The city of Toronto is notorious for a number of reasons. Whether or not it is truly worthy of its “No.1” status is up for debate, but there is a definite downside.
To get specific, well, how about our horrendous public transit system, the outrageous maintenance-fees on condos with shoddy construction, or the judge of character shown when it comes to electing public officials.
Only 10 percent of the money raised from your “Crack Auctions” will go to Mount Sinai Hospital? 10 percent?? Even you’re better than that, Robbie.
This is nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to a major city, but as the annual state of affairs of T.O.’s sports scene gets mixed in, where an optimistic beginning tends to transform into an episode of betrayal rather quickly, one can acquire a special distaste for the B.S. that is constantly shoved down our throats.
Call it a curse, call it inferior talent, or side with the coaching-ineptitude majority; one thing remains clear, despite it all, you have to love the fact that we keep coming back for more. We may be gluttons for punishment, but we stay loyal.
So a shout-out is in order. Not to the players suiting up (non-deserving at the moment), but to the fans. To the hardcore section, the casual observers, the ones who actually wish to have a civil conversation about a difference of opinion, and even to the ones who troll unjustifiably; who’s only mission is to spew hate just for the hell of it. Hey, they’re people too. Sort of.
Besides, as much as at-times it seems like we all despise one another, the fact that we’re still all in this together remains. Even Coach Casey is welcome to join the party, although it might get awkward if Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau are on the guest list.
Perhaps it’s because the wounds are so fresh, but the overall vibe in this town has changed for the worse. The Raptors squandering nine of their last ten doesn’t help promote much positivity, odds of the Leafs regaining respectability yields little faith, and to top off the trio of disappointments, Marcus Stroman’s season-ending ACL tear acts as a crushing blow to Blue Jays’ chances.
One might think that the tale of two promising showings (first half in Oklahoma, second half in San Antonio) would breath new life into all of us, but that’s wishful thinking when scars run deep.
A recent tweet from RR’s own, Nils “Doc Naismith” Linnenbruegger, says it all. An exercise that carries over to not only the Raps’ struggles, but to the city as a whole. It might do everyone some good.
#BlueJays fan upon the news regarding @MStrooo6 missing this season. pic.twitter.com/Tkdklf8vNX
— Doc Naismith (@DocNaismith) March 10, 2015
Now, in an effort to keep the misery to a minimum, I will try to inject some needed enthusiasm. An attempt at lightening the mood. I know, crazy right; but here goes nothing.
A week this Thursday marks the beginning of the NCAA tourney, an event that even the NBA stretch-run plays the background for. It will also be St. Patty’s day, so be sure to plan ahead and book the Friday off beforehand, as hangovers are much worse when the beer is green.
In the spirit of the upcoming Madness:
Let’s give the Raps their very own bracket. The purpose of this in-house tournament: to find out which player (or authority figure) represents the utmost importance to the team, with multiple variables at play. Taking into consideration what each currently brings to the table, as well as their future worth.
The following rankings are a result of every single analytic angle run through the gauntlet. An extensive film session took place, numbers were crunched, and hours of sleep were lost.
Actually, ok, full disclosure: Essentially they were compiled through a random selection of Raps’ games on my DVR. Not to mention a pot of coffee, and a pack of smokes. I had to deal with the stress somehow.
The way my bracket plays out, bring on the hate, I mean conversation:
Sweet Sixteen Casualties:
Chuck: Chucky, the Chuckster. Fans love you, you can set a mean screen, and you’re reportedly a locker room favourite. But you are clearly not in this team’s future plans.
Sweet Lou vs. Patman: this matchup is a fight to the photo finish. Both have brought countless contributions to this organization. However, PP advances due to a combination of a longer track record and added depth at a position that’s more in need. Then there is that elephant in the room of Lou’s contract for next season, as whether he is retained is anybody’s guess. It was sight to see Lou’s game featured during Lowry’s absence, as he showed he’s fully capable of playing a more prominent role. On the other hand, a more structured environment is just not Lou’s style.
Johnson vs. Johnson: Is it a foregone conclusion that Amir’s days are numbered? All signs are pointing in that direction, especially if Toronto plans on being more than just an average player in Free Agency. The annual energy spark was finally back to his old tricks in Texas, but the overall deterioration has been evident. As for JJ, the man who is currently being phased out of this club’s rotation yet again, he simply brings much more versatility. And his production when this team dealt with their early-season shambles must be accounted for. Add in the contracts, and JJ wins in a landslide.
Bebe: Extremely raw, but Nogueria has the look of a future contributor, especially on defence. But for now, take a seat rook. More on Casey when he faces a more formidable opponent.
Vasquez: In terms of what this team needs to improve upon, GV gets lost in the shuffle. He’s a matador on defence, but clutch (at-times) on offence, while being able to facilitate when needed, and provides ball-movement when Lowry fails to punch in. In Toronto’s hierarchy, however, Vasquez gets shoved to the side.
Hansbrough: If only Psycho T’s fearlessness was part of JV’s mentality. But the underused physicality, even in already limited action, will be missed. Peace, Brough.
T-Ross vs. Bruno: This is were it will get controversial. Remember those times when the notion of keeping T-Ross over DeRozan was a thing? That’s not still a thing is it? I also remember when T-Ross was that future piece this franchise simply could not part with, who was untouchable via trade. Well, Ross may be showing signs of coming back to life, but that previous role has since been filled. As much as it has been clamoured about that Bruno is light years away from producing, has the eye test not been passed? A work in progress, I get it, but James Johnson with an outside shot eventually? I’m buying what I’m selling.
Fields: The expiring contract can’t come soon enough, but contrary to popular opinion, Fields has made his mark on this squad. Defensive prowess mixed with a non-turnover mindset. Just pull up the Brooklyn series, in flashes he helped immensely.
The Elite Eight:
K-Low vs. Patman: I’d be waisting your time attempting to make a case here. PP was valuable enough to get to this point, but the buck stops here.
JJ vs. Casey: Well alright then, the fight we came to see. Was it the plan to re-implement T-Ross back into the starting lineup all along? Quite possibly, but judging from Casey’s timeout playbook, it’s tempting to think he doesn’t keep future moves in his back pocket. TR is slowly but surely re-acquiring his past swagger, so a temporary pass will be given out. But if the moment of JJ himself rekindling his minutes doesn’t come full circle, then a revoking will occur. It’s looking like either the Bucks or Bullets Wizards as a first-round opponent, let’s just hope he doesn’t wait until the third-quarter of Game 3 with the Raps down 12 for the restart.
Still, Casey holds JJ’s role hostage. Therefore he advances by default.
JV vs. Masai: Powerhouses collide. With both holding power over the other when it comes to analyzes what their future will look like. This is not Denver, the Raps have more talent to work with, and Masai can’t be given a full grade as of it. The fact that he has vowed to attain a Canadian player is great window dressing, but not exactly solving anything. JV holds the trump card as the only inside presence worth building around, or used to get something of value in return.
DeRozan vs. Bruno: The end of line for Caboclo. As much as Bruno represents a sweet upside, we still must live in the now when considering DeRozan is only 25. I used to think T-Ross was this club’s most polarizing figure, but DD has since taken over. A whipping boy and saviour at the same time. Both sides of support deserve listening to, as DeMar is a totally different player from quarter to quarter. But he remains the Raps best rim attacker, with room still to grow.
The Final Four:
K-Low vs. Casey: The notion of the Point Guard becoming an extension of the Head Coach is one that’s hard to believe in this case. When was the last time Casey has preached any kind of offensive blueprint? While in-game adjustments have been at best hit-and-miss. If this season continues to plummet South, the ax will fall on DC well before any player in his first year of a new contract. Even if that point-guard enjoys masquerading as a roaming shooter.
JV vs. DeRozan: As close as it gets in this tourney. Yes, I purposely set out to have these two square-off in the semi’s. DeRozan has been the main culprit when it comes to continuously ignoring JV in the post, and he needs to face his demons head-on. DD has also the led the charge of freestylin’ in the half-court set. The IQ exists, we’ve all seen it, but if status-quo remains, the Raps will be an inevitable first-round exit annually. JV gets his revenge, at least in this arena.
The Finals:
Lowry vs. Valanciunas: If you’ve stayed with me this far, and haven’t let the warmth outside call for your attention, you might have reached the same conclusion. I wouldn’t blame you, though, we’ve been trapped in hell for the past few months.
He may be suspect on defence, lack a killer instinct, and needs to work on his predictable footwork, but JV exists as this squad’s most important puzzle piece. What Valanciunas can grow into will fill exactly what the Raps have been searching for, seemingly for ages.
The NBA may have become more perimeter-foucused, and now makes its living on the pick-and-roll, but until Toronto owns the arsenal to capitalize on that notion, they play with the cards currently dealt. Mix in the fact that Lowry is reaching his 30’s, and the value JV can fetch if the project ultimately fails, the Lithuanian deserves the throne.
In the meantime, a little flashback and film session could help Casey and company regain their fundamentals, and recapture their lost discipline. I wonder if Norman Dale is available.
