NFL
By: Greg Rector
The last time the Toronto Raptors actually played at Scotiabank Arena? February 10th, 2020. Since then they have been a road team. Just one of many factors that see this years Raptors squad be the first one to miss the playoffs since 2013. Now add a litany of injuries, a bout with the COVD-19 virus and you have a recipe for a losing season.
Blame Giannis?
The entire focus of the Raptors off-season was driven by one thought. Maneuver the team’s salary cap to make room for the anticipated free agency of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. So both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, were left to sign elsewhere. To replace them the Raptors went with much cheaper options in the now long gone Alex Lens (Washington) and Aaron Baynes, who is currently not seeing any court time at all. The focus on being able to attempt the big max deal for Giannis ended up being a colossal mistake. The minute the Bucks played their superstar the Raptors organization never seemed to recover.
Tampa Troubles
Due to the pandemic and the issues with being able to travel across the U.S. and Canadian borders because of the virus, the Raptors relocated to Tampa. A franchise that for almost a decade had one of the toughest places in the league to play against at home found themselves in an empty arena. The lack of crowds has affected two teams drastically this season, the other team being the Lakers. One thing they also share is the massive support on the road from their fans. Ever see a Raptors vs Pistons or Timberwolves game in Detroit or Minneapolis? Might as well be home games for #WeTheNorth well that disappeared this season.
NEED A PROGRAM?
Ever hear of Freddie Gillispie? Well maybe if you were a Baylor Bears fan. How about Yuta Watanabe? Did you know Khem Birch? If you followed the Orlando Magic, you might have. How about Paul Watson? Not unless you follow the G-League closely. Those are just three of the guys who have played and even started for the Raptors this season. I write this with 6 games left in the season and as of today, there have been THIRTY-FOUR, YES 34 different starting lineups for the Raptors. In a shortened season that’s a huge number. Then rookies Jalen Harris and Malachi Flynn, have both been playing. Meanwhile the Raptors big names Siakam, VanVleet, and Anunoby, all missed time with COVID-19, and injuries. A guy who could have truly been in the conversation for sixth man of the year (Chris Boucher) was forced into the starting rotation. Mr. Raptor himself Kyle Lowry, has battled injuries all season as well. Night after night the champions of two years ago have been unrecognizable. Like so many teams this season the injuries for me can all be directly related to the lack of a true training camp and pre-season.
THE PROBLEMS
As I have always said when it comes to what ails the Raptors most often it’s two-fold. Rebounding and attempting way too many three-point shots. That’s how the year started and it doomed the Raptors from opening night. When the three’s fall for you all is well, when they aren’t falling in though, you best be getting the ball inside. Trouble is when your 6′ point guard (Lowry) is the only one driving inside, you’re in trouble. Neither Baynes or Lens were much help in the rebounding category, and when you allow teams to have three and four offensive rebounds you will find yourself on the short end of the scoreboard most nights. Because of the constant lineup changes, there was a definite lack of communication happening. How do I know this? Well, in empty arenas you can hear the players, in the Raptors case, it was far too quiet. Nick Nurse was frazzled many a night on the sideline. Trying to find combinations that could work well was an absolute nightmare. He hasn’t forgotten how to coach but was left slack-jawed far too often
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THE POSITIVES
Enough of what has gone wrong. Acquiring Gary Trent Jr and Rodney Hood in the Norman Powell trade was somewhat positive mostly due to Trent Jr. Both of them though missed time with injuries as well. Did I mention Chris Boucher and sixth man of the year? Here’s the case for that. Before having to become a starter Boucher had more blocks and three-point shots made than the apparent favorite for the award Jordan Clarkson. A large number of his blocks were the toughest to make, against three-point shooters. Without his injury, he would have had both over 100 blocks and three-pointers made. The play of De’Andre Bembry, and the others I listed earlier finally started paying off for a while. Since Gillispie and Birch joined the Raptors they are much better on the boards. Yes, they will have a losing record but it’s not because of being blown out of games. The defensive effort has seen them beat the Lakers down the stretch and a couple of other good teams. Despite the struggles, the Raptors lead the league with 8 different players to score 30 or more points this season. Going to be weird not seeing them in the playoffs.
ALWAYS NEXT YEAR
The Raptors will have a foundation to build upon thanks to the trade for Trent Jr, the growth of Malachi Flynn at point guard, with Birch and Gillispie, actually rebounding, the Raptors can do what they’ve been masters at since Masai Ujiri’s arrival which is off-season player development. In year one they spot what needs to be worked on and in season two almost without exception the second season with the Raptors the improvements have been noticeable. A top ten draft choice will also be nice after many years of choosing in the bottom five of the league. I have no idea whether or not Lowry returns, at this point, I lean towards him having played his last game in a Raptors uniform. Most likely he leaves to be with his close friend Jimmy Butler (Lowry is Butler’s daughter’s Godfather) which is why Flynn’s performance has been key. No Lowry also means they can add a free agent, a true big would be nice. The most important thing for them though will be getting back to Scotiabank Arena and their home crowd. The road has not been kind. Next October the roar of that crowd when their Raptors finally return home will be electric. Not just for Toronto but for Canadian basketball fans from Vancouver to St. John’s. #WeTheNorth can’t wait for that moment.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
