The Raptors' quarter-mark report cards are in. In summation:
The good:
A- O.G. Anunoby A- Paskal Siakam A- C.J.Miles
(Anunoby's fort is defense and the three-point shot); Siakam's an excellent floor runner, passer and all-round talent); Miles is the veteran three-point specialist)
The fair
B+ DeRozan B+ VanVleet B Lowry B Poeltl B Wright B- Nogueira
(DeMar's playmaking has improved from last season. Still very much Raptors' go-to-guy but inconsistent especially defensively & on point shots); (Call Fred VanVleet the 'little' guy that can, did, and does. Started off slow but as he's played more due to taking Wright's spot, is now considered among to three guards in the league);
(Lowry doing all the little things -- rebounding three-point shots, defence, etc., -- that is expected of the Raptor's guard. As always, an important cog in the machinery); (Poeltl is fleet of feet and a work in progress. Shows promise.);
(Wright's shoulder was a repeat nagging injury that has the Raptors concerned, otherwise, he is third in deflections among players in his position in the league);
(Nogueira fluctuates wildly but still a useful backup centre)
The so-so
C+ Powell C- Valenciunas C- Ibaka
(Powells forte is as a reserve not as a starter. Not consistent in pressure situations. Fares better on three-point shooting):
(Big JV -- a disappointment in that he never seems to break out to be better or perhaps more versatile); (Ibaka's best when positioned as centre. Adequate at best)
B+ Coach Dwayne Casey
Casey's Raptors -- third in offence in league and ninth in defence. Has managed to engage and motivate young bench squad and get plenty out of others, such as Lowry even with his playing minutes down. Some may question the coach's decision-making but he certainly knows how to place the pieces of the Raptor puzzle together.
B+ President Masai Ujiri
Ujiri's knack for drafting, trading, and signing of players -- such as Miles-- has been praised. Not so much the Ibaka & Valenciunas contracts, as these player's validity to the team has been left open to question.
For in-depth details see:
https://theathletic.com/169026/2017/11/29/raptors-quarter-mark-report-card-og-anunoby-pascal-siakam-and-c-j-miles-earn-the-top-marks/