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2007-08 Per 36 Minute Averages: 14.0 PTS, 4.6 REB, 2.5 AST, 0.2 BLK, 1.1 STL, 1.2 TO 2007-08 Advanced Stats: .580 TS%, 7.5 TRB%, 14.4 PER These profiles will feature nine players on the Raptors' roster that I have been able to evaluate from previous performance. For explanation of the stat lines, check out my primers on Per 36 Minutes Averages, TS%, TRB% and PER. The last of my nine player profiles (at least until I get to see the new guys in pre-season action) will also be the shortest one. What can you say about Anthony "Mr. Reliable" Parker? He's a good team guy, a solid defender, a decent athlete and an extremely underrated shooter. How underrated? I bet it would surprise even most Raptors fans to find out that Parker is seventh all-time in career three-point shooting percentage. Unlike fellow sharpshooting teammate Jason Kapono, Parker isn't a reluctant shooter — he averaged 4.2 three-point attempts per 36 minutes last season. Parker's 2007-08 numbers were a carbon copy of his '06-07 numbers — except that Parker didn't miss a game last season and was the only Raptor to start every contest. He's 33 years old now so we're starting to see his footspeed decline somewhat, but he should be able to maintain well enough to keep his starting spot for another season. One interesting story to watch for this season is the possible reduction of Parker's minutes if Eric Smith is correct in reporting that Kapono will be slotted as the backup two-guard. Parker is obviously the better defender but Sam Mitchell will probably want to rest his legs a little more. Also, it's worth noting that this is the final year in Parker's contract, so I'd say it's 50-50 that he'll be wearing another uniform next season. With that in mind, let's make sure to appreciate A.P.'s solid contributions in '08-09. Like Jose Calderon and Jamario Moon, he's given Raptors fans more than they probably bargained for as a free agent signing that flew under the NBA radar and has most definitely earned his relatively modest salary. Anthony Parker is a true class act and I hope he gets to see his first second-round playoff action in 2009 — 12 years after he made his NBA debut. |
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