As one scrolls through the Republic’s Morning Coffee, it will quickly sink in that today officially holds the potential for a substantial change in the Raps’ roster. The NBA trade deadline has finally arrived, and it undoubtedly holds more significance to this city than in years past. This just got real.
But Will That Reality Rise To The Surface?
The odds of Toronto staying quiet (or simply making minor adjustments) as the clock ticks towards 3pm are quite favourable, so be prepared for an uneventful Thursday full of expiring-contract tweaks and Radio/TV filler. Although the latter won’t need much in the way of preparation.
The Rundown:
- For a more in-depth look at Masai Ujiri’s recent statements, which have led us to believe the Raptors will be minimal participants, William Lou has you covered.
- If you want to get creative, and are not employed by this city’s Fun Police, Tim W. has your fix.
- In respect to salary cap implications and overall options attached, Ryan McNeill can be your guide.
- Ross supporters can also get their kicks with Garrett Hinchey’s take on why he should not be dealt.
- To catch up on all the supposed big-man rumours, Blake Murphy is out of his meeting, he will see you now.
Living In The Moment:
When whispers around the league quickly transform into downplaying by the powers that be (shocker, I know), the main focus should be able to shift to this club’s upcoming opponents. The beginning of a stretch run that features clashes with the league’s elite in four of their next five games. Not to mention the opportunities for redemption along the way against the likes of Atlanta and Golden State.
A 36-17 record should be celebrated. Hell, this squad is on pace for its best record in franchise history. So feel free, drinks are on the house. But the previously embarrassing run-ins with each Conference leader have displayed the ugly side of Toronto’s season. And make no mistake, one does exist.
But let’s pump the breaks for a second. This wouldn’t be the first time a team’s upper-brass followed up a statement of team direction with shifting gears altogether. This is also not the fan base’s first trade-deadline rodeo. But to Ujiri’s credit, one has to respect his ability at keeping team-intel close to the vest. Predictability is never fruitful on a day like this. There’s only enough room for one T-Ross in this organization.
So before Van Gundy Casey and company can get back to on-court business, Ujiri has the floor.
Assets Realistically In Play:
The Demarcus Cousins pipe-dream probably won’t occur, but optimism is recommended!
A slew of impending Unrestricted Free Agents reside on this roster. Let’s count them down from the level of impact currently provided along with the likelihood of leaving town:
Amir Johnson:
- Biggest Attributes: A tireless worker at both ends, and one of the Raps’ better pick-and-roll enforcers.
- Biggest Drawback: The concerning downward trend in his Rebounds Per 36 minutes. His last three seasons: 9.5, 8.2, 7.7.
- Odds of leaving: Below 50 percent. A re-signing remains probable with the lack of troops up front.
Lou Williams:
- Biggest attributes: A potential game-changer anytime he steps on the court with the ability to compensate for any poor shooting from the starting unit.
- Biggest Drawbacks: That ability can also be his downfall, as the heat-check gods have possessed Sweet Lou one time too many. Which leads to unwarranted attempts and easy transition opportunities going the other way.
- Odds of leaving: Slightly above 50 percent. The much ballyhooed future cap space won’t be as flexible if the Raps are looking to retain both AJ and Williams. One of them is not built for this team’s future.
Tyler Hansbrough – Landry Fields – Chuck Hayes:
- Biggest attributes in order: Toughness, defence, and locker room presence. A show of respect to what these three bring to the table in limited time on the court is overdue. However, no tears will be shed if come Friday they’re all breaking in new colours. Ok, a few for Chuck. As the chemistry of this squad is the underrated glue holding it together.
- Biggest drawbacks: The negatives on the offensive end simply outweigh the intangibles brought elsewhere. Not to mention Fields’ unfortunate battles with nerve damage to his hands.
- Odds of leaving: All above 60 percent.
Now It’s Time For The Star Of The Show:
Speaking of the rumour mill. If any move of notable substance is made, look for T-Ross’ name to take center stage. The once untouchable “fan favourite” could be packing his bags by lunchtime.
Even the impenetrable nature of the pro-Ross camp is now experiencing moments of doubt when surveying his decline in production. Well, at the very least, Ross’ fandom is rapidly morphing into a realm of impatience.
This possible trade scenario presents a few dilemmas for management and fans alike. Is it too early to ship the third-year pro out of town? As amidst the bouts of inconsistencies, flashes of top-tier talent have been in attendance.
Has the opportune chance to move Ross faded? With Ross’ value at a career-low, the principles of asset management would be working against this organization.
Suspect Stats: (Otherwise known as re-enacting episodes of Lost)
- Offensive Win Shares last season: 2.0, this season: 0.9
- Defensive Win Shares last season: 2.2, this season: 0.8
- Overall Win Shares last season: 4.2, this season: 1.7
- Free-Throws: A grand total of 8 over his last 10 games. And six of those contests resulted in a goose-egg. A tragic misuse of athletic ability.
- “A box score estimate of the defensive points per 100 possessions a player contributed above a league-average player.” Otherwise known as Defensive Box Plus Minus. Not to mention being impossible to say five times fast. But it also holds a telling tale. Last season: -0.7, this season: -1.7
Charles Barkley’s side of the equation might just hold the reason why. Over the course of Ross’ rookie campaign, 91 percent of his minutes played were at the Shooting Guard position. 81 percent during his second-year growth spurt. Fast forward to what seemingly should have been his breakout year, and that percentage has dipped all the way to 24.
Ross may very well being staying put in Toronto, but it’s time for his three-spot role to be re-examined. Interchangeable positions for some, but something has to account for the damage done.
I never did catch the ending of that Series, did they ever get off that island? If not, T-Ross just may have been doomed from the start. Hey, the basketball overlords work in mysterious ways.
Nevertheless, let the games begin, and the drama unfold. May Kenneth Faried’s flight land on schedule for Friday night!
