Toronto Raptors go undefeated in Summer League: Highlights and Analysis

The Toronto Raptors have finished summer league undefeated and the likes of DeRozan, Weems and Davis are generating a buzz in Las Vegas. The Raptors faced their toughest competition Friday vs the upcoming Sacramento Kings…but were still able to pull out the close victory.

DeMar DeRozan looked great as expected and has shown his improved handles and ability to create off the dribble. He has also shown extended, and more importantly, consistent range on his jumper.

Sonny Weems play has been a pleasant surprise despite his good play at the end of last season, and Bryan Colangelo was beaming like a proud parent when discussing Sonny Weems with RaptorsTV. He has been showing improved range as well as distribution skills which should win him more minutes in the Raptors rotation.

Joey Dorsey has played as advertised…as an undersized 4 who projects as one of the best per 48 rebounding bigs in the NBA, good to know with Reggie Evans and his expiring contract likely headed out of town. I have always been a Dorsey fan specifically because he is such a rugged rebounder something that Raptors have needed for a while. He will be good for Solomon Alabi and Andrea Bargnani our two 7 foot big men who need to take on some of Dorsey’s determination and nose for the ball.

Guard Bobby Brown formerly of the Clippers seems to have some nice chemistry with the ‘Young Guns’ and has displayed a propensity for getting to the line. You have to believe that if Jose or Jack leave Toronto he will get serious consideration for the 3rd point guard job.

Now for the rookies:

Solomon Alabi has looked really good, he will not be in a battle for a starting position but as the 4th or 5th big he can provide solid big man minutes. He needs to develop a mean streak in order to become more of a force as a rebounder, but he looks terrific on defense and runs the floor extremely well, something important for an up and down team like the Raptors.

Ed Davis has shown flashes of being able to make a case to start. Easily the most talented big on our team Davis should not be starting games on the bench. He has shown great touch around the rim, the ability to hit the 12 footer, and has also displayed his trademark defensive calling cards in blocks and rebounds. Having a big that thrives on the defensive end is a welcome and refreshing change for Raptor fans and Davis’ play in summer league clearly indicates that his injury is healed and that he is getting back in to basketball shape.

His hustle and tenacity on both ends of the floor will immediately endear him to Raptors fans and you have to believe if he is not in the starting lineup to start the season that he will force his way into the starting lineup sooner than later. Another part of his game that stood out is his underrated passing ability, he is to set up more than his fair share of plays over the course of the season.

This has been a really interesting summer league, and despite the low level of competition, you still have to agree that the future is bright with our young core of developing players.

Can’t wait to the regular season gets started and to see what other moves BC has up his sleeve.

Now for some summer league highlights:

Game 1 vs Suns

Game 2 vs Rockets

Game 3 vs Knicks

Game 4 vs Sacramento

Game 5 vs Hornets

Raju Byfield is a Senior Sports Writer for Raptors Digest.

Raju Byfield also writes for Win My Fantasy League as a Senior Sports Writer/Fantasy Sports Analyst.