Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors: Comparison

By Frank J. Platko

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 3: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the game on March 3, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 3: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the game on March 3, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 01: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors tries to fend off Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards as they jostle for positioning under the hoop as Serge Ibaka #9 looks on during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on March 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 01: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors tries to fend off Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards as they jostle for positioning under the hoop as Serge Ibaka #9 looks on during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on March 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

CENTER 

Marcin Gortat vs. Jonas Valancunias 

Two sides of the same coin. 

Marcin Gortat and Jonas Valancunias represent very similar players. Both lack superb athleticism and the ability to consistently hit shots outside of the paint. However, they’re adept at finishing around the rim, in both post-up and P&R situations. 

Similar to Gortat, Valancunias’ struggles defending against younger, more athletic big men often make him a liability. After going down 2-1 to the Bucks, the Raptors opted to go small, moving Ibaka to Center and benching Valancunias. After that, the Raptors won three games in a row and took the series. 

There are differences between the two, however. Gortat is a slightly better rebounder, and more efficient from the field. Valancunias is a more polished scorer, and a much better free throw shooter. 

Like Tristan Thompson, Valancunias would have the edge if the comparison were based on age. But these two players are just too alike on both ends of the floor to make an ultimate determination. 

ADVANTAGE: Even

Home/Wizards News