SLAM! Sports SLAM! Basketball
  Fri, April 8, 2011


NBA NEWS
TORONTO RAPTORS
MARCH MANIA
NCAA BASKETBALL
COURTSIDE BLOG
COLUMNISTS
COMMENT
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO GALLERY
STANDINGS
STATISTICS
PLAYERS
INJURIES
TRANSACTIONS





NFL CANADA





The Raptors' young and restless
DeRozan, Johnson, Davis getting better
By FRANK ZICARELLI, QMI Agency


Toronto Raptors' Reggie Evans watches a ball go out of bounds against the Cleveland Cavaliers. (REUTERS/Mark Blinch)


TORONTO - Only time will tell if Jay Triano and his staff will be asked to return for next season, whenever next season begins. Under Triano’s watch, three players have shown the most signs of growth. At worse, all three could be used as future trade chips or be used as a means of comparison if an identical player becomes available in the draft or free agency.

DeMar DeRozan

A lot of credit goes to this kid for putting in extra hours working on his jumper. He still needs to handle the ball better, extend his range and become a more consistent rebounder. Another key summer looms as DeRozan gets stronger, mentally and physically.

Amir Johnson

Points, rebounds, minutes, pick a category and Johnson is posting career averages. The Raptors have given him a chance, not to mention a lot of money, to showcase his talents. He can now attempt open jumpers because Johnson will make them. He’s got to establish a low-post game.

Ed Davis

The instincts this rookie has come natural, an innate ability to track balls down and a willingness to battle. Davis must get bulkier and stronger, which can only happen with time and with extra work in the weight room. Long term, Davis has the most upside of any Raptor.

— Frank Zicarelli




Which team is your pick to win the NBA championship this season?
  Heat
  Spurs
  Thunder
  Clippers
  Grizzlies
  Nuggets
  Knicks
  Nets
  Pacers
  Another team


Results