NBA Playoffs 2020: 5 reasons the Toronto Raptors can win it all
3. Rangy wings make for versatile lineups
Nurse is a severely underrated head coach, and the plethora of multi-positional players at his disposal only enhances that wealth of tactical knowledge. Anunoby, Siakam, Norman Powell (who’s made quite a leap this year), Patrick McCaw, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and even Terence Davis are all capable of playing multiple positions, and all that length contributes to the Raptors’ stingy defense.
That’s not the extent of this group’s versatility, however. Lowry and VanVleet are just as comfortable flourishing alongside one another in the backcourt as they are separately. Anunoby, Ibaka and Gasol are all capable of manning the 5 depending on the lineup, and all three spread the floor to 3-point range on the other end.
Also adds Gasol's absence has on bright side done a lot for Serge Ibaka. Has made Ibaka much better. Nurse says he can envision using "Jumbo" package with OG Anunoby at SG and Ibaka/Gasol in frontcourt with Siakam.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) June 9, 2020
Thanks to injury problems, your usual roster experimentation with new pieces and Nurse’s coaching prowess, Toronto has an abundance of lineup options to work with. If someone isn’t performing in a playoff series, Nurse already has another trustworthy backup waiting on deck. Having wing talent is essential to contending in this league, and even without a blockbuster name like Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors have more than enough depth and versatility in this regard.