If only Canadian and American Thanksgiving were one in the same; chances are you and me both would currently be enjoying an NFL triple-header if they were. But even though a 4-day weekend is not in the cards, unless you “suddenly came down with something”, we can still take this opportunity to express a few thanks.
Yes, even as the aftermath of the Raptors’ recent stretch of games (sans Houston) still lingers in our collective psyche. Not to mention the fact that most of us (myself included) find ourselves rushing to open up ESPN’s trade machine the moment rumors of DeMarcus Cousins being on the block start to circulate.
Besides, as the calendar closes in on December, a chance for an unofficial (yet realistic) checkpoint is provided. Add in the fact that the vast majority of the players and coaches we all discuss on a daily basis are American, the moment calls for a list that combines the two:
1. I get it. There’s plenty of valid reasons to call B.S. on such a tough schedule. And even though blaming officiating is often a poor excuse (sans the “Sacramento screw job”), that doesn’t mean their inconsistencies weren’t contributing factors. The Raps didn’t exactly earn a better overall fate, but awarding a free pass is too much to ask for when numerous calls were blatantly mishandled.
However, when you look at it from afar, there’s a flip-side full of positives:
- If there was ever a time for a defensive collapse, wouldn’t you rather this team be humbled by superior opponents at this stage in the season as opposed to a softer schedule? Isn’t having the advantage of dealing with inefficiencies before laying the groundwork for a postseason run a recipe for ultimate success? Bad habits don’t die, they’ll always rear their ugly head, but masking a problem for an extended period of time can only lead to a false identity — one that might be too late to fix.
- From a pure fan perspective, I’m usually jumping on any bandwagon where there’s any sniff of Toronto getting the short end of the stick; when a team represents an entire country, the claws of that defense mechanism come out even before any complaint is justified. But when you combine the fact that the regular season hasn’t even reached the 20 percent mark with the overall entertainment value, facing the likes of Cleveland, Golden State and the Clippers can/should be viewed as an early Christmas present. Is there really a drawback from a team getting to put legitimacy to the test? I realize that a “loss” to the Kings and an episode of unnecessary exhaustion in Denver ended up being by-products that came along for the ride, but that still shouldn’t move the overall needle.
- Imagine if the Golden State game (aka: “Drake Night”) took place in the middle of the “schedule from hell” rather than the beginning. How much more anger would you have felt when the game continuously took a backseat to an off-the-court personality? A personality that only seemed to increase the level of play of the opponent! Although, to be fair, MLSE allows for the distraction to happen. But I ask: He’s a public figure that brings extra eyes, yes, but hasn’t this “Ambassador” experiment served its purpose? Better yet: Hasn’t it run its course? From a basketball standpoint,
it might beit’s probably time to view him as just a cast member of Degrassi: The Next Generation.
2. With DeMar DeRozan, and his likely unsustainable (but noteworthy) career-high PER of 26.9, taking his level of play (at least offensively) to new heights, we should be encouraged that even when he demands the ball that much more the Raps’ current overall Pace number (98.3) is higher than each of what every season for the last five years ultimately ended up with. That’s more than I can say for their current Assist Ratio (15.0), which if not improved, would just tie last season’s mark that wound up registering a 4th straight decline. At times, DeMar has shown that he’s evolved when it comes to creating for others, and at times it’s happened simply by default. Either way, I’d bet against a 5th straight decrease.
3. It’s still a work in progress, but at least the Raps are somewhat realizing how Jonas Valanciunas can dominate a specific matchup. Better yet: Consistently utilizing him in those situations. That’s a step in the right direction considering even when the advantage was present in year’s past, consistency wasn’t their strong suit. Next up: Force the issue in matchups that are less appealing — even if it’s seemingly detrimental to the outcome of an individual game. Just like how there is a long-term bright side to the Raps going up against some of the league’s elite in such a short amount of time, how’s JV officially going to take the next step without challenging him to do so?
4. The fact that Wednesday night’s visit to Houston offered the perfect elixir to the Raptors’ woes. In particular: How it showcased the noticeable difference DeMarre Carroll (swag and all) can make, and another reassuring sign that T-Ross’ improvement is here to say.
It’s easy to forget just how beneficial Carroll (when resembling a player that’s full healthy) is to the overall makeup of this roster. From not putting the likes of Norman Powell, and to a lesser extent, Pascal Siakam, in situations they’re not consistently ready for, to stabilizing this team’s lackadaisical energy when it comes to fighting through screens — though, there’s only so many miracles one player can perform in the face of a systematic failure — things fall in line when he’s performing at an optimum level. His court awareness, shooting touch and willingness to get physical have slowly been creeping back into the picture and were on full display in Houston. Fingers crossed that he’s finally about to provide the impact he was originally signed for.
As for Terry Ross, well, allow me to take you back to Part 2 of the RR Roundtable before the season started:
Question: TERRENCE ROSS. ARE YOU IN OR ALL THE WAY IN?
My Answer:
“No third option? How about this: In or all the way in on a grey area? One that resides between refusing to jump on the yearly T-Ross bandwagon and taking it for a joy ride. Until his annual flashes of consistency aren’t balanced out with extended stretches of disappointing decision-making, that’s where I’ll set up camp. Granted, even though it’s just preseason, seeing the encouraging signs of last year carry over (the ones where he realized he’s capable of being much more than just a spacing-the-floor specialist) has me eagerly awaiting what 90% of this fan base is predicting. Though as much as his all-of-a-sudden supporters don’t want to hear it, a breakout year also makes the notion of him ultimately being shipped out of town stronger at the same time. Don’t. Shoot. The. Messenger.”
Let’s just say I’m willing to quiet the noise of T-Ross existing as a prime trade chip and shifting in the direction of appreciating what he can provide. Well, I mean, DeMarcus Cousins and stuff…
But while the obvious suggests the Raps’ would be nowhere close to a 9-6 record if DeMar didn’t step into a new realm, the impact of Ross’ career-high 3-point percentage (45.7) has been an underrated aspect throughout the first 15 games. And when you consider he’s upped that number to 47% over his last 10 (18 for 38), along with a measly 5 turnovers to boot, the recent struggles of this team could have been far uglier.
This season (and Wednesday was no different) has also reinstated faith in Ross’ desire to not only attack the rim, but to get back to his former defensive self. Baby steps are welcome.
5. The existence of Raptors 905. The organization really should get more love from the Toronto masses. Do we really think Norman Powell would have been ready to contribute this early? Would Delon Wright have made HUGE strides before his injury? Would Bebe be at a level where one night he can totally prove his doubters wrong and the next look lost in translation?
Well, this is more about Bruno “Mars” Caboclo. Which ought to be his new nickname considering he’s been leaped by almost every single Raptors’ draft pick since. Whether you’ve forgotten his name on purpose or you’re simply sick of the “two years away from two years away” reference, he’s been treated as a player living on a different planet.
Don’t look now, though! He’s making D-League noise once again. Take your pick:
His encouraging Game 1: 17 points, 10 boards, 7 blocks, 2 threes and 50% from the field in 30 minutes.
Or, his bewildering Game 2: 2 points, 1 block, 10 boards and 1-9 from the field in 29 minutes.
The D-League is tough to get a handle on when it comes to what a performance means on any given night. And since we’ve heard this noise before, conclusions can’t be made without further evidence. But does he still exist as a relevant piece to the Raptors’ future puzzle? One that’s versatile enough to backup the three and the four? One that could eventually fill a void if the Raps actually do pull the trigger on a deal?
His age (21), and the amount of time he’s already been around are no fault of his own. He’s not the one who drafted the position he’s currently in. But the more time he needs to show something of substance, the more likely public opinion will continue to trend in a negative direction. We need something more than a sarcastic round of applause whenever he’s called up and sees action in a blowout game. Although, inconsistent noise, even at the D-League level, is better than no noise at all.
6. Personally, the name “Raptors” has gone through three stages:
- WTF?
- I must say, it’s growing on me.
- I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I do have to admit that “Huskies Night” did make me second guess stage 3. But it’s worth mentioning that Cameron Dorrett’s recent What’s in a Name? piece had me questioning that same second-guessing.
My current bottom line: How lucky are we that “Golden Knights” wasn’t a smash-hit movie back in ’93!
To all Americans: Happy Thanksgiving.
To all Canadians: Enjoy your PVR’d Football.
To all Raptors fans: There’s plenty to be thankful for.
