- The Raptors are succeeding at their possession maxing identity; through 3 games, the raptors are averaging roughly 13 more shooting possessions per game than their opponents (this is a very big number)
- The Raptors are 1st in opponent turnovers forced; having forced 24.7 turnovers per game so far, the raptors are proving their aggressive, ball hawk, hands everywhere defensive identity that they have spoken about so much.
- Allen Graves is an OREB monster; averaging 3 offensive rebounds per game in just 15 minutes per game, good for 7 oreb per 36 minutes as a 6'9 tweener 4/5. An immediate nba skill for the rook. Also adds a wrinkle to our lineups that we didn't have last season.
- Ja'Kobe Walter is taking a leap on both ends; he is noticeably guarding at an improved level, he is seriously sticky on the perimeter. small sample size of course, but he is averaging 2.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, and shooting 40% from 3 on 7 attempts per game.
- CMB is posting incredible impact numbers; +41 on/off per 100 poss, 3.3 stl%, 3.8 blk%, 16 trb%. There is a real chance CMB becomes our best defender this season. He has had some foul trouble so far, but in his limited minutes, he has been enormous on that end. If his defence allows Scottie to focus more on his offence, that could be huge.
Generally, despite having obvious and major flaws (guard and center play + 3pt shooting), the raptors so far are clearly succeeding in achieving their most key values, which is what will lead to sustained success through the season.
Just some positives because this sub is feeling down after the shitty wolves game. This team is and will be very good.