Bigger role for Raps’ Jonas?

Kyle Lowry has the award for early arriver to practice locked down.

It’s been that way since he came to Toronto preferring to be first one in the gym and getting his work done before many of his teammates even arrive.

Of course, quite often, he’s also first one out.

Last one to leave is a running battle on this team but through the early part of training camp, the edge goes to Jonas Valanciunas.

When it’s pointed out that this has been noticed, Valanciunas quickly points out he’s also the last one to arrive.

“No, I’m joking,” he says laughing it off. “I’m just trying to work out. Jack (Sikma) is here. Just trying to use the opportunity to get better. We have guys rebounding, guys helping out, so why not?”

The truth of the matter is Valanciunas has never been averse to hard work. It’s what has made him the player he is today as he prepares for his fourth year in the NBA.

The question is what is the next step for the likable Lithuanian who played his best basketball in the playoffs last year until getting hurt in the Miami series.

It will come as a surprise to no one who knows anything about Dwane Casey, that the Raptors’ coach wish list begins with defence and pretty much ends there.

“For me defensively I have said this before, he has to continue to improve with his pick and roll defence and rim protection.