10/21/09
by: Scott
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In the weeks leading up to the 2009-10 season, I'm going to profile the 11 Raptors who should receive most of the playing time this season. Today, we turn the RaptorBlog spotlight on Rasho Nesterovic.
2008-09 numbers: 70 games, 17.3 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 BPG, 0.4 SPG, .513 FG%, .000 3P%, .781 FT%
Before last season, Rasho was the "anti-Jamal Crawford" — he played in the post-season in each of his first 10 seasons. Last season with the Pacers was his first time missing the playoffs. It was also his fewest minutes played in a season since his rookie year. Coincidence?
Yeah, I guess it probably is. But the fact remains that Rasho Nesterovic is one of those guys who helps your team win in ways that don't necessarily show up in the boxscore. He's a solid post defender, a good passer, he has a decent jump shot and a soft touch around the basket. "Soft" is also, unfortunately, an accurate description of his offensive game in the way that he almost never goes to the free throw line — which is a shame because he's actually improved to become a good free throw shooter late in his career.
It's tough to say how much playing time Rasho will get this season because Amir Johnon and Reggie Evans will get their share of minutes and Patrick O'Bryant has showed some signs of life this pre-season. He's not the shot-blocking presence or rebounder he used to be and his slow foot-speed will render him virtually useless on offence if the Raptors opt to play at a fast pace.
That said, Rasho is still an excellent value at $1.8 million as a veteran presence and somebody who will hopefully mentor Andrea Bargnani on effective post defence. By all accounts, he's a good guy who is equally beloved by team-mates, coaches and message board posters. I know I'm not alone in saying that it's just plain good to see him in a Raptors uniform again. Let's NBA, indeed. 
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