Toronto Raptors: 5 Questions For 2015-16

3. Can T-Ross Lock In?

I’ve been a Terrence Ross apologist ever since he was drafted by the Raps three seasons ago. He, along with Valanciunas, are now going to be entering their fourth season in the NBA. It pains me to say it, but if Ross doesn’t get his act together this season, then it’s probably time to look at dealing him or making some sort of move.

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raptors already have a plan to move him before the deadline. They may have done so last season, if his value hadn’t been so low. This coming season, he’ll be coming off of the bench behind DeRozan and have to earn his keep more than ever before.

And even if Ross plays better (and I mean better as in, if he plays at a decently impressive level), the team may simply use that as a method to get the rest of the league interested in this young man and then deal him when his value’s at its highest.

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T-Ross has talent. That’s undeniable. The dude scored 51 and tied Vince Carter’s franchise record for most points scored in a single game. He’s won a couple dunk contests, and he’s incredibly athletic. One of the best parts of any Raptors game is seeing someone get a steal and then Ross take off down the opposite side of the floor, looking the entire way for an alley-oop.

He can shoot, too. He’s a good three-point threat, and he averaged 37.2 percent from deep last season. It keeps defenders honest on not only him, but the rest of the offense as well and helps unclog the lane.

But Ross’ basketball IQ isn’t impressive by any means. He often gets lost on plays and, even though he’s easily athletic enough (and has the size) to stay with his man, he tends to lose him in the shuffle of an offense. Because of this, he rarely appears locked in and has to be yanked because he’s such a liability.

On offense he’s a little better, but he shoots far too much, settling for triples almost all the time. He’s a good three-point shooter as mentioned, but he underuses his athleticism. He needs to do what DeRozan and other slashing guards do: get to the rim. Instead, he either shoots or drives into the lane where he will pull up for a floater (which he admittedly has gotten quite good at).

The tools are there. They’ve always been there. But Ross is running out of time. He needs to figure things out, or he’ll be trying to do the same in another city.

Next: What About Small-Ball?