With turkey leftovers all but snatched up, label makers ready to be re-gifted, and the Christmas hangover subsiding, it was the perfect chance to settle in for a Saturday matinee of hoops action. Not to mention, an opportunity to fire back at the “too many home games to start the season” peanut gallery.
After the horrific fourth-quarter showing in Chicago (49 points, and field goals of the 70 percent variety), the second episode of this potentially defining road trip was time for the Toronto Raptors to detach their heads from the swivel.
An ideal test against the Western Conference juggernaut, Los Angeles Clippers, and their third best from-the-field ranking of 47 percent, presented itself.
At this point in the season, it’s not always about notching another win on the victory-belt. If progression as a team takes place; win or lose, it should be deemed as an accomplisment. With four days off between tilts, nothing less should have been expected.
An assortment of narratives are worthy of discussion:
- A frontcourt clash within the ascending Jonas Valanciunas (now sitting at nine double-doubles for the season) and blue-collar Amir Johnson — going up against defensive stalwart DeAndre Jordan (2.4 blocks per game), and the NBA’s field-goal giant (giving Anthony Davis a run for his money), Blake Griffin.
- The point guard battle between the perennial praise of Chris Paul vs. the often overlooked star-status of Kyle Lowry.
- The West has forever been dubbed the dominant conference, but dating back to the start of 2013; the Raps sit on a 24 -16 throne against its counterparts.
- Or, how about the last time Toronto claimed victory against the Clippers on L.A. soil was in November of 2009.
However, let’s go against the grain to examine a hidden subplot; as the journey of Terrence Ross remains lost in the shuffle of success.
To add a positive reinforcement, travelling back in time to one of Ross’ most memorable moments; the classic 51-point performance, which tied Vince Carter‘s franchise record, is called for. Fittingly, facing the Clippers:
But that’s not the only aspect in common with Carter, as a downside to the tantalizing upside exists.
T-Ross’ last six games (including Saturday) acts as a microcosm of the overall bewilderment — a run that features a whopping two free throws … two free throws! … That span calculates to 172 minutes played; with 45 attempts from downtown over that same time on the floor, Ross has become dangerously predictable.
A tremendous skill set being kept under wraps, by none other than Ross himself.
One of, if not the most, athletic players this squad owns is currently being dismissed on any opposing team’s game plan — every Raptors’ fan remembers when Vince’s rim-attack came to a screeching halt, that ghost has been reincarnated through Ross.
Yes, four straight double-figure outings combined with random 20-plus outbursts is cause for positivity, but also makes one pause at how that transpires. One can only keep their head above water making a living outside the paint for so long; eventually, there will be no life preserver on board.
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Now, this is where the “business never personal” card must (at the very least) be entertained.
Ross is unquestionably a high-flying fan favorite; a play of the year nominee is seconds away whenever Ross is on the court.
But, to remain realistic:
Is T-Ross an essential component to this franchise’s chances in the postseason? … The magic 8-ball would lean to a grey area, as there is still plenty of time for the evolution to take place.
On the other hand, for this organization to truly make championship noise, an added inside presence to aid the thin depth up front will be needed — it shouldn’t shock anyone if Ross’ name is bandied about at the trade deadline.
Postseason 101: Advancement is earned through defense and the half-court set.
Front office 101: Address a roster weakness through a team’s strength.
Ross can portray a defensive-stopper in flashes, but remains highly susceptible to losing track of the fundamentals far too often — issues in screen recognition, backdoor cuts, box-out execution, and coverage in transition have all reared their ugly heads throughout Ross’ career (albeit, a relatively short one).
This is not to say the 2-guard (masquerading at the 3) cannot re-supplant himself as one of this franchise’s future fixtures — the talent is undeniable.
On the contrary, forces of nature are working against him:
- Every Louis Williams clutch bucket.
- Each James Johnson and Landry Fields forced turnover.
- Greivis Vasquez‘s perpetual leadership of the second unit, and ability to step into the starting lineup.
- The eventual return of DeMar DeRozan, forcing the contributions of Ross further into the abyss.
The verdict: Ross remains a luxury, not a necessity. The role currently played can be filled on multiple fronts.
Perhaps Dwane Casey’s bench treatment of JV will come into play, and a rejuvenated Ross will transform into a second-half force to be reckoned with — a temporary starting lineup removal could be just what the doctor ordered.
There is something to be said about team chemistry; after all, the Raps identity is built around spreading the wealth — Why mess with something that’s obviously working? …
However, another statement that could be made is an acquisition that puts this squad over the top . Ross represents the combination of biggest return mixed with the least damage done — someday soon, it could reside as a formality.
The current road trip is just the beginning of definitive moments.
The saga continues …