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Toronto Raptors: 3 Ways DeMarre Carroll Changes Things

By Greg Chin

Nov 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) reacts to a technical foul against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) reacts to a technical foul against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defends in the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defends in the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 125-94, and won the series 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward

Last season, the Raptors played DeMar DeRozan at small forward to accommodate Terrence Ross at the shooting guard position. On paper, it made sense – DeRozan had the size necessary to play the small forward position, and Ross was a good fit at the two-guard spot. However, in reality, it took away from DeRozan’s ability, and he wasn’t as effective as he could have been.

When the Raptors signed Carroll, he reported approached DeRozan and told him that he wouldn’t have to deal with the likes of LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Acquiring Carroll allows the Raptors to play DeRozan at his natural position – shooting guard. There, his size is more of an advantage, and he can bully smaller opponents that go up against him.

Plus, with Carroll dealing with LeBron or Durant on the defensive end, it enables DeRozan to focus more on being the efficient scorer the Raptors need.

Next: Terrence Ross

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