meant he only hit 1.1 triples per contest in a mere 9.7 mpg. Perhaps most importantly, Thomas’ defense was a bit better than advertised, and he didn’t look out of his league in the playoffs.

This Year: A lot will depend on how/if the Raptors change up the core of their roster but Thomas has his job description set in stone. There might be more minutes available for him this year but it’s unlikely that he becomes a 20 mpg guy.

Injury History: Even the bench guys weren’t spared last season for the Raptors, as Thomas suffered a fractured left middle finger and missed 21 games.

Outlook: Thomas is a 3-point specialist for very deep fantasy leagues.

Oshae Brissett, PF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 455 / 456 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 428 / 429 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 19

2019-20 Review: Brissett, a Toronto native, ended up on a two-way deal with the hometown club and made his way into the rotation when the Raptors were battling multiple injuries, ending his first season with 7.1 mpg. Though there were a few strong performances mixed in, most of Brissett’s minutes came in a seven-game stretch around the turn of the calendar. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.3 triples (shooting just .263) in 29.8 mpg with Raptors 905.

This Year: The Raptors were generally happy with Brissett’s rookie performance and his winter run showed hints of his potential. If he’s to earn a rotation spot it will need to come via his play in camp, but his role figures to be modest either way.

Injury History: Brissett missed the entire bubble schedule because of right knee soreness that eventually led to surgery to remove loose bodies.

Outlook: Brissett’s not a recommended fantasy target even with Toronto’s revamped forward depth chart.

Jalen Harris, SG

ADP: - / - ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: - / - (8/9-cat)

Total Value: - / - (8/9-cat)

Games Played:

2019-20 Review: Harris is a three-level scorer who paced Nevada in his junior season, netting 21.6 points per game to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Harris is a capable shot-creator, especially off the dribble, but is also a good finisher and passer when the situation calls for it.

This Year: We’ll see if Harris, who signed a two-way contract, can avoid the fate of the last No. 59 pick the Raptors made — Dewan Hernandez was waived following a quiet rookie season. He’s already gotten some love from a few of the team’s veterans but a rotation role is highly unlikely and we’d expect him to get some good work in with the G League club.

Injury History: Harris missed the last half of his senior season in high school after suffering a broken vertebrae at an AAU event. He also missed six games in his freshman year at college (2016-17) and one with a foot injury as a senior last season.

Outlook: Harris offers some long-term scoring upside but isn’t a draft target in any formats this season.

Dewan Hernandez, PF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 462 / 459 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 473 / 473 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 4

2019-20 Review: Not much was expected of Hernandez, who the Raptors picked 59th overall in the draft. He appeared in just 15 games all year long including G League appearances and the bubble, so there’s not much to go off of. He’s extremely long and moves with good quickness for a big man, but Hernandez did most of his work behind the scenes in year one while also battling a bad ankle sprain.

This Year: Hernandez was waived and may have to settle for camp invites after two years of very limited action.

Injury History: Hernandez missed four games with a right thumb sprain and the final 37 games of the original schedule due to a nasty right ankle sprain.

Outlook: Hernandez isn’t on any fantasy radars.

Stanley Johnson, SF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 467 / 470 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 434 / 438 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 20

2019-20 Review: Despite the sheer volume of the Raptors’ injuries last season, Nick Nurse drew a line in the sand. That line was to stop tinkering with the rotation if it meant that Stanley Johnson would get meaningful minutes. Nurse called him out for lack of effort in training camp and Johnson never really got out of the dog house, operating as pretty much the only guy on the team to get exclusively garbage-time run. Even the other bench guys got some shine in a big comeback against Dallas.

This Year: Johnson has a player option that he’d be insane not to pick up (update: he’s not insane), so expect another year of him warming the bench in Toronto.

Injury History: Johnson missed about five weeks with a left groin stress reaction. He sprained his right shoulder as a rookie and missed 11 games with hip soreness in his third year. In the 2018-19 campaign Johnson missed three games with a left ankle contusion, one with a left leg contusion and one with a toe injury.

Outlook: Man, remember when Johnson was a hot sleeper pick as a rookie?

Malcolm Miller, SF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 480 / 476 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 440 / 441 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 25

2019-20 Review: Miller, a 3-and-D prospect at the end of the Raptors’ bench, shot just .316 from deep and only really got into the rotation in December when the team was missing multiple regulars.

This Year: Miller is an unrestricted free agent after the Raptors opted not to extend a qualifying offer.

Injury History: Miller tore the right labrum in his shoulder in a nasty fall at Summer League in 2018. He also underwent right ankle surgery in July of 2017. Last season he hit the injury report with a neck strain but only missed a game as a result.

Outlook: Miller can be left undrafted in all formats.

Paul Watson, PG

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 496 / 491 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 496 / 490 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 5

2019-20 Review: After Watson was waived by both the Hawks and Knicks in the run up to the season, he signed a two-way deal with the Raptors and was a star for their G League outfit. He put up 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks and 3.0 triples per game on .499 from the field in 35.3 minutes a night for the 905 and even got some looks with the big club in the bubble.

This Year: It’s been said by multiple Raptors reporters that the organization is very happy with Watson’s game, and he could be the next guy that they try to develop into a real contributor. Toronto has lots of guard depth, which hurts Watson’s fantasy appeal, but the team has a long track record of turning unheralded players into legitimate NBA options.

Injury History: Watson hit the injury report with some back soreness but shouldn’t be viewed as an injury risk.

Outlook: Watson is a name to know in deep dynasty leagues but you probably won’t need to spend a pick to get him on your roster unless you’re playing in a league with Paul Watson superfans.

Alize Johnson, PF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 482 / 481 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 459 / 466 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 13

2019-20 Review: Johnson was buried behind a deep frontcourt group and only averaged 4.1 mpg in his limited action. He got a little more room to work in the bubble once Indiana got locked into the 4-5 matchup and impressed with 11 points and 17 boards in a meaningless finale, but there’s not a ton to learn from that kind of setting. Johnson put up 20.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks and 1.1 threes per game in the G League.

This Year: Johnson’s a great energy player, as any 6’7” guy who pulls down that many rebounds figures to be, but his lack of size is going to be an obstacle as he tries to carve out an NBA rotation spot. Still, most coaches have time for anyone who plays as hard as Johnson does, so we’ll see what kind of role he can carve out with the Raptors.

Injury History: Johnson dealt with a sore left hip as a rookie but was clean last year.

Outlook: Johnson is going to be battling for a spot on the team but seems destined for the G League, in whatever form that takes.

Yuta Watanabe, PF

ADP: — / — ESPN / Yahoo

Per-Game Value: 469 / 461 (8/9-cat)

Total Value: 441 / 436 (8/9-cat)

Games Played: 16

2019-20 Review: Watanabe saw his playing time decline to 6.2 mpg last season, though he shot a solid .375 from deep and was able to stay level with his steals and blocks despite losing over five minutes per game. He was solid at the G League level with 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.5 threes in 32.7 mpg.

This Year: Watanabe will be trying to make the jump from Quad-A player to full-time NBA guy. We’ll see if he can hold down a full-time gig.

Injury History: Watanabe dealt with left shoulder soreness and left ankle soreness in 2018-10. He reportedly suffered a left ankle injury while training for the World Cup but wasn’t hindered once the pro season began.

Outlook: Watanabe looks like a longer-term development project for the Raptors, who have unearthed some contributors in recent years. There’s no fantasy appeal here but we will be watching to see if Watanabe makes some strides.

*Originally published November 8, 2020