3 starters out, & there’s no reason to bring them back
The Toronto Raptors have been relatively lucky with injuries this season, although you might not think so looking at the recent list. Jontay Porter, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Immanuel Quickley, Markquis Nowell (a cup of coffee guy so far with the big team, though him missing from the Raptors 905 will hurt them; he makes the list for the sake of completeness)…those are important folks. And I hope they stay in street clothes for several more games. Why don’t I want them back? Sometimes you can wrap a player so tightly he feels like a living mummy (Poeltl’s ankle would be an example of where that might be a solution, or grasping at straws), and he can do his best in a critical game. Do the Raptors have any critical games pending? I wish.
Porter’s back spasms has rendered him officially out tonight against the Houston Rockets, while the other guys are ‘questionable’. I’d question any attempt at having them dress, let along play. While Poeltl’s ankle will likely heal to normal strength, the knee swelling of Barrett, and Quickley’s quadriceps strain, are potentially chronic. These are injuries for which rest is the best medicine.
You wanted an opportunity…here it is
In the meantime, coach Darko Rajakovic can have fun trying out the host of underutilized bodies he suddenly has control of. So many questions:
- Is Jordan Nwora for real? Can he really stretch defenses with his deep shooting, then attack the rim when challenged?
- Can Gary Trent ever become consistent? On that theme, can we organize a search party for Scottie Barnes’ 3-ball?
- Will Darko find something else for Gradey Dick to do besides stand in the corner? He always looks like he’s being punished. The young man moves very well, and should be encouraged to cut to the basket, or dribble-drive if he gets the ball on the perimeter.
- What does Chris Boucher have to do to earn more minutes? With Porter and Jakob both out, the Raptors might be the smallest team in the NBA. Boucher can at least try to grab some boards, and compete for rebounds. Paging Bismack Biyombo!
- Does Bruce Brown have a role (not so far that I’ve noticed – more like generic swingman), or is he being spotlighted for a trade?
Darko and the patchwork roster lost a heartbreaker in Atlanta, then managed a pleasant-surprise win in Chicago. Well done, Thaddeus Young. Can they limp home with a 3-3 record on this road trip? Sure. The only true Western powerhouse they will face is the OKC Thunder, who lost to the Pistons last week. There are reasons to keep watching, and hoping.
- Tags: Toronto Raptors
