Can DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross Co-Exist For the Future?

Remember last season, when everyone was talking about DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay playing together on the wing? I clearly do, especially considering when I wrote an article on Rudy and DeMar, and whether they would be able to co-exist for the Toronto Raptors. Then, early into this season, I had written another article on why Rudy and DeMar hadn’t co-existed.

Ever since the deal that sent Rudy to the Sacramento Kings, things have changed dramatically. One man who has made a difference in the Raptors’ emergence this season, and one who has solidified what seems to be a bright future, is Terrence Ross. TRoss stepped into a role much larger than being the 3rd or 4th wing off of the bench. He became the full-time small forward, and was asked to log big minutes and become a reliable contributor every single game; a role he had never been tasked with.

Ross has come through so far this season. With NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan alongside of him, we ask the question that we have posed numerous times in the past, but with a new name: Can DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross Co-Exist For The Future?

The answer, is absolutely. The two wing players have two different types of play styles; their variety allows for them to co-exist on the court. The problem with Rudy and DeMar was their clashing of similar play styles.

T-Ross is becoming a well-know three-point shooter, especially after going for 51 points, and hitting 10 threes against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in the month of February. His ability to stretch the floor gives space for his teammates to operate within the perimeter’s line, and forces defences to stay focused on the outside rather than clog the paint.

Clogging the paint – which was seen almost consistently with Rudy and DeMar on the wings – does not give guys like Kyle Lowry the option to penetrate and kick, DeMar to finish or get to the free-throw line, Amir Johnson to attack the offensive glass, and Jonas Valanciunas to establish himself on the inside. The pick-&-roll was also scarce when Rudy was wearing number 22 in white and red.

To illustrate how the three-point shooting is an asset in order for DeMar and T-Ross to co-exist, we have prepared a couple charts in contrast:

Thanks to NBA.com/Stats, Terrence Ross’ shot chart reveals his shooting on the perimeter is above the league’s average percentage. Because of his shooting ability, he poses a threat to defences on the perimeter, forcing them to stick to him, rather than clog the paint; that’s one less defender in the paint for DeMar to penetrate against.

Taking a look at DeMar’s shot chart in contrast to T-Ross’, it creates a balancing act between Ross’ shooting ability, and DeRozan’s. Since DeMar can’t consistently hit from the perimeter, he’ll do most of the work attacking the rim and from mid-range; Ross will take most of those outside shots, and leave a lot of the penetrating to DeRozan.

DeMar is not a great three-point shooter, only averaging 30% from outside (a career-high), but his best shooting comes from the corner. Ross and DeRozan are a combined 43% approximately from the two corners – a terrific shooting clip, meaning that drive-&-kick style is very effective with either of those wings in the corners, and either of those wings attacking the paint.

Another case of covering up each other’s weaknesses is free-throw attempts. Ross struggles to get to the free-throw line, despite being the great, explosive athlete that he is; averaging 0.9 free throw makes, to 1.2 attempts. DeRozan covers that part of Ross’ game significantly, averaging 5.8 makes on 7.2 attempts. In addition, DeMar is one of the league leaders in getting to the free-throw line (tied for 8th with Carmelo Anthony), and one of the best among shooting guards (ranked 2nd behind James Harden).

Lastly, Ross’ ability to cover up DeMar’s defensive liabilities, and the two of them being able to rebound the basketball are key characteristics in their co-existence. Ross has likely become the Raptors’ best perimeter defender, meaning he’s being given the challenge of having to guard the oppositions’ best go-to-guy.

“Any time you get to go against a primary scorer or a superstar like Paul George or Kyrie, I’m always up to the challenge… It lets me see where I am” – Terrence Ross

Coach Dwane Casey has placed Ross on the primary ball-handler or go-to-guy of the opposition, which allows DeRozan to guard the lesser of the three perimeter players, considering Lowry is also a strong defender. This allows DeMar to worry less about the defensive side, with more energy to spend on the offensive end. Basically, it means that the opportunity for a player to explode offensively becomes less of a probability, and it takes DeMar away from getting into foul trouble. DD has become a much improved defensive player, but still has trouble staying in front of more explosive, quicker, and smarter offensive players.

Rebounding is also a huge asset for the two wings, and most especially the team. With Kyle Lowry, who is an excellent rebounding point guard (2nd in the NBA in rebounding for PG’s, 4.5 RPG), the Raptors have become an all-around rebounding team (currently 16th in total rebounds per game, and tied for 8th in offensive rebounding per game). Terrence Ross is averaging 2.5 rebounds a contest, and while that isn’t a great number, it’s been seen that Ross has excellent anticipation in grabbing second chance points (usually put-back dunks), and gets up high off the ground in order to secure defensive rebounds. DeRozan is currently tied for 6th among shooting guards in rebounding with Giannis Antetokounmpo – who really is more of a small forward – at 4.6 a game.

Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan are both natural two-guards, despite Ross breaking out in the small forward position. If DeMar continues his steady growth, and Ross improves into the coming seasons, fans, analysts, and all basketball people will pose questions on whether or not the organization can continue to stand having two shooting guards play together as the two core wing players. Speculation has already started, with questions like “who is the better building block?” or “who would you rather take long term?” However, the questions should revolve around whether DeMar can improve his ball-handling, and if Ross can add healthy weight and strength. These are some important factors in order for them to co-exist long term.

In conclusion, two shooting guards starting and playing together isn’t that big of a deal, considering how the NBA has gone into a smaller era of play; the small-ball line-ups of one big, three guards, three forwards, etc. With Ross and DeRozan, the two of them are fairly sized guards – 6’7, about 195 pounds, 216 pounds respectively. The case against them co-existing is nothing against the supporting case; they cover up one another’s weaknesses so well, it doesn’t just become a perfect partnership, but a needed one. DD needs T-Ross to give him penetration space, help defensively against those great perimeter players, and an option to kick to when in the paint. Ross requires DeMar because of the attention he takes off of him on the drive, his ability to get to the free-throw line at a significant rate, and his play-making, allowing Ross to free roam in order to find shots.

This relationship on the court has been a smooth one. The chemistry between the two is noticeably visible, and how they work off each other has been a pleasure to watch. It has become a routine seeing DeMar attack the heart of the defence, only to kick it out to a wide open Terrence Ross.

Regardless of what the organization decides to do in the future, it is clear that moving Rudy Gay has been a fantastic move so far for this team. They’ve allowed a young guy like Ross to blossom, and it’s really paid off for him, and the team’s success.