Terrible on defence, Raptors should study aggressive Orlando Magic closely

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Only two teams have been worse defensively than the Toronto Raptors this season, so it would be a good idea to study Tuesday’s opponent closely.

The Orlando Magic arrive ranked No. 3 in the NBA in defensive efficiency, surrendering only 107.7 points per 100 possessions, compared to Toronto’s 117.5 (which actually is a tiny bit better than the 118.1 points last year’s team gave up).

Orlando does it by searching far and wide for extremely long-armed players who also have dogged mentalities and a desire to get after the ball defensively. There are exceptions on the roster of course, you don’t turn down an offensive talent like Paolo Banchero, taken first-overall in 2022 and now an all-star averaging 25.2 points per game, but the general blueprint is there.

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Veteran grinder Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the latest addition to a group that also includes standout defenders Jalen Suggs (currently injured) and Jonathan Isaac, while offensive wizard Franz Wagner was averaging a whopping 1.7 steals per game before he got hurt.

“They have personnel that’s very good on-ball defenders. Guys that are disruptive, guys that use their hands really well to create deflections and steals,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said of the Magic. “Scheme-wise, they’re not doing anything different than the majority of the teams in the league. It really is their attention to the way how they got the ball, how aggressive they’re on the ball and how they use their hands.”

Gradey Dick said the team’s energetic style also goes a long way.

“I think it’s just the energy, you know, it’s contagious. And you can see guys flying around as some teams, you know, being a little more hesitant, or the next action type stuff, where you get past their defence,” Dick said.

The sophomore wing said that unlike some opponents, when you break down an Orlando defender and feel like you’re in the clear, “they got two more guys cracking in on you.”

So, how do you solve the riddle when facing Orlando (Toronto lost the first of four meetings this season earlier this month, 106-97 at home, but managed to shoot 48% from the field)?

“Pass the ball, pass the ball, cut, move,” RJ Barrett said after practice on Monday.

“It’s the same kind of way, like how you attack a Boston or like an OKC. You know they’re going to be in there, they’re going to be active with their hands in there, trying to get steals and stuff, so trying to make sure that we’re moving and finding those windows and passing the ball,” he added.

“Making sure we get easy ones, instead of just trying to get in there and force it against, obviously their good defence.”

AROUND THE RIM

Immanuel Quickley and Ochai Agbaji did not practice again due to their groin and hand injuries, respectively.

“Ochai was able to do a workout with his left hand, but nothing pretty much with the right hand,” Rajakovic said. “We’re trying to give him time to heal that hand. Quick did a workout but nothing with the team yet. And also Chris Boucher did not practice today. He is sick.”

Boucher has been outstanding for the Raptors recently as the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline approaches.

The team had Orlando Robinson at practice and Rajakovic said he’s intrigued by the big man, who has shown some ability to hit three-pointers and rebound in limited NBA action with Miami and Sacramento. Robinson was signed to a 10-day contract.

“What I’m seeing so far is he’s bringing a lot of physicality to our practices. He’s very motivated. He’s putting a lot of effort. He’s trying to pick up on our offensive schemes and how we want to run our offence,” Rajakovic said. “Really good two days and I’m looking forward to see him playing games as well.”

@WolstatSun