It didn’t take long for DeMar DeRozan to send Sports Illustrated, and their recent 46th overall snub, a powerful message. It’s also safe to say Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo weren’t too thrilled about being slotted 8th and 48th respectively, either.
And like many, let alone DeMar himself, that noticeable slight didn’t sit well when it was first announced. But as his opening night performance emphasized, any added incentive a media outlet can give a player who already plays with a chip on his shoulder has an odds-on chance of being highly beneficial.
In the grand scheme of things, when the season is all said and done, we just might be thanking SI instead of lashing out. Not to mention the opportunity it presents for DeRozan and fans alike to squash any idea of him potentially coasting through the year after banking a cool $139 mil.
Now, while it’s difficult for us “regular folk” to relate to players on a financial level (just a tad), that doesn’t mean we can’t live vicariously through them in different ways:
I’d write about this squad regardless, the same way you’d surely still be a part of this community, but similar to how a player gains extra motivation to perform, we as a fan base receive an added boost to our enthusiasm whenever the “mainstream” dismisses what this team or individual player is capable of.
That anger-filled inspiration may not reach the level of the middle-finger welcoming party Russell Westbrook received in Philly, or amount to the level of rage one would get after watching Derrick Rose take pictures with the jury that just acquitted him, but it’s a rare situation where a team resides among the league’s top tier while at the same time having that status questioned by the need to continuously “prove themselves.”
But yes, I’m fully (and happily) aware that Zach Lowe “loves the Drakes.”
All of that preamble, however, is not to say specific questions surrounding this club or individual player aren’t valid. So, as we’ve all let early season hype of previous years get the better of us at one time or another, let’s get the “it’s only been one game” caveat out of the way now before I proceed…
Ok, back to business. Here’s a combination of the team’s big picture and how the season opener lends a positive spin to it:
In just “one game”, and to the contrary of his critics, DeRozan reminded everyone just how far his game has come. Which reminds me: A player’s game doesn’t necessarily have to graduate to a behind-the-arc level to achieve evolution. In fact, what’s been lost amidst the demand for him to expand his shooting range (including on yours truly), is that he’s actually sharpened his existing skill set with each passing year while facing the obstacle of opposing defenders not having to consistently check him from long distance.
He was rarely out of position, was his usual getting-to-the-line-at-will self, and by all accounts has refined his offensive zone awareness to a point where the thought of him attempting to take over a game is currently a welcome one. One of the most enjoyable plays on Wednesday was when he had his career high in points well within his sights as the 4th quarter was winding down. And after driving the lane for a contested yet makeable floater, he unselfishly dished off to Valanciunas for the open bucket after drawing the double team. It was a promising occurrence even if that was his only assist on the night.
Am I ready to proclaim undying loyalty? Well, even though some might suggest I already have, let’s not get carried away. At the very least, even his annual naysayers now have an early blueprint for encouragement.
Speaking of career highs and encouraging signs, JV made an emphatic statement. And to a lesser extent, Pascal Siakam’s NBA debut followed suit. Both represent what could very well be a blessing in disguise: Valanciunas was always expected to see a bump in usage with the loss of Bismack Biyombo, but the injury to Jared Sullinger has only forced the issue further.
Andre Drummond’s early foul trouble was a simple by-product of involving your bigs early and often. And to the rest of the roster’s credit, they had that need covered. Fingers crossed moving forward! … As for Jonas’ 15-footer, consistency is still a work in progress but you don’t have to enrol in an analytics class to realize it’s coming.
One can look at Siakam replacing Sullinger in the starting lineup from opposite angles: A) You risk the moment being bigger than his current mindset, which in turn takes a toll on the rookie’s confidence. Or, B) You roll the dice to give Pascal the chance at hitting the ground running. And if it pays off, he’s way ahead of schedule and actually becomes a viable postseason option.
Could that also pertain to the likes of Jakob Poeltl and Bebe? Well, an increased opportunity now knocks for all parties involved, and the potential for a favorable domino effect exists across the board.
If Pascal in particular becomes legit in a short amount of time, it would also put the team in a position similar to last season where Sullinger can essentially act as a trade acquisition along the lines of what DeMarre Carroll’s contributions turned out to be.
I don’t always agree with Dwane Casey’s rotations, but some well-deserved kudos should be thrown his way for starting Siakam when everyone was seemingly answering the question for him. Patterson earned the promotion, but there’s plenty to be said about not upsetting the established rhythm of the second unit.
Bottom line: Even with Siakam’s offensive limitations on display (flaws that will eventually take him out of the starting five if/when his inexperience catches up to him, or simply when the matchup calls for it), his willingness to pick up the slack in areas that Biyombo left behind (baby steps, mind you) suggests the Raps should roll with the status quo for the foreseeable future. With the Cavs just hours away, now’s not the time to crash the party.
Howver, while the first unit is expected to remain as is, I can’t say the same for the “situation” revolving around Terrence Ross and Norman Powell. It’s no secret that Cleveland’s perimeter and wing options are far more dangerous than the threats Detroit came to town with, so despite Casey stating “It’s Ross’ situation to lose”, one would expect Norm to see a bump minutes. Playing time that doesn’t resemble his Game 1 garbage time usage? Here’s hoping.
It’s tempting, but I’ll resist pinning the two against each other. But this storyline does have future drama written all over it.
Besides, when Cleveland comes for a visit, there’s always room in the big picture to simply savor the moment. And with the Cavs looking to ruin our Friday night, the Raps’ message is temporarily more important than their minutes.
Enjoy…
