Since the start of the season, Jay Triano and Bryan Colangelo have made it clear that the development of their prized rookie DeMar DeRozan would be a priority this season.
For the most part, that’s a strategy one cannot argue with.
From preseason on, DeRozan found himself in the starting lineup. The rationale being this would give the rookie valuable experience playing against top talent and enable the Raptors coaching staff to monitor and maintain his minutes in the rotation.
For the most part, the Raptors have stuck with their game plan for DeRozan.
He has never failed to play double-digit minutes and never played more than 30 minutes in a game. DeRozan has averaged 21 minutes per game this season by playing 17 to 24 minutes on most nights.
And the Raptors coaches have stuck with the plan whether their rookie was deserving of those minutes each night or not.
While DeRozan has averaged better than eight points and three rebounds, he has often struggled on the defensive end of the floor. On many nights, the more experienced starting guards he has faced have abused him at every opportuni ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Stephen Brotherston
Toronto Raptors DeMar DeRozan: Time For a Change?
March 2nd, 2010 by Stephen Brotherston Leave a reply »
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