What can fans expect from this collection of strangers?
The Toronto Raptors ended a five-game losing streak with a victory in Chicago over the wildly inconsistent Bulls. The high-water mark of this season was on November 24, when the Raptors enjoyed their first win over Chicago to even their record at 8-8. Since then, the team has put up a pitiful 9-22 mark. I can’t imagine any circumstances in which our gang can make the playoffs, so I’m going to concentrate much of my writing efforts in building scenarios where next season’s Raptors will be competitive.
With the departure of Pascal Siakam, and before him OG Anunoby, the Raptors brains trust accepted what everyone else knew, namely, that running back the veterans wasn’t a winning strategy. Masai Ujiri, Bobby Webster et al are striving to build a kid-friendly roster. Integrating a bunch of strangers into something resembling a team is going to be a serious challenge for Coach Darko Rajakovic. I’m cautiously optimistic he’ll be up to the challenge, largely because he seems to have a rapport with youngsters. However, the Raptors will be no more than pests to opponents the rest of this season, as Darko experiments with player combinations never seen before.
One of the consequences will be a spike in turnovers, which we saw last night when our guys racked up 19 (Dennis Schroder committed six, and Scottie Barnes five – do we need a ‘true’ ball-management point guard or what? And, No, RJ Barrett isn’t the answer either.). Darko must also grapple with a rash of injuries, most notably to Jakob Poeltl. The Raptors look like an expansion team on D, as the other guys get to the basket seemingly at will. Jontay Porter, who has at least been trying to establish a rim defense, is now out with back spasms. Thaddeus Young has performed admirably as a finger in the dike, but he’s not nearly enough.
What’s the future look like?
OK, stop stalling – who attends next fall’s training camp? Those under contract include:
- Scottie Barnes
- RJ Barrett
- Gradey Dick
- Jakob Poeltl
- Chris Boucher
- Jalen McDaniels
- Dennis Schroder
Here’s who needs a new deal:
- Gary Trent
- Bruce Brown
- Immanuel Quickley
- Jordan Nwora
- Jontay Porter
- Kira Lewis
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team with as many expiring contracts, and I’m not even counting those of the greybeards whom I don’t expect to be offered one, namely Young, Garrett Temple, and Otto Porter. Let’s remember we’re expecting a bunch more new faces following the June draft. Talk about a roster in flux!
In my next post, I’ll zero in on those on the ‘new deal’ list I’d like to see stick around, and why.
- Tags: Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors
