NFL
By: Greg Rector
After many weeks of speculation Kyle Lowry got his 35th birthday present courtesy of the Toronto/Tampa Raptors, he is staying with the franchise that he said he would retire as a member of no matter what happened today. Despite rampant rumors of going to his home city of Philadelphia, joining his close friend Jimmy Butler in Miami, and even talk about joining King James with the Lakers, none of that came to pass. With the trade deadline passing this afternoon, a lot of folks wasted time coming up with possible scenarios that never materialized.
Now the biggest city in Canada and for that matter Raptors, fans from coast to coast won’t have to worry about the franchises most loved player until the off-season. I believe one reason he stayed? Because they have already come to a handshake agreement on a new deal so that Lowry retires as a Raptor. Lowry is the heart and soul of what the Raptors have become known as in his tenure, tenacious defenders, never say die, and a no-excuses team. That’s what Toronto and all of Canada loves about him. He is the franchise leader in so many areas, triple-doubles, steals, assists, and 3 pointers made. What he also does oh so well is lead by example. Look at the league leaders in taking charges, at or near the top every season you find Lowry’s name. He deflects balls, he goes after every loose ball, and then there’s his ability to guard. Want to watch Kyle against two of the biggest names in the league in Giannis and Embid? They get stopped in their tracks against this 6’0” “Bulldog,” This is why he is far and away ahead of the Bosh’s, Carter’s, and Derozan’s, as the Raptors fans number one guy.
Now that Kyle is staying put let’s look at what the Raptors did do today. The biggest move was trading Norman Powell who is having a career year, to the Portland Trailblazers for Gary Trent Jr and Rodney Hood. I believe Powell will fit in just fine with Dame and CJ in Rip City. The raptors also got a future second-round pick. Here’s some trivia for you involving Trent Jr. 23 years ago (1998) his father was traded in the 3rd season of his career after 41 games to the Toronto Raptors. His son was traded today after 41 games in his 3rd season to the same team. The Raptors then moved 3 point specialist Matt Thomas to the Utah Jazz for an undetermined 2nd round pick. Finally, they dealt Terence Davis to Sacramento for a 2021 2nd round pick. This clears up a far too muddled backcourt that the Raptors have had all season. It also moves off a few million from the salary cap.
So what will the additions of Trent Jr and Hood mean going forward? I believe that both players will fit in with Nick Nurse’s preferred defense-first style. The Raptors get longer out on the perimeter, something I have said for two years now is sorely needed. Lowry and VanVleet start, and I believe Trent Jr takes over Powell’s spot as the Raptors have gone that route most of the season because their situation at the 5 with Aaron Baynes has been abysmal, to say the least so Toronto plays small ball. Trent Jr is a solid player and I believe he will love being fed by the likes of VanVleet and Lowry. Rodney Hood meet your new best friend in Kyle Lowry. The 6″8″ combo SG/SF will love coming off the bench with Lowry running the floor. with three small point guards (6’1″ Malachi Flynn has been getting more playing time) it was imperative the Raptors added more size at the 2 spot, this trade addresses that need.
In moving Thomas and Davis, the Raptors get more draft capital which means they hopefully can find a 5 in the draft. I would also believe that Baynes and Patrick McCaw’s days are numbered with Toronto. The recent spat between Pascal Siakam and Nick Nurse as well could see Toronto try and move the mercurial Siakam in the off-season. Despite saying all the right things, this isn’t the first clash between the two. I don’t see the Raptors choosing the player over the coach in this instance. Currently sitting outside of the playoffs it will be interesting to see if the additions of Trent Jr and Hood make a difference in the short-term. If Trent Jr fit’s in especially the Raptors can re-sign him in the off-season for a lot less than Powell would have cost them. The need for a modern 5 is the priority for the 2021 -2022 season.
That’s all for now in the land of #WeTheNorth
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
