Toronto Raptors: Respect Is Overdue For Patrick Patterson
As residents of Toronto know all too well, one must savor the success of a franchise. The current state of prominence is not being taken for granted; this city’s heart has been broken countless times before.
Throughout the years since this organization’s 1995-96 inception, the Toronto Raptors have been casted in an outcast role. Not only to the mainstream basketball audience, but in its own backyard as well.
The tables have definitively turned on both fronts. ESPN and TNT are beginning to feature Toronto on a semi-regular basis (even if Canadian residents are forced to search online for the feed) — Is it too much to ask to have the option? … ‘Tis the season of giving after all.
Perhaps the boat shouldn’t be rocked; considering the Raptors have seemingly achieved an equal footing in the country’s highlight show hierarchy — no longer must we endure how each member of the city’s hockey team takes their morning coffee before its basketball brother enters the conversation.
This moment calls for an interjection — proceeding without a few special shout-outs wouldn’t be prudent; let’s go back in time for a moment:
Forgotten fact trivia: Who was the first-ever player signed to a Raptors’ contract?
Vincenzo Esposito! … “EL Diablo” … Appearing in only 30 games during the inaugural season; Esposito became an injury-riddled catastrophe. But with such a stellar moniker, he must get his 15 minutes — even 20 years later.
For the truly remarkable place in history:
The Toronto Huskies hosted the New York Knickerbockers in the NBA’s first ever game played in 1946, only to close its doors at the end of the season.
Let’s kick it old school with a flashback that also sets the tone for Sunday’s card, as the Knicks visit the Air Canada Centre for an afternoon tilt.
In the spirit of an underdog receiving their proper ovation, it’s time to shine the light on the underrated — a deserving catalyst is none other than Toronto’s jack-of-all-trades technician, Patrick Patterson.
When was the last time Patterson collected his appropriate praise? … Well, it just so happens yours truly moonlights as a crusader for justice — due process has run its course long enough.
Make no mistake, in pure basketball terms, Patterson should be sporting a different city across his chest. The “astute” NBA GM’s must now be kicking themselves for failing to offer above and beyond the Raptors’ three-year, $18 million contract.
The market for his services this offseason was reportedly given the silent treatment; which speaks volumes to just how under appreciated the slick-shooting power forward really is — an across the board commodity.
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Even when harkening back to his collegiate days with the Kentucky Wildcats, No. 54 is no stranger to playing the background.
Suiting up alongside the likes of John Wall, Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe are surefire contributing factors.
Still, the upside was present. As demonstrated in this thunderous display that whipped the crowd at Kentucky’s Rupp Arena into a frenzy:
This season has marked the first time in the utility player’s career that 25 minutes a game has been eclipsed; clocking in at an average of 26:25.
On the surface, a stat line consisting of 8.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game, might not open the eyes of the masses. However, when a deeper observation occurs, an overall impact comes into focus.
Stats Per 36 Minutes in a Raptors’ uniform:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Stats Per 100 Possessions in a Raptors’ uniform:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Over the course of the last 12 games, 11 have reached double digits in scoring, and a whopping 52 percent of attempts from behind the arc have found the bottom of the net; 54 percent overall from the field. While the reputation of sub-par rebounding exists, a posting of 12 and 13 in back-to-back battles showcases what the capability level is.
Patterson could start for a number of teams across the league; the fact that contentment is exhibited in his current second-unit employment sets an example for this entire squad — you’re only guaranteed to lead off in the 1st inning, what matters most is the finished product.
Every championship is won with the service Patterson provides exercised on the roster. With increased minutes ongoing; the instant offense, clutch production, and unselfish play will continue to rise. Soon enough, as the Raps ascent to optimum levels rolls along, the acknowledgement of No.54 will follow suit.
For a final taste, indulge in the 19 points, and five downtown buckets vs. the Nuggets:
The best is yet to come for all parties involved.
I wonder what El Diablo is up to these days …