The Definitive Toronto Raptors Season Review

From Joe Wolfond’s piece:

“That newfound patience was reflected in the numbers. Quickley had by far his most efficient pick-and-roll scoring season as a Raptor, averaging just over a point per possession (86th percentile leaguewide) despite the fact that he had a major down year as a pull-up 3-point shooter (27.5 percent, compared to 35.6 percent for his career and 38 percent in his previous two seasons). In other words, his success as a pick-and-roll ball-handler was entirely driven by what he did inside the arc. 

Again, it’s a real shame that he didn’t get a chance to showcase what his refined skillset could look like in a playoff setting, where those in-between shots become even more resilient. But looking ahead, this is cause for optimism. Pair Quickley’s improved 2-point finishing with pull-up 3-point shooting that’s more in line with his abilities and career norms, and we could be talking about one of the more dangerous pick-and-roll scorers in the league. Which is particularly salient for a Raptors team that ranked second-last in both volume and efficiency of possessions finished by pick-and-roll ball-handlers in the playoffs. 

And while specific statistical jumps like the one Quickley made this year can turn out to be outliers, the habits and targeted work that made it possible in this case should offer hope — not only that he can sustain those improvements, but that there’s still another level for him to reach. Because going through his film, as much as you see the areas where he’s improved, you also see ways in which his shot diet can be even more efficient. And to hear it from the guy who trains him in the summers, Quickley himself will understand that better than anyone.  

“He’s a special player in the sense of, obviously the work ethic, but I think beyond that, how attentive he is to things,” Lam said. “He’s a smart dude, and to go along with that he’s very self-aware. He’s not just going to get in the gym and just do whatever. When you have a player like him who’s talented and self-aware and willing to put the work in, it makes my job a lot easier.”