Originally posted by Riff Raff
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As for VanVleet, since he's a very good scorer at either the 1 or the 2, I think DeMar's departure could result in him getting more usage and increasing his points totals.
And there's no question in my mind that a healthy and engaged Kawhi is more valuable than a healthy and engaged DeMar. The problem I foresee is that Kawhi is a huge risk to be either unhealthy or unengaged, particularly given the malingering concerns the Spurs had last year and his clear unhappiness about being traded to Toronto. Meanwhile, DeMar record of health, engagement and desire to play with and stay with Toronto was so strong. That's why I think this could be bad for all involved. The Raps may have trouble trading Kawhi in February for anyone of value if he sits out a chunk of the year with a questionable injury status.
So yes, it's possible it pays off great because of what Kawhi can be, which is one of the top three to five two-way players in the NBA. I just worry a ton about Kawhi's attitude given his reaction to the trade, and if I were a Toronto fan I'd also worry about DeMar's reaction to the trade and apparently heartfelt sense that he was betrayed and deceived, and how that impacts other NBAers' perceptions of the Raptors' franchise going forward.
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