Seven All-Star Raptor Thoughts Dedicated to Our #7
1. Kyle Lowry the All-Star Person
We have been hurt before by smooth talking talent but I think we can put our trust in Kyle. He wants to be here and he loves Toronto. He also understands he is playing for all of Canada when he puts on that Raptors’ Jersey. I had my doubts at first, but he is the basketball version of Doug Gilmour. He may not always be our most talented player, but he is the heart of this franchise. A combination of Alvin Williams and Mighty Mouse. Enjoy the day Kyle!
2. Amir is going nowhere, as in staying here.
Sorry fantasy traders, we know what we have in Amir and you cannot have him. I have heard a ton of trades involving the Raps and Amir is going to their favorite team every time, usually as a throw in. Nope! He is JYD with talent. He will do every ounce of dirty lifting for the Dinos and the team would be stupid to let him go.
3. Don’t be Leaf Fans
The culture at Raptor games is completely different than the culture at Leaf games, even when the Leafs were winning. Both the upper and lower bowls are into the game and everyone gets involved in the show. During the playoffs last year, people showed up in droves to watch the game on a big screen outside together. No one waits to come out after halftime and it never feels corporate. Let’s keep it that way. Don’t panic over a couple losses and look to remake the franchise if we have a down month, a.k.a. January. We do not need sweeping changes, just a couple of tweaks. We are where we want to be so enjoy the ride.
4. Casey is concrete
No, he doesn't have to make it to the second round! No, he doesn't have to win 60 games! No,he doesn't have to win a ring next year! Give your heads a shake, Casey is a winning coach. This year we will win the most games in team history. Second best season? Last Year! So let’s cool our jets on how hot Casey’s seat actually is. I feel like he should have a pillow with a comfortable heater so he decides the temperature. We are in a place right now we have never been in. Why are some of the Raptor faithful trying to turn it negative? He is a solid coach who is getting a lot out of this group. There is no one, employed or unemployed, who could get significantly more. Yes, he does make mistakes but so do other coaching greats; Frank Vogel keeping Roy Hibbert on the bench in the Conference Finals; Greg Popovich keeping Tim Duncan on the bench in the waning minutes of game 6 in the 2013 Finals; this year’s NFL playoffs! We should make Casey nice and comfortable!
5. Our Trade Bait
Here are the guys I might be tempted to part with if I were GM. (After reading this, you might be glad I am not.)
Chuck Hayes
Destination: Anyone competing with Memphis
He is a solid defender and can guard a lot of the more solid bigs in the league. An OKC or Clippers or Golden State might look to pick him up as bench protection against the Grizzlies. While he hasn’t played much, the league knows what he can do. Solid bench guy who seems to be good team player as well.
Terrence Ross or James Johnson
Destination: San Antonio, OKC or Miami
I prefer to part with Terrence but one of them should be moved. I cannot see a lot of value in keeping both players since they fill a similar void. Terrence is a better shooter with more upside but James brings more of the other elements. James is a little bit of a powder keg, not sure if this is good or bad for this team. I would ask James if he is happy with his role here and can we rely on him for the next two years. His answer would fuel my decision.
Lou Williams
Destinations: OKC or any team looking for bench scoring
If we could have traded him at his peak in December, we could have gotten a lot for him. Presently, he is still a solid bench piece. My desire to move him stems from his Rudy Gay treatment of the ball and the thought that he should take every shot when the clock is winding down. Kyle is great in short clock situations and I would like him to have the ball with less than ten seconds left in the quarter. Lou also stops the ball a lot and we lose chemistry that passing brings.
We also have pieces that would work in other places but appreciate they are just pieces. No one, besides the Knicks or Rob Babcock, are trading greatness for nothingness.
6. Our Needs
Not a lot but if I was being picky, we could use some rim protection and some help for Jonas. We could also use some help at the three or maybe a more established shooting guard. Kyle and Greivis are solid point guards and we are deep at the four. Demar could play either the two or three but he is more of a slasher. If we had a player at the two who helped spread the floor more, the key would be open for Demar to attack. We presently have no player besides Patrick Patterson in the top forty in three point shooting percentage. If I listed Kyle Korver or Klay Thompson, I would be a bad cliché; think a Jared Dudley (Not the L.A. Dudley though) or a Bradley Beal type.
7. My Prediction for the Rest
55 – 27 Atlantic Division Champs (Duh!) Good for 2nd in the East
If Adam Silver gets his way and the season is shortened, this might be the most wins in a season by the Raptors forever.
Round 1 vs Miami (Please stay home Paul George! No Indiana run!)
We will have to exorcise the Chris Bosh demon and I predict it would take five games. Once the team sees it can win, it will win quickly. If they falter, get a little scared. Losing here would bring calls for Casey’s head and serious decision amongst fans. It might be a must win series.
Round 2 vs Chicago or Washington (Please not Cleveland!)
Anything more than a 6 game series could be considered a success. I think we could beat Washington but Chicago would a little iffy. If the Bulls lose to us in round two, the present version of the Bulls could be done. Washington could fold if we got them down.
Round 3
There was a great scene from the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played when the reporter describes his thoughts on the playoff round to come. I feel I would feel the same way about any Raptors team in the Conference or, gulp, NBA finals.
Although, I suspect, from the unearthly calm he showed today, he will sleep better than most. I am not certain I believe Ouimet can win, but I have given up all attempts at prophecy. I will start tomorrow's round with an open mind.
