Champ V Challenger

And so the 2015/2016 NLL season is kicking off and what better game to showcase than that of the leagues top record holder and Eastern Champion, against the Raptors whom with some strong offseason moves have put their name in the hat to make a push for those very same titles! Of course, we have no game action to commentate on in prelude to this battle, but we have a clash between two teams whom are largely healthy and have been heavily active in making moves over the summer to better place them for now and the future. And of course, there’s the long awaited return of NLL legend, Kobe Bryant, playing in front of his new home crowd for the first time!

The 76ers:

The 76ers are the team to beat in the East for a reason. GM VT has built what at times can look like an insurmountable wall of talent with a mixture of savvy vets and youth with upside, and despite a couple of larger moves in the offseason, probably spurred on mostly by inflating salary, this season is no different. They brought back big man LaMarcus Aldridge who was realistically never going to part ways with a team that came within one game of a Championship, and they shipped out DeMar DeRozan for a younger, less tested version, plus a whole swathe of future assets, thus cutting salary for minimal lost long term on court production and continuing to set up the wave of the 76ers future that already includes Jabari Parker’s return from injury, BMac’s development and locking up Lillard and Leonard long term. Luis Scola also returned to the team and with savvy signings of Mo Williams as a bench spark, and Dewayne Dedmon as emergency big man depth/rim protection, the team is looking as deadly as ever. TJ McConnell was a rare roll of the dice made by VT, but could be one that stands up as he’s likely headed for reserve point guard minutes with Mo Williams predicted to miss week 1. All in all, the summer was an active and productive one, and there’ll surely be more moves bolstering this already rock solid roster through the season as things shake out.

The Raptors:

The Raptors were highly active during the off season. They finished in the spot no one really wants last season, in 9^th. So close to the playoffs, yet in reality, they were 6 games outside of the 8^th spot so not really as close as you’d like. That said, they finished with a 42-40 record, above .500, which would have been good for the 7^th seed out West! Juve knew he was going to need to shake things up to get into the playoff conversation and shake he did. He drafted Kaminsky, but quickly shipped him off for a more ready player in wing scorer Shabazz Muhammed. He brought over NLL ready euro prospect Nemaja Bjelica for what could be a steal price if he’s Mirotic like (by reports, he is) and signed solid vets Alonzo Gee and Jason Smith in free agency. Deron Williams agreed to a major pay-cut which helped his offseason some, and he further bolstered that point guard spot by adding Mario Chalmers. The largest move though came in this past week with the signing and trading of Enes Kanter in a move that could be viewed as going all in, which brought in the legend that is Kobe Bryant. Sure, Kobe is likely to be a one year thing, but all he gave up was Kanter and Afflalo…and he brought in D-Mo whom is arguably already as good as Kanter. This is the move that thrusts Toronto firmly into the contenders conversation, all be it entirely contingent on health. If Kobe and Deron can stay on the court, the combination of Nowitzki and MCW with the defensive big in Dieng, and a solid all round bench really make this team an intriguing prospect and one that is almost a lock to improve on the 42-40, 9^th place finish last season.

The Match-Ups:

C: Joakim Noah  Vs  Gorgui Dieng

Noah has been a middle man stalwart for a number of years now and he’s back here again for the 76ers this season. There have been rumours flying about VT trying to trade Noah, presumably while he: 1, still has a higher trade value before his demotion in the NBA kicks in, and 2, he is a looming UFA this summer (but lets face it, he should be A loyalty and the 76ers are likely going to win 70 games…), but neither of these reasons or the rumours swirling detract from the fact that he’s a legit defensive anchor middle man who does a lot to help you and not a lot to hurt you. He’s averaged nearly 8 points and 13 boards in the pre-season and that’s right about where his value lies and it’s all he needs to do on a deep 76ers squad.
Dieng has finally been given a promotion with the trading of Enes Kanter, and he appears to be ready for it. He has the ability to play both ends of the floor, unlike Kanter, though his defensive game is ahead of his offensive game at this time. In a team with Nowitzki, Kobe and Deron however, that is no problem in the slightest! He’s athletic and quick for a big and has a surprising mid range game, so shouldn’t be discredited by anyone around the league and with nearly averaging a double double in the pre-season (9.7 points, 11.7 boards), it would seem he’s already loving the chance to get good minutes night in and night out.
Head to head this isn’t the contest that we really need to focus on. Both won’t be factors in the offensive play sets, more hoping to pick up some of the crumbs and fight each other for boards and defensive position. You have to go with Noah having the advantage though at this point of their careers with his knowledge, hustle and competitive edge.

PF: LaMarcus Aldridge  Vs  Dirk Nowitzki

LaMarcus is back with a new franchise cornerstone paycheck, but he likely won’t be required to play like one still on this roster. In the pre-season he’s continued the pedestrian numbers he has put up at times with 10/10, but a very impressive 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks, so he’s putting in work behind the scenes without setting the world on fire. LMA has the ability to be that franchise player, but plays for the team in Philly and looks like that role will be about the same again this season, if pre-season is anything to go by, as VT runs the ball through Lillard and the wings more-so.
Dirk is the superstar that continually feels like he’s leaving something on the shelf (NLL speaking), and we can’t expect him to bring it out now at his age. He’s a dangerous big man who can shoot from everywhere but is soft on the boards generally and terrible on D. That said, in thisteam he appears to be looking at working on those boards more with an average of 12 a game in the pre-season. He won’t need to be an offensive focal point in this Raptors team, as many other teams have asked of him in the past and he failed at, which bodes well for the old guy. He can still force defences to play him, but has none of the pressure. He’s a good compliment to the rest of the Raptors team spacing the floor and allowing the slashers in.
Head to head these guys have faced off a lot of times. Look for LMA to assert his dominance on Dirk as a superior rebounder and defender and you’d expect him to have his way with Dirk offensively also. Perhaps this match-up is the one that VT will angle his team to go at on game day?

SF: Kawhi Leonard  Vs  Kobe Bryant

Leonard looks set to finally make his mark on the NLL and he opens the season against a true legend of the league in the twilight of his career. Kawhi to this point hasn’t asserted himself as a go-to player, but VT will be angling to make him do so this season you’d imagine. His defensive credentials are almost unparalleled, as evidenced by his 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks a game in pre-season…from the SF position! But his true value will be when he breaks out on the offensive end this season also. It hasn’t happened yt in pre-season, but it will happen Philly fans!
Kobe, what can’t be said about Kobe? Even at age 348 he’s put up 32 points, 7 boards and 4 assists a game in the pre-season, on 46% shooting and a perfect 100% (on nearly 8 attempts a game) from the line. The guy if he stays on the floor is THE elite and is the reason to be excited about Toronto this season. Of course, there is that IF associated with staying on the floor…but at least he’s here for opening week and his Toronto debut against the top of the East. Enjoy the ride Toronto!
Head to head Kobe has the edge. This is almost like the classic “passing of the torch” type of game/season though really as Leonard if his offensive potential is finally realised this year could end up like a more defensive Kobe. Kobe will be the focal point in this game and Leonard will be trying to slow him down, but couldn’t hope to stop him fully. If anyone can though, Kawhi is the man.

SG: Kevin Martin  Vs  Deron Williams

Martin is aging, and he has issues staying healthy, but who can deny that the guy is a scoring stud? 6’7 lights out shooter on the wing who has been buried on the bench, but is arguably the main reason DeRozan was even considered to be moved over the summer. Steps in, dropping 21.5 points on 57% shooting, 54% from deep in the pre-season and showing that he is the forgotten man that is a force to be reckoned with. He’ll have a big role this year, at least until CJ catches up, and even after then perhaps? Kmart is legit.
In a league where PGs are now crucial, what a luxury it is to be able to start an elite, though aging one, at the 2. Deron is possibly a little short for the SG slot but he’s always been that offensive gem and preseason has seen him drop 23.7 points per game playing as a 2. He, like Kobe, has question marks around his health but as long as he’s on the floor, and particularly on the floor with Kobe, there is a major offensive threat here that will be tough for teams to contain.
Head to head this match-up is going to be perhaps the most fun to watch. Kmart has never been shy and playing on a smaller guy like Williams should help him and give him even more confidence to fire away. On the other end, his length might bother Deron a bit, but that also won’t bother Deron enough to stop him firing away. You’d suggest a bigger impact from Martin.

PG: Damian Lillard  Vs  Michael Carter-Williams

Lillard has taken this team now, it’s his. Sorry LMA but no other player on this roster has been on the “No Trade List” according to the rumours over the summer and the kid is set to go super saiyen. He’s averaging 28.5 points on 54% shooting as a shoot first PG in the pre-season…let that sink in…and that includes taking nearly 5 triples a game at 37%. If he plays at this level through the season, you’re already looking at the league MVP and we’re in November. Ridiculous.
MCW survived all the trade rumours over the summer and opens the season as the starting point guard, despite having Deron Williams and Mario Chalmers on the roster. His length makes him the clear winner as a 6’6 point guard and his oft-publicised shooting troubles haven’t been an issue in the pre-season shooting it 54% for 16 points per game. This is due to his ability to use his size and speed to get to the rim though…as he’s failed to hit a single 3 point shot in the pre-season. Whether he lasts the season could be a talking point due to the depth of PGs on the Toronto roster, and the possibility that the Raptors will want to upgrade elsewhere to go all out for the title, or perhaps MCW is the backstop in the event that Williams leaves end of season?
Head to head you have to like that MCW brings length to try and defend Lillard, but it probably won’t matter. Lillard should be the focal point and light up the Raptors defence.

Bench V Bench:

Luis Scola, Ben McLemore, Tyler Zeller, TJ McConnell, Jabari Parker, CJ McCollum, Omri Casspi.
Vs
Shabazz Muhammed, Lavoy Allen, Mario Chalmers, Jason Smith, Kyle Anderson, Alonzo Gee, Udonis Haslem.

The 76ers bench has one clear weak link, and that is probably TJ McConnell running the reserve point guard. Not to say TJ isn’t capable, but he’s a rookie being thrown into the fire for a top contender which is not ideal. Otherwise, they are loaded with talent. Scola and Zeller is a nice combo of bigs, and how do you distinguish between the SGs in BMac and CJ? And then you have to squeeze minutes into Jabari…or do you want a floor spacer in Casspi? It’s a good problem to have being so deep and whatever is chosen, TJ likely won’t handle the rock much with so many mouths to feed around him.
The Raptors bench runs arguably as deep as the 76ers but is more role player orientated. Shabazz should be a great 6^th man spark and Chalmers is capable of starting in this league, so is welcomed depth. They have a stable of capable role playing bigs in Allen, Smith and Haslem who call bring a different aspect to the line-up. Likely only 2 of those guys will feature, likely with Haslem missing out, and both Allen and Smith are capable of playing outside in.
Head to head the 76ers bench is far more talented outside of TJ. The missing Mo Williams will be felt here, but he’ll be back soon to bolster an already outstanding bench. Scola is more dynamic than the Raptors bigs, and Zeller holds down the fort well enough. The wings are more damaging on the 76ers side too.

Head to Head Prediction:

Look, you can’t simply look past the 76ers past few seasons, just cause Kobe arrives in town. That’s not to say the Raptors won’t push them to the limit, hell maybe even beat them? But the 76ers are legit again this year and will look to make a statement against a possible new contender for their East title. The 2 way starting talent and the bench depth suggest they should get the job done, but the Raptor won’t lay down and have a nicely healthy roster to open the season to make this match-up a dead set cracker jack game. Wherever you are this week, when this game lands, get on it live! We could witness the continued dominance of an NLL heavy weight, or the birth of a new rivalry if the 76ers go down. Our prediction, 76ers -3.

Shooting percentages. Basketball can be a pretty simple game really at times. Break it down and it’s all about putting the ball in the hole more than the other guy. And of course, whether you can effect the opposition enough to lower the amount the other tea puts it in the hole. The 76ers in the pre-season have been shooting it 50% as a team and holding their opponents to 45% shooting. The Raptors 47% and 46%. Amazingly, the 76ers team leaders in FG% are their two top scorers and shot takers in Kmart and Lillard, both shooting it 57%, while the shot takers on the other side, Kobe and Williams are at 46% and 42%. This is the XFactor. If these same trends continue, it’s no contest. If Kobe and Deron can up it a little, and the Raptors can lower the colours of the 76ers scorers, things could change.