Toronto Raptors Juancho Hernangomez scores 27 points to lead Spain to win Eurobasket 2022. His team France defeated France 88 to 76 in the final. He shot 9 for 11 from the field and shot 7 for 9 from the three point line. As a result, he was awarded finals MVP. So what can we take from Hernangomez’s perform at Eurobasket 2022 and how this can affect the Raptors?

Toronto Raptors Juancho Hernangomez Scores 27 Points – How His Play Affects the Raptors this Year

If Juancho Hernangomez’s play in Eurobasket 2022 carries over into the season, he could help the Raptors immensely. In what ways? First, his three point shooting. If Juancho Hernangomez can shoot the three consistently, he provides the Raptors with another weapon that can help the offense as a whole. The Raptors’ lacked consistent three point shooting, especially off the bench. As a result, teams would pack the paint and dare the Raptors to take outside shots. The Raptors did and a lot of times, they were cold. Juancho would help alleviate that problem and make opposing teams defend him. As a result, that will stretch the floor and create more spacing for the Raptors. The more spacing will help get cleaner looks and more driving lanes to the basket.

Second, Hernangomez has a quick shot release. If you look at some his highlights in the finals, it does not take much time for him to shoot. He is a great catch and shoot three point shooter. Also, he is good at finding the open space and spotting up for a three. At six foot nine, it is hard to block his shot as he can shoot over most players. As a result, players will have to guard him. Not only will they have to guard him but to do so quickly. And in particular big men will have to come out to the perimeter and guard him. This is huge! We remember in game six of last years playoffs, Joel Embiid kept sagging off Scottie Barnes and daring him to shoot. Unfortunately, Scottie could not knock them down. Juancho’s shooting helps to solve this problem, as if you sag off him, he will make you pay. Also, if you put a smaller player on him, he should be able to shoot over him or post him up. Also, his quick release will have defenses scrambling to cover and opening up the floor for an open shot for someone else.

Conclusion

When it came out that the Raptors signed Juancho Hernangomez to a guaranteed deal, some of us were a bit skeptical. However, if Hernangomez keeps up his fine play in training camp, he will put a lot of pressure on others to perform. Yes, training camp looks like it will be a war for those final spots. And if he is on the team afterwards and continues his fine play, the Raptors bench will be very potent this year. This would be awesome news as the Raptors had one of the worst benches in the entire league. But with the addition of Otter Porter Junior and improved play by Chris Boucher, Precious Achiuwa and Thaddeus Young, the bench looks a lot better. And if you can add Juancho’s shooting to that bench, you have one of the most formidable benches in the NBA. Hopefully Juancho Hernangomez continues his excellent play. If you does, then the Raptors just have gotten another steal!