As DeMar DeRozan slid to the floor in agony last Friday, which resulted in a possible month-long absence, one could feel the collective jaw-drop spreading across the city of Toronto.
When you mix instant overreactions of impending doom (we’re all guilty of it), with the Dallas Mavericks all-systems-go exhibition, it’s safe to say “We The North” wasn’t its usual trending-on-Twitter self — releasing the new Star Wars trailer on the same day was just not fair.
It’s no secret that the Raps have catapulted themselves into the NBA’s elite category. Aiding that ascension has been the display of this squad’s depth; a bench that is an across-the-league envy. Reminiscent of the days when Dell Curry, Kevin Willis, and Tracy McGrady played the role of prominent contributors off the bench.
Toronto’s second-unit is stocked with replacement nominees, at least in the interim. A fact that eases the fears of those initial causes for alarm.
With 11 out of their first 16 games at home, skeptics around the basketball world have been dropping a few notes of apprehension towards the Raps legitimacy. A respected and fair viewpoint — on the other hand, it seems like the noise brought forth early on still has hurdles to climb before this team truly arrives in the eyes of the masses.
Two stops in California visiting the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, and one in Salt Lake City to tangle with the Utah Jazz , had Toronto on a mission to change that way of thinking.
The burning question on everyone’s mind: Who would be the one to get the first crack at the starting gig? Not to mention what the rotation changes made by head coach Dwane Casey (Eastern Conference coach of the month) would look like.
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Coming into Toronto’s three-game road trip, super-sub Louis Williams, reeled off a torrid five-game stretch. When one drops a line of 22.6 points per game, a 47.1 field-goal percentage, with a 49.3 three-point percentage, while registering a .939 free-throw percentage in just 26.2 minutes per game, you’ve earned the possible promotion.
As well as joining any “steal of the offseason” discussions. However, when a player and the sixth-man service he provides are making beautiful music together, you should explore other options until your hands are tied.
Which brings us to the candidate who was actually chosen to step into the starting lineup, Greivis Vasquez.
I would have applauded this move even if the former Maryland Terrapins’ point guard wasn’t on a mini hot-streak of his own–35 points, nine assists, 13-for-23 (56 percent) from inside the arc, and 7-for-11 (64 percent) from beyond; a True Shooting percentage of 61 percent when you mix in free-throws.
Small sample size indeed, but encouraging signs nonetheless when you’re about to cast a player in a leading role.
Vasquez has secured enough respect on this team to be first in line. As well as the capability of somewhat resembling the dribble-creation that DeRozan brings to the table.
The new starter made a statement on this trip, with a grand total of 48 points, a 17/5 assist-to-turnover ratio, while sharpshooting his way to a 20-for-39 clip, allowing Kyle Lowry to play a little 2-guard to boot.
As much as the party should be rocking, this is not just another call for recognition, as Toronto’s flaws and bad habits need to be brought to attention.
Lessons from the road:
- At times, the Raps have demonstrated some of the fiercest execution on defence in the league. Problem is, that only takes place about 40% of the time. Easy buckets in transition, late-help in the paint, and becoming susceptible to a team’s hot-hand — managing, let alone guarding the 3-point line has becoming a foreign thought process.
- The defense is allowing teams to remain within striking distance; blowing built-up leads has become all too familiar. When you don’t see the Boogieman himself, Demarcus Cousins, on the other side of the floor, Sacramento comebacks should be the last thing taking place.
- The basketball gods must be fans, allowing Toronto to match up against opponents with a combined 17-34 resume (it has to be said). Still, 69 points against the Jazz in the first half and 97 by the end of the third quarter are impressive feats no matter the adversary.
- Just because Kobe Bryant is on the cusp of passing Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, it doesn’t mean the starstruck mentality should last past the first quarter — I’m sure he was holding an autograph session at the end of the game.
- That might have explained the zero free-throw attempts through the opening Q in L.A., but no pass will be given here, that is simply inexcusable.
- Kobe is 36 years-old, but that doesn’t negate the fact you can still end up on the highlight-reel as another victim to his crossover step-back jumper. Terrence Ross is not the first , and certainly won’t be the last.
Here’s vintage Kobe in action:
To paraphrase the great Billy Hoyle: “Don’t let him pull that move on ya Terrence, don’t let him pull that move!…Oh no that’s the move!…That’s the move!…I tried to warn ya!
The overall learning experience:
- Question marks surrounding the Raptors moving forward without DeRozan have been answered in the short term. The secondary options are ready and willing to step up.
- Defensive miscues (or just straight-up indiscretion) will get you through the regular season, but an entirely different animal comes to town when the playoffs hit.
- Lowry can’t play the role of hero every night, although he’s doing a bang-up job so far. You can now book a new career-high of 39 points for the early MVP contender — last known sighting, a Salt Lake city phone booth.
- The aforementioned impending doom will start to creep into reality if Jonas Valanciunas isn’t integrated into this offence with regularity.
- I have to admit, the Star Wars trailer is kind of ridiculous!
At this point last year, Toronto held a 6-12 record, they now sit 15-4 atop the East. Next up is LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers coming into the Air Canada Centre on Friday night. Clear your schedule now, folks. Something tells me the King and all his men can relate to a trending “We The North.”
May the hardwood be with you.