The Raptors Are Playing a Style Nobody’s Seen Before
Watch Full Episode → https://youtu.be/wmLajC-Fr1M?si=iFkFe8jDLyGoj_Bn
The Toronto Raptors lead the NBA in transition frequency—but rank only 12th in pace. How is that possible?
The Raptors are first in transition plays by far, especially off live rebounds. But when they can’t run, they slow down completely. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Brandon Ingram dominate in half-court sets, and the Raptors rank 6th in half-court efficiency despite playing in the half court less than any team in the league.
This hybrid system—sprint in transition, grind in the half court—is something no other NBA team is doing. Darko Rajaković has built an offense that’s fast AND slow simultaneously, maximizing both transition scoring and half-court efficiency.
It’s a paradox that’s working, and it’s why the Raptors are 9-of-10 and tormenting the Eastern Conference.
#TorontoRaptors #Raptors #ScottieBarnes #RJBarrett #BrandonIngram #NBAAnalysis #HotHandTheory #Pace #Transition #NBA
Watch Full Episode → https://youtu.be/wmLajC-Fr1M?si=iFkFe8jDLyGoj_Bn
________________________
🎧 For full episodes and in-depth film breakdowns, subscribe to our main channel → https://www.youtube.com/@hothandtheory
29 Comments
Watch the FULL Episode on our main channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmLajC-Fr1M
the have all the same players at wings
As a raptors fan I’m Just happy we have 1 positivo thing about us 😂😂
Yes! You are the first commentator I've seen (outside of the regular flock of local talking heads) who has mentioned this duality. I was worried no one else noticed. Well done. Subscribed.
I didn’t get to hear the other guy wow😂
I agree with everything Geoff said
Good job, they also get a ton of stocks, very rarely do other teams get more shots than the Raptors do. 😊
The Raptors have two tempos: quick time and dawdling.
I can't find total time of possession stats, but it seems that Toronto is slowing down the opposition enough that it affects the time available for them on offense. The only stats I could find were averages per possession and it looked like Toronto makes the opposition spend about 1.3 seconds more per possession than they use.
Very interesting take. I totally agree
A good take on their hybrid style of play. I would say that what connects the two styles is this common factor–they move the ball. In fast break and transition plays the movement is north/south, sprint dribbles and long lead passes. When they play in the half-court the ball movement is lateral, in-and-out, cross-court, round-the-horn, meanwhile, players are in motion, relocating, cutting to the basket, setting screens.
I recall early in his tenure Darko was preaching 3-second basketball–quick decisions, multiple passes, no pounding the air out of the ball. The point is to keep the defense in constant motion, that is what produces coverage breakdown and open looks. Now, with the arrival of BI, with IQ fully healthy and finding his shot, along with Barrett's offensive versatility and Scottie's star qualities ascending, they finally have the shooters who can fully realize Darko's vision.
It's the same style of play as the Golden State Warriors (minus curry) as well as plenty of European teams. Nothing new.
75 percent is not infrequent, it's only low compared to the rest of the L
The main change for Raptors is when they play half court, BI can attact double team when he play in low post and pass ball to RJ cut in and IQ 3 point . BI can be core to run half court offense. Raptors keep good defense and fast break fand add BI to solve half court offense, Raptors will be horrible.
Great content. Ngl I need more gang
I’m a Raptors fan and there fun to watch. Having a healthy Brandon Ingram definitely helps the half court offense as they can finally have a guy who says give me the rock I’m going to score. Do I think the Raptors can be a contender in the east, yes because it’s wide open. Right now there playing at a high level and having a great time playing as a unit. I hope they keep this up. Let’s go Raptors
SCOTTIE BARNES?!….is….IS ALL STAR 🌟 🏀
– Darko
most important is the team chemistry and using JP and his screening. Easy buckets
Solid analysis
Quick passing, big guys making shots , fun to watch !!
They kinda are swagger jackin the pacers formula
What a discussion between these two men!
LETS GO RAPTORS
In Massai we trust, the man that brought in Brandon Ingram.
Nice… not a single highlight shown…
Scotty welcoming in RJ and now BI has been everything, it fits not only how Darko likes to coach, but they way the league is trending; unselfish play and deep rosters. OKC and Indiana proved this model last year, the era of star heavy super teams is over. Also playing in transition and then slowing it down in the half court to not just play to their strengths but let their defense set is elite play. I am excited about this team.
I fear Ingraham is worried about his stats and taking bad shots instead of passing.
Raptors have been one of the best run franchises in the league for a good while now, I'd say since 2013 onwards.
who care, raptor trazh