Terrible loss to Utah shows glaring weaknesses
The Toronto Raptors enjoyed a healthy first half against the visiting Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Even Q3 wasn’t a disaster, as they lost it by just a 3-point basket. However, the final 12 minutes started badly, then got worse. The home team was outscored by 20 points, lost the game by 7, and saw their record fall to 11-18. A 32-point effort by Scottie Barnes went to waste.
We need to do some ‘big picture’ analysis, and we’ll use some of noted sabremetrician Bill James’ thoughts as our guide.
“If we’re going to lose anyway, play the kids.”
This one is first, deservedly. The most depressing element of this miserable Raptors season to date is how they are losing games with veterans. Scottie Barnes is the youngest starter, and he’s been the best player. I don’t understand the plan. Is Coach Darko just going to roll out the old guard until somebody learns to shoot 3-balls consistently? It’s not working, Coach.
I often urge patience, but enough’s enough. Drop Jakob Poeltl to the second unit, and start Precious Achiuwa. Tell Scottie he’s the lead guard until further notice, and Gary Trent will be his complement. Dennis Schroder becomes the primary backup at the point. And – why do I have to say this? – let Gradey Dick play through his mistakes. You’re letting a lottery pick rot on the bench, while the team sinks further.
“Don’t have people on the roster you won’t use”
I’ve griped about this matter in prior posts, so I’ll keep it short. The end of the Raptors bench doesn’t consist of youngsters. Instead, we find Garrett Temple, Thaddeus Young, and Otto Porter, all of whom are merely padding their pension plans. Jalen McDaniels flunked his screen test early in the season, and we barely see him even in garbage time. What is the idea here?
Trade a player too early, rather than too late
The above (slightly modified) is actually attributed to Branch Rickey, famed for signing Jackie Robinson to the Montreal Royals, and ultimately to the Brooklyn Dodgers. In our context, the quote is particularly applicable to Pascal Siakam. I’m not so concerned about this matter; I’m going to give Masai Ujiri the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s waiting until the final hours before the trade deadline of February 8.
The Raptors need draft capital, and some serviceable players, in exchange for the brilliant Siakam. He’s going to be expensive over the next few years, and I doubt he wants to stick around anyways. He’s not a fool, and can see the future is likely to be bleak for at least two more seasons. Pascal has all the money he’ll ever need; to cap off his career, he wants a second championship ring. He’s not getting it in Toronto at the current course & speed.
- Tags: Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors
