Which Raptor would survive a zombie apocalypse? Who has the most impressive autograph collection? Did Luis Scola get emotional at the end of Fast & Furious 7? (Hint: hell yes). Why is Terrence Ross singing Alice Cooper? Every day until the season starts, a new player steps in front of the lens and answers the tough questions so you can get to know your Toronto Raptors. Up next, Bismack Biyombo is the classiest dunker of all-time.
|Know Your Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas|Terrence Ross| DeMar DeRozan| Norm Powell| Patrick Patterson| Anthony Bennett| Bismack Biyombo|
This summer, after four seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats, centre Bismack Biyombo signed a two-year deal with the Raptors for $6 million. He was another one of many off-season signings for the club, but where he signed on the dotted line sets him apart: in his native Congo, during a trip back to the country he grew up on.
Biyombo travelled with the Eastern Congo Initiative, the brainchild of Ben Affleck. Eastern Congo is an area troubled by war and Biyombo returned home to get a better understanding of how these initiatives are helping the Congolese. It was a trip that largely flew under the radar— much like Biyombo’s presence on the court.
Despite his 6’9” frame, Biymobo’s contributions to the Raptors likely won’t always be seen and noted by many. Signed for his athleticism, physicality and defensive abilities, Biyombo has looked strong away from the ball through pre-season, providing excellent coverage in the paint. A lot of what he does won’t show up on the score sheet but the stability he’ll provide the Raptors on defense is invaluable, even if it isn’t headline material.
2014-15 stats: 57 games played (three starts), 15.7 mpg/4.8 ppg/6.4 rpg/1.5 bpg/54% shooting (58% FT)
|Know Your Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas|Terrence Ross| DeMar DeRozan| Norm Powell| Patrick Patterson| Anthony Bennett| Bismack Biyombo|