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Opposition Intel: Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors Round One Preview With Brian Boake

By Ti Windisch

Dec 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) drives to the basket past Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Value Of Valanciunas

TW: Jonas Valanciunas is an interesting piece for Toronto. He’s always been said to possess a lot of talent, but it feels like Valanciunas has never really had a true moment where he emerged as more than a role player. Will he be a big factor in this series, or will Toronto rely more on smaller lineups with Serge Ibaka at the five?

BB: Valanciunas would get more recognition if he played for a worse team. Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined for an average point total of 49.7 per game, which clearly sucks a lot of oxygen out of the offensive room. JV averaged 12 points in 25.8 minutes per game, so he’s not exactly invisible. However, there were definitely times when our guards were taking all the shots, and our center was ignored.

Coach Casey isn’t convinced JV is a sound defender against the high pick and roll, and he’s often sitting in Q4 as a result. With Ibaka’s ability to play the 5 in small-ball lineups, JV’s time may indeed be cut further. However, I hope not. The big Lithuanian is the Raptors’ best rebounder, by far.

Final note: JV is an excellent shooter out to 18 feet. If the Bucks don’t bother him out there, they will regret it.

Next: The Bucks Recent History Against The Raptors

Thanks to Brian for helping us out and answering our Raptors questions! Be sure to check out Raptors Rapture for more info on Toronto’s team.

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