Addressing myths approaching Lowry's return

[CT2010]

I've never understood the argument that aa great point guard speeds up development. What it does is get your guys easy looks that a lessser point won't get you, which artificially inflates your player's value. It is certainly good to have a guy like that for winning games but I think it actually slows down development because everything get's spoonfed to your guys. I think a scoring point guard gives just as much oppurtunity.

Calderon can be just as much of a mentor on the bench. Lowry's so called "attitude" has not made itself evident since he arrived here, he seems very competitive and hungry, but that is the sort of player you want your youth around.

Lowry will be the starter by the end of the season, he is both a better player and a better fit for the team.

I don't think you can under value the mindset of players when it comes to their offense. Giving players easy opportunity to score is detrimental to their development? Seriously? No sense here at all. What is detrimental to their development is asking them to do all the dirty work on D and then never feeding them the ball and looking for you own shot all the time. How long do you think guys will continue to battle for their "leader" if he is the one taking shots from 10 feet behind the arc with 20 seconds left on the shot clock? Lowry's attitude has been more than evident since his arrival and I like his attitude as long as he can back it up with smart ball on both ends of the court.

I would much rather have as many guys on the team contributing to the offense on a nightly basis than rely on one guy for 30 points every night. This has been the case for the last 6 or 7 games and I think it shows in the level of engagemement by the players on both ends helping each other out.

[Matt52]

A welcome return!

One game but it clearly shows he has what it takes to perform individually without sacrificing team success.

Bargnani also showed what he can do as well in a short time. The question now becomes one of does the desire and consistency exist? I'm voting yes.

[Eric Akshinthala]

To say that the teams turnaround and Calderon starting is mere coincidence is a little unfair to him IMO. I don't blame Lowry for the earlier losses but I won't take away any credit from Calderon for the wins either. While Lowry is a very talented player, arguably the most talented Raptor, he is yet to form a chemistry with his team mates. For most of his first season, he has been injured. This has prevented him from building any kind of chemistry with his team mates. To make things worse Casey was completely lost in the first few games.

The one area in which Jose can match with the best PG's is his ability to run an offence. This is largely because of his experience. While Lowry is a very good player, he is a little behind Jose in this department. He will get better and may be better than Jose some day, at this time though Jose is the better distributor. Plus being the older Raptor helps too.

[FoxMachine]

lowry def showed his ability to run a team tonight.. as a backup.. i really think he paid attention and not only learned from jose but got excited to show what he can do to be a part of the team game we been playing..

time will tell tho.. i think he can do it

[ReubenJRD]

One game, but loved how he was able to adjust throughout the game, depending on the tempo and style being played during the time.

17 points, 8 assists off the bench? In just over 20 minutes? Also, Coach and Lowry have been saying he's (Kyle) doing conditioning to stay a bit prepared (Coach Casey did mention he was a little winded), so I wouldn't be surprised - nor would I mind - him returning to the starting lineup.

Calderon has been great throughout this great stretch of basketball though, true professional, and deserves all the credit. He's been an impact the last couple weeks.

[Matt52]

This morning I've read comments and new articles regarding Lowry's ill-advised shot last night as the 4th winded down.

Oh, there was definitely a moment there with about 30 seconds left when Lowry reverted to hero ball and threw up an ill advised three with his team protecting a two point lead and time still on the shot clock.

The attempt was blocked and the Raptors defence got a stop. The Hornets fouled with DeRozan hitting one of two.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball.../20459076.html

The Raptors led by seven with less than two minutes left in regulation, but a bad Kyle Lowry three-point attempt that was blocked helped send the game to overtime.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/basket...ts-in-overtime

Not sure about anyone else but this is what I saw: Lowry had ball, team stagnant, little movement, shot clock running down, he shoots and it is blocked.

The ESPN play-by-play would seem to validate this sequence of events:

0:51 90-88 Greivis Vasquez makes driving layup
0:28 Anthony Davis blocks Kyle Lowry 's 26-foot three point jumper 90-88

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/playby...78150&period=4

By my count above that shot was taken with 1-2 seconds left on the clock. With teammates barely moving, who is he to pass it to?


Lowry is now in a damned if he does/damned if he doesn't situation in Toronto. I can only hope his play last night becomes the norm and he can shed this selfish label. A guy with his talent should be starting in the NBA and hopefully the statements on the importance of ball movement is not lip service.

Lowry is the best and most dynamic player the Raptors have had in a long time. He is also the only player to be able to create his own shot at will in a long time - it just so happens he is a PG. Somehow I don't think Chicago, Cleveland, Portland, or GoldenState (to name a couple) are upset by this.

[AJ360]

This morning I've read comments and new articles regarding Lowry's ill-advised shot last night as the 4th winded down.





Not sure about anyone else but this is what I saw: Lowry had ball, team stagnant, little movement, shot clock running down, he shoots and it is blocked.

The ESPN play-by-play would seem to validate this sequence of events:



By my count above that shot was taken with 1-2 seconds left on the clock. With teammates barely moving, who is he to pass it to?


Lowry is now in a damned if he does/damned if he doesn't situation in Toronto. I can only hope his play last night becomes the norm and he can shed this selfish label. A guy with his talent should be starting in the NBA and hopefully the statements on the importance of ball movement is not lip service.

Lowry is the best and most dynamic player the Raptors have had in a long time. He is also the only player to be able to create his own shot at will in a long time - it just so happens he is a PG. Somehow I don't think Chicago, Cleveland, Portland, or GoldenState (to name a couple) are upset by this.

I remember it bing early in the clock (immediately after he crossed half court) and I thought it was an awful decision at the time, but it was the only bad one he made all game, which I can live with.

[Fully]

Lowry's late game three was a really bad decision, but it wasn't early in the clock. He got a switch in the PNR and ended up with Davis on him. Instead of attacking him, he just pounded the rock until there was a few ticks left and then hoisted a deep three which got blocked. Other than that, he had a really good game though.

As long as the team is enjoying success, weakened schedule or not, I think they should keep the lineup as is. With the roster the way it is right now, Lowry actually provides a nice punch off the bench... and he's able to be more aggressive looking for his own offence with the second unit.

[Craiger]

This morning I've read comments and new articles regarding Lowry's ill-advised shot last night as the 4th winded down.





Not sure about anyone else but this is what I saw: Lowry had ball, team stagnant, little movement, shot clock running down, he shoots and it is blocked.

The ESPN play-by-play would seem to validate this sequence of events:



By my count above that shot was taken with 1-2 seconds left on the clock. With teammates barely moving, who is he to pass it to?


Lowry is now in a damned if he does/damned if he doesn't situation in Toronto. I can only hope his play last night becomes the norm and he can shed this selfish label. A guy with his talent should be starting in the NBA and hopefully the statements on the importance of ball movement is not lip service.

Lowry is the best and most dynamic player the Raptors have had in a long time. He is also the only player to be able to create his own shot at will in a long time - it just so happens he is a PG. Somehow I don't think Chicago, Cleveland, Portland, or GoldenState (to name a couple) are upset by this.

The shot was a bit premature. I personally didn't think it was the right decision.

That said one play doesn't (or shouldn't) make a game or a career or a player (well unless its so boneheaded it makes a "stupid decision of the century highlight reel")

[Matt52]

I remember it bing early in the clock (immediately after he crossed half court) and I thought it was an awful decision at the time, but it was the only bad one he made all game, which I can live with.

I'd love to see video of the play. I recall a lot of dribbling and standing. I could be wrong but when I read the comments this morning and viewed the play-by-play, I thought I was correct.

[Matt52]

Lowry's late game three was a really bad decision, but it wasn't early in the clock. He got a switch in the PNR and ended up with Davis on him. Instead of attacking him, he just pounded the rock until there was a few ticks left and then hoisted a deep three which got blocked. Other than that, he had a really good game though.

As long as the team is enjoying success, weakened schedule or not, I think they should keep the lineup as is. With the roster the way it is right now, Lowry actually provides a nice punch off the bench... and he's able to be more aggressive looking for his own offence with the second unit.

Should Lowry have looked to attack Davis? Davis is a premiere shot blocker and has nearly a foot on him. Was Lowry looking for the big-little mismatch on the screen? Was he looking for a cutter? Was he looking to reverse the ball? With 1-2 seconds on the shot clock what is one to do other than shoot the ball? Would he have got a better look had he shot coming of the screen as opposed to *my assumption* looking for others?

I think Lowry is going to be tarnished moving forward for his attempts to do too much while injured. Here is a game in which he played 28 minutes with 7 shots, missing just 2, 8 assists, 0 turnovers and the missed 3pt shot is given just as much attention.

[big boi]

Lowry is a very good point guard. Yes he's tried a little too hard to be the man offensively some nights, but he'll be the best pg this team has had since Damon in his prime.

Some People are infatuated with Calderon. He's a good shooter with good court vision. He also handles the ball reasonably well. Also, he gets broken down on d, at will. Either getting scored on personally, or more often requiring help or switches that lead to open shots. He also makes bad decisions. Game against sas rushes to tell tr all is okay after a timout (not his job), comes out of the timeout and throws the most ridiculous turnover. Wayta pay attention. He is a fine back up on a decent team, or an okay stop gap starter for a bottom dweller. But this team will never be a good one with him running the team. He should be traded at the deadline.

Also Casey: please stop playing them together for extended minutes

[OldSchool]

Well said. Finally someone with some sense and over 14 yrs old posting something whorthwhile here. Anyone who says Calderon is a better player than Lowry just doesn't know basketball - and this coming from a Calderon fan. Lowry is potential all-star folks.

[The Coach]

I'd love to see video of the play. I recall a lot of dribbling and standing. I could be wrong but when I read the comments this morning and viewed the play-by-play, I thought I was correct.

He shot it with 4 seconds left on the shot clock. The play involved the Raps isolating Lowry and spreading the floor for a high screen on Lowry's defender. Bad shot, bad play call... It did look like Lowry was looking at Casey after the whistle on the play and threw his arms up wondering what he was supposed to do.
Great game by Lowry... stayed within the system and was absolutely huge down the stretch. Not going to lie though, hated the shot for multiple reasons... trust is truly established in the last minutes of the game and that shot said "hero ball" all over it.

[Fully]

Should Lowry have looked to attack Davis? Davis is a premiere shot blocker and has nearly a foot on him. Was Lowry looking for the big-little mismatch on the screen? Was he looking for a cutter? Was he looking to reverse the ball? With 1-2 seconds on the shot clock what is one to do other than shoot the ball? Would he have got a better look had he shot coming of the screen as opposed to *my assumption* looking for others?

I think Lowry is going to be tarnished moving forward for his attempts to do too much while injured. Here is a game in which he played 28 minutes with 7 shots, missing just 2, 8 assists, 0 turnovers and the missed 3pt shot is given just as much attention.

I don't think his missed shot is getting that much attention aside from you. You brought up the late ill-advised three and I concurred that it was a bad decision, but I also said that Lowry had a great game overall. Raps win. Lowry was a big part. Move on?

[Matt52]

I don't think his missed shot is getting that much attention aside from you. You brought up the late ill-advised three and I concurred that it was a bad decision, but I also said that Lowry had a great game overall. Raps win. Lowry was a big part. Move on?

I found it funny how a remarkable game he had was just as much of a mention in Toronto media write ups and fans posts on the main page than everything else he brought to the table.

But yes, I am moving on.

[Fully]

Yeah, I can understand the frustration. It seems to be the nature of sports media at the moment however; someone comes up with an interesting narrative and then everyone else drives it into the ground whether it's actually applicable or not.

[CT2010]

Should Lowry have looked to attack Davis? Davis is a premiere shot blocker and has nearly a foot on him. Was Lowry looking for the big-little mismatch on the screen? Was he looking for a cutter? Was he looking to reverse the ball? With 1-2 seconds on the shot clock what is one to do other than shoot the ball? Would he have got a better look had he shot coming of the screen as opposed to *my assumption* looking for others?

I think Lowry is going to be tarnished moving forward for his attempts to do too much while injured. Here is a game in which he played 28 minutes with 7 shots, missing just 2, 8 assists, 0 turnovers and the missed 3pt shot is given just as much attention.

Is that different from any other player? Everyone is examinded under the microscope for good and bad decisions in professional sports. I can't recall the exact circumstances of the play, but my memory is that he dribbled the ball for a long time before the screen. (this, I think is due to Casey asking the PG's to burn as much clock as possible with the lead at the end of games) he came off the screen and dribbled a bit more, Looked like he was trying to figure out whether to attack or shoot. and then jacked it up.

As for your point about Davis, PG's are supposed to be much faster that bigs and shouldn't have much problem blowing by them. It happens all the time.

As I think I said before, if Lowry can give us consistently what he has given us for the past few games, I don't care at all if he makes the occasional bad decision, he is human. His play the past two games has been inspired and he deserves much credit for his efforts.

[BasketballCrush]

I remember him going into the stands and taking a few bites out of someones pizza, can't remember if he attempted the shot after the cute Asian girl snapped a photo with him doing the peace sign, or if it was after.