Midseason Grades For The Toronto Raptors

DeMarre Carroll

Grade: B
Stats: 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds per game. 43.6 FG%, 37.9 3P%

DeMarre Carroll is one of the toughest players on the Raptors to fairly grade. The first quarter of the season would probably be more of a B-, while his recent play would warrant a B+ to A-. The most important thing for the Raptors is that Carroll has remained healthy all season.

As the season has progressed, Carroll has looked more and more like the player the Raptors thought they were getting when they signed him to a four-year, $60 million contract.

What a healthy Carroll brings Toronto is a forward that can play either forward position. He helps lighten the load on DeMar DeRozan by taking the opposition’s toughest perimeter assignment. He gives Toronto valuable spacing, as well as intelligent off-ball movement.

For the month of January Carroll is averaging nearly 13 points per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from three.

With his legs under him, Carroll provides Toronto with a reliable three-point threat that will now be able to benefit from the open looks his All-Star teammates provide from him.

It’s hard to hold his early season performance against Carroll, as his recovery clearly limited his effectiveness. But the team managed his recovery well by keeping him on a minutes restriction.

Now, barring any setbacks, the Raptors will be a much tougher team come playoffs with a healthy Carroll.