Pops Culture

By: Papa Minnow

With the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, the Raptors propelled themselves into the realm of the NBA elite, and attained legitimate championship aspirations. On Wednesday, they bolstered their roster depth by signing Patrick McCaw to a one-year veteran’s minimum deal.

At first glance there is nothing striking about McCaw’s numbers. In two seasons he averaged 4.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals in an average of 16 minutes of playing time (his second season was cut short due to injury).

He’s a 6’7 guard with length that can defend multiple positions. Offensively, McCaw can create his own shot and is crafty enough to get to the basket; something the Raptors second unit has needed at times this year.

McCaw, however, does not plug a hole that the Raptors desperately need: three-point shooting. In his first season, the 23-year-old guard was hitting threes at 33%. In 60 games since he’s only hit the three at 24% bringing his career average to 29.5% over two seasons.

The Raptors themselves shoot the deep ball at 34.4% which is below the NBA average and places them 22nd in the league (according to NBA.com). That begs the question as to why the Raptors signed McCaw at all.

Well, with the waiving of Lorenzo Brown, the Raptors needed to fill their roster spot to 14 players, but more importantly, as a former member of the Golden State Warriors, McCaw is a two-time NBA champion.

Photo via: NBA.com

The Raptors are adding another player with playoff experience and championship pedigree. One of McCaw’s biggest moments came in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals when he scored 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals off the bench.

While one game does not define a player as the be all end all, the Raptors’ acquisition of McCaw may be one of psychological benefit. If the Raptors hope to achieve NBA champion status, who better to help give them an edge in a potential June match up with the Warriors than a former Warriors’ player who knows their ins and outs.