NBA Hoops

Koloko, Barnes & Achiuwa stand out in Raptors’ preseason win vs. Jazz

Koloko, Barnes & Achiuwa stand out in Raptors' preseason win vs. Jazz

Amit Mann breaks down notable performances from the Toronto Raptors’ 114-82 preseason win vs. the Utah Jazz.

Video Transcript

AMIT MANN: The Raptors are finally back playing basketball, man. Won 14-82 over the Utah Jazz in their preseason debut. Let’s talk about all of it. But before we do all that, I got to get you to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Like I said, the Raptors are finally here. And we are going to be here preseason, regular season, playoffs, with video breakdowns, analysis, reacting to news, all that fun stuff. So do stay a while. Press the red button.

Now, let’s start with Christian Koloko, the rookie. And the first thing we wanted to see from him, or at least what I want to see from him, can you do exactly what we saw do in summer league and translate it to preseason? And you know what? I think we did.

He did a really good job. I think what we want to see from him is activity on the defensive end. We want to see him play in that cat and mouse game [? in ?] drop coverage really well. And he showed off his spatial awareness when it comes to the ball handler and the roller. He was guarding in space very well.

Another low key thing that I really loved about Christian Koloko in this game is when it comes to rebounding, he was looking for someone to box out on the defensive end. He wasn’t looking at the ball. A lot of dudes end up ball watching when a ball goes up and a shot is in the air. He was looking for someone to box out at all times. And the Raptors defense and rebounding was better when he was on the court, so that’s all very good from this young man.

Offensively, It just it’s about one play right here. Pascal Siakam, Christian Koloko, pick and roll, Pascal finds Christian, layup. No one else on the Raptors can do that, OK? This is the skills that he has that no one else has on the Raptors. Sure, he missed a couple of shots. And there are a couple of gimmes that he could have probably executed on, and that’s OK.

But it’s plays like that and also offensive rebounding on this play. He did a nice little putback on this one here. There are glimpses of him being a force on defense and also him being able to offer new skills to the Raptors halfcourt offense. So great debut for Christian.

Let’s move to Scottie “I am the point guard” Barnes. And overall, pretty good performance from him. Again, early days, all that kind of stuff. But when it comes to the ball in his hands at 6’9″ and being able to put pressure on the paint, pressure…

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