Patrick Patterson: In line for increased role to begin season

Coach Dwane Casey has been vocal about his preference to use Patterson in a more versatile role off the bench, but in the absence of Sullinger that’s not a luxury he’ll necessarily have. Casey stopped short of committing to Patterson as the starter, though, noting that Pascal Siakam is also in the conversation and stating that the two players could ultimately split time as the starter. Regardless, Patterson should see an uptick in minutes through at least the first two months of the season, as the Raptors are relatively thin in the frontcourt.