The Toronto Raptors havent played a single game this season with every member of the rotation fully healthy. Even as Pascal Siakam returns to the fold, Yuta Watanabe has yet to play in a game this season due to a calf injury. Considering the momentum he picked up at the end of last year, this situation is nothing short of disheartening.<\/p>\n
After joining Toronto last year on a two-way deal following some brief cameos in Memphis, Watanabe played so well on both ends of the floor that he earned a full NBA contract in the middle of the season. Watanabe was billed as another versatile two-way player this team could lean on.<\/p>\n
Watanabe averaged 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last year while making 44% of his shots overall and 40% of his 3-point attempts. At 6-9, Watanabe made his biggest impact as a defender, as his combination of hustle, effort, and adaptability helped make him one of the few pleasant surprises from last years Tampa debacle.<\/p>\n
Watanabe appears to be close to returning as Nick Nurse pegged him for a debut sometime around the next few days. When he returns to this roster, how will his talents best be utilized?<\/p>\n
Whats become abundantly clear over the last few weeks is that Svi Mykhailiuk cant be taken out of the rotation. On a team that lacks elite shooting, Mykhailiuks ability to get hot without a high volume of shots is invaluable. Cutting the minutes of Precious Achiuwa or Chris Boucher may sting, but this may be a way to ensure both Yuta and Svi get time.<\/p>\n
Watanabes improvement as a shooter contributed to his uptick in minutes last year, and he should lean on that skill to carve out a role with the 2021-22 squad. Toronto doesnt need Watanabe to change the scope of the rotation, but a few more 3-pointers and perimeter steals could help snap this team out of whatever trance theyve been in.<\/p>\n
Watanabe might have more height than some of his teammates, and he could play the 4 spot in a very limited capacity should Toronto have no other choice, but his main role will be playing like a traditional wing and playing more perimeter defense than hanging around the paint.<\/p>\n
Filling your roster with 3-And-D players is a prudent concept, and Watanabe could be an ideal fit for this struggling team.<\/p>\n
Watanabe by himself will not completely turn the offense around, but he will be a big help when it comes to improving what has been a suspect defense of late and providing offensive spacing due to his 3-point shot. In his limited role, thats just about all the Raptors can ask of him.<\/p>\n
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Raptors: What will Yuta Watanabes role be when he returns? - Raptors Rapture<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Toronto Raptors havent played a single game this season with every member of the rotation fully healthy. Continue reading