The Toronto Raptors have worked extensively with Jonas Valanciunas on the "Hibbert", which is jumping vertically to challenge shooters instead of reaching.

The Raptors are hoping Valanciunas gives them a strong interior presence on defense without succumbing to foul trouble.

"He's far more comfortable in the NBA games," Dwane Casey said. "More confident, moving with more confidence, understanding where to go, what to do. I thought it gave him a sense of belonging, that I belong here. He's got a little swagger from the Summer League. Just being one of our primary interior scorers will be a great year for him, quarterbacking out of the post. And defensively, understanding the nuances of the NBA, the speed of the NBA. We need a rim protector and he needs to be a rim protector for us."