Some of you might be questioning the timing of this piece. The same way a few readers asked why I wrote about DeMar DeRozan’s contract situation when I did.
Some similar thoughts might include:
Why rehash the Wright-Portis debate with the playoffs right around the corner? Why bring up something so potentially negative when there’s so many positives to choose from?
Well, this time around the argument connects to the postseason. And the effects the end result could have on the Raps’ future has wide-spread ramifications.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m as pumped for this weekend as the next person. All of my superstitions will be out in full force while I lose my voice cheering for this squad. If the Raps are stuck six at the end of the first quarter, I’ll put my TV on mute and switch to the radio … I’ll change the brand of beer I’m drinking — hell, I’ll even trade Porzingis straight up for Kobe in my Dynasty League as an act of sacrifice just to help the team win.
BUT EVEN WITH THAT SAID, Delon Wright’s standout play of late has injected new life into the discussion. Therefore the timing just reflects the reality of the situation. Whether it’s a popular subject at the time or not.
I would add, though, that ever since I wrote Round 1 of this ongoing argument back in the middle of October, which continued two months later with Round 2 just before Christmas, my thought process was always to close the regular season out with chapter three of this ongoing saga. So even if Delon had faltered during his recent opportunities, the talking points of this battle still warrant further examination just the same.
The overall mission is to connect certain dots to form a big picture. One that will become more prevalent if Toronto once again falls flat when it matters most.
Besides, one of the major reasons we all participate in this community, and are fans in general, is to play the role of GM.
On that note, let’s resume the action:
ROUND 3 … FIGHT!
It’s been a trip — an immensely enjoyable one at that — to see Norman Powell emerge as a quality and rather important weapon over the course of his rookie year. Even more so when you consider that the very notion of him garnering any kind of considerable postseason playing time at the start of year was deemed as wishful thinking at best.
Even with DeMarre Carroll back in the fold, Powell’s earned an integral role moving forward. And we all should be chomping at the bit to see what DMC and Powell can accomplish on the defensive end when on the court together. If Casey puts that scenario in motion, that is.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Wright. Though as we’ve all witnessed lately, encouraging signs lead us to believe he’ll eventually join the party.
Earlier in the year, Wright was tentative to assert himself. Nervous awareness and a gun-shy approach led to further outcry that Wright was the incorrect draft choice. But this is an example where the 905 franchise has to be viewed as a rousing success. And could very well be looked upon in the not-so distant future as a turning point for this organization. One that’s already helping to ensure T.O. has a bright future no matter what happens in the contract negotiations of the club’s big guns.
Side note: In case you missed it, you can find Blake Murphy’s season grades of the 905 squad, here.
Delon quietly dominated the D-League circuit, particularly on the offensive end. While I understand the opposition wasn’t full of surefire prospects, that’s not the point. Instead of playing garbage-time minutes mixed with being sent to Fort Wayne on a regular basis — a setup where the Raps had limited say in what actually went on in terms of player development — Wright had a consistent and focused environment around him to help build his confidence. And it was that new-found self-assurance that was clearly on display most recently in San Antonio and then at home against Indiana.
It’s hardly concrete evidence but you don’t have to wait for the analytics report to come back from the lab to see the potential upside — whether he was driving the lane with his elusive change of direction, using his 6’5″ advantage to see through traffic, or one of the bigger reasons to get excited: his natural instinct to help on the glass.
It may not be time to get excited over Wright the same way we celebrate Powell, but let’s not forget when Powell was timid and apprehensive in his own right. NP’s timeline was just accelerated through injuries. He also fit what this squad was missing and was then handed an extended opportunity.
Delon likely won’t be as fortunate, and it’s a damn shame he suffered his hip injury when he did. Here’s hoping he’s back for the team’s remaining two games.
AS FOR PORTIS…
BP owns somewhat of a split personality. He’s been highly efficient from the field, a beast on the boards, extremely capable from long range, and hyperactive on defense. But often times he’s also been lucky if even one of those characteristics shows up in time to stay on the floor. Hoiberg has not been shy when it comes to pulling the plug on any given night.
Intensity on defense will keep even struggling rookies on the court more often than not, but Portis has been disengaged on that end one too many times — even after being inserted into the starting lineup after the injury to Taj Gibson. Let’s just say a Portis-Thibodeau relationship would have been highly entertaining.
However, when the future of a player is the primary focus, any coach would sign up for the Portis project. If the debate was strictly based on a player’s ceiling, Portis remains in the lead. His upside will a have a chance to consistently flourish with Pau Gasol’s opt-out clause and Joakim Noah’s unrestricted free agency hanging over the Bulls’ franchise.
Only time will tell but on paper (mixed with random cameo appearances on the court) BP’s attributes resemble the versatile forward every team is looking to add to their core in today’s NBA.
ROUND 3 SCORECARD
This is where things get tricky as keeping score has taken on a life of its own. This has evolved into something much more than just suggesting Portis should have been the Raps’ selection due to the overwhelming concerns over filling their Power Forward void.
To bring it back to the aforementioned piece I wrote about DeRozan’s contract situation, where I stated that re-signing Terrence Ross and the foresight to draft Powell acts a safety net if in fact DeMar actually decides to leave. To some, that was misconstrued as reasons to let DeRozan walk when it was simply meant to highlight the fact that this team won’t be left in the dust if that indeed takes place.
But that notion connects to Wright as well. If DD leaves (yes, that’s still a possibility even when he’s a season away from becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer), the probability of Kyle Lowry signing a new deal becomes that much more questionable. Delon’s game may have showed up late with plenty left to show but at the very least he’s created the potential for yet another safety valve.
As much as people like to dismiss the thought of Lowry and DeRozan eventually playing elsewhere, another year of failure can haunt even the most dedicated player(s) to a city or situation. A future where Joseph,Wright,Powell and T-Ross all graduate to the head of the class sooner rather than later isn’t out of the realm of possibility — whether Masai Ujiri had those ultimate intentions or not.
The Wright-Portis debate can’t be decided until after the playoffs. Too much rides on the outcome. Whether it’s out of luxury or necessity, the team’s future direction could very well depend on it. And Wright just might all of a sudden become part of the latter.
DEAR RAPTORS:
This fan base is as devoted as they come. And the expectations are once again sky high. But it really is time to show true progression and return the favor.
The weekend can’t come soon enough.
