2. The Value of a True Bench Mob
Not only were solid contributors from the Raptors’ bench key pieces like Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and C.J. Miles necessary to bring Gasol to Toronto, but their presence was felt all throughout the year.
Pascal Siakam more than proved he was prepared to make the jump to the starting lineup, obliterating all expectations and becoming one of the biggest difference makers on the Raptors. Once the playoffs rolled around, Serge Ibaka, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell were all trusted to play major minutes in the rotation.
In the final nine games since the birth of his son, VanVleet averaged 14.7 points per game while shooting 52.6 percent from deep on over six attempts per game. Meanwhile, Ibaka averaged 11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in the Finals while Powell was a suitable substitute whenever Kyle Lowry was subbed out. Without the bench mob’s exceptional performance, it’s unlikely Toronto would have been consistent enough to cap off their amazing postseason run.
Last season the Portland Trail Blazers also witnessed glimmers of hope in strong bench additions like Seth Curry, Rodney Hood and Enes Kanter. The trio collectively averaged over 30 points per game off the bench, while Kanter provided elite rebounding and Seth was always a dependable sniper.
In fact, Kanter was the second best offensive rebounder in the entire league last year, grabbing 5.6 boards per 36 minutes, behind only Andre Drummond. On the other end, Curry held the third highest three-point shooting percentage in the league, behind only 2019 Three-Point Contest winner Joe Harris and newly crowned NBA Champion Danny Green.
If the Portland Trail Blazers wish to make a serious return to contention next season, bringing these valuable pieces back for another year or finding suitable replacements will prove absolutely vital.