Effort, it’s all we can truly ask for, especially in the tightly wound Eastern Conference. Positive reinforcements can only assist the backbreaking mission that is, the NBA schedule.
The Toronto Raptors last two games have offered a welcome change of scenery, as opposed to the no-show vs. Atlanta, and the two-day hangover it caused before facing off with New Orleans. Most notably, the Raps’ defensive roots are showing signs of returning from hibernation.
I’m willing to let the Pelicans’ debacle slide. Even if it contained a flimsy 14 first-quarter points (5-for-19 from the field), and a blown 12-point lead with less than seven minutes to go. I wouldn’t have been in the mood to punch in after such a demoralizing display against the Hawks, either. Then again, my bank account doesn’t quite match.
Which brings us to recent worries over maneuvers made by head coach Dwane Casey.
Before the trolling takes place: I’m not suggesting the man should be fired! … I’m just like anyone reading this; a concerned citizen.
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But this is nothing new for Torontonians, as questioning authority figures is commonplace. A former mayor with an addiction to illegal narcotics (crack!) will have that effect on a city. So, it’s only fair that decisions will be scrutinized. Even when dealing with politics on the hardwood.
This won’t be a personal attack on Coach Casey, I’m sure he is an upstanding taxpayer. But this is Raps’ nation, a community that has endured a past full of turmoil and despair, the right to voice ourselves has been earned.
At least the club’s recent roller-coaster ride doesn’t exist in the same realm as its hockey counterpart. Raps’ jerseys are not being tossed on the court in disgust.
Side note: With more team apparel hitting the ice than the amount of goals scored over a five-game stretch, can you really look down on the fans? … With ticket prices reaching the mountain tops, Toronto Media: Just stop it! … Take one dip and end it!
It’s the onlookers job to make sure everything is on the up-and-up. Any fan base that doesn’t exercise due-diligence, is performing a disservice. We are all in this together: Help us, help you, Mr. Casey.
Let’s insert a few bright spots. After all, it’s too damn cold outside for excessive negativity:
Patrick Patterson: PP is looking like his old across-the-board self. After starting off the new year in a struggling state, a recent pounding of the glass can be added to his resume. With 22 boards over his last 50 minutes played, Patterson’s name should move up the list of possible future starting candidates.
Mixing in the countless second-efforts to keep possessions alive that don’t reach the box-score, serves as a reminder of just how much PP is going to be needed down the stretch.
Starting Lineup: Casey chose wisely to (finally) tweak his first five. After handing Terrence Ross one last attempt at job security vs. the Pelicans, which resulted in an early-benching banishment, a promotion to the starting unit was given to Greivis Vasquez.
Casey decided to disregard the recommendations of yours truly, but I can settle for baby steps.
T-Ross: This comes with an inconsistent disclaimer. Ross wasted no time flourishing in his “temporary” roster role up in Wisconsin. Showing some of the aggressiveness that has been belted from the rooftops to surface in the past. Aided by some late-game clutch, Ross seemed rejuvenated.
The T-Ross we all know and love is back! … Actually, hold up a second.
Don’t count your 16 points, five boards, and 58 percent from-the-field chickens just yet. The reluctance to drive, squeamish to shoot, and creative hesitance are all characteristics that reared their ugly heads down in Tennessee. It’s evident that the capability is there, but the timing of when it’s ready to stake its claim with regularity is up for argument.
Documents of Injustice:
James Johnson: Word of Johnson’s “DNP” status was apparently kept under wraps until the opening tip in Milwaukee. There I was, as I imagine countless others were, wondering when JJ was going to step onto the floor. Fears of Giannis Antetokounmpo running rampant without T.O.’s ace-defender present were abound.
How can you “DNP” a player who has meant so much to your squad at a time when they need him the most? … A victory was claimed with the roster chosen, sure, I’ll grant Casey the one-day spotlight. But to think JJ can be given the cold shoulder with sustainable success attached to it is just not thinking the situation through.
Is there more to the story? … Is the speculation over his recent remarks, “Jeff Teague is the best point guard in the league” the reason for this occurrence? … Is Johnson in the doghouse? … One never knows what truly goes on behind closed doors, so let’s put the drama on hold for now. But if it rings true, well, let’s just say it would deserve the opposite description of how Russell Westbrook would put it.
Let’s break Johnson down in terms of Raps’ production:
- Field Goal Percentage: .593 (Rank: 1st)
- True Shooting Percentage: .620 (Rank: 1st)
- Blocks Per Game: 1.2 (Rank: 1st)
- Offensive Win Shares: 1.5 (Rank: 6th)
- Defensive Win Shares: 1.0 (Rank: 3rd)
Casey stated he “can’t play everybody” in his post-game presser. Newsflash: Johnson is not Tyler Hansbrough, you are benching a player who is worthy of being inserted into the starting lineup.
The Bucks rank 27th in total rebounding per game, and one of the team’s most active and disruptive players is not installed in the game-plan? … Tough crowd, indeed.
Alloting just 7:43 of playing time in the Grizzlies follow-up now resides as an insult. To the players, and to the fans. With an annoying scale that almost reaches levels of You Tube Ad’s with no “Skip” button.
Jonas Valanciunas: Another double-take situation. With six minutes left to go in a back-and-forth battle with the Bucks, you suddenly realize that JV is not on the court. Usually, that’s not such a shock, Casey has yanked him in and out all season.
But then you look further, and attempt to grasp why JV has played the least amount of minutes on the entire roster. Along with already registering a double-double well beforehand.
If any moment called for aiding the organization by allowing the future leader of this franchise to build on his success, and actually grow as a player, that was it! …
Next Up:
The year-away from relevance, but still dangerous 76ers, the born again Pistons, and the when-is-Paul-George-coming-back Indiana Pacers. A Raps’ regrouping shall continue, meanwhile the All-Star break can’t come soon enough.
One can only hope that Wednesday’s 32 percent shooting malfunction doesn’t repeat itself moving forward. That discipline lies with the players. But optimism is hard to come by when Casey doesn’t seem too inclined to lead them off the fallen path.