Raptors playing out the string

Crippled by injuries, Toronto looks to draft lottery

With one W in their past ten tries, the Toronto Raptors are sinking beneath the waves. Critical members of their roster are sidelined with long-term injuries. Then we learn of the death of RJ Barrett’s younger brother, which puts all other woes in the shade. I hope RJ takes all the time he needs to recover, if that’s possible, from such a dreadful blow.

The starting five in the latest loss, at Orlando by a flattering 111-96 count, was a combined minus_96. At the moment, the Raps are a Summer League team, and there’s no relief in sight. I’ve seen injury reports which postulate a return date of April 2 for Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Chris Boucher. Game 82 is April 14, and the brave talk of the Raptors having an outside shot at the Play-in Tournament is worthy of laughter. To recover from the kinds of injuries our people suffered takes time. They could play, suitably swathed in bandages, if there was something worth challenging for. I hope they don’t. What’s the point?

Is there anything positive to report?

No, not much.

The gloom of the moment is worsened by the realization that the kids getting major minutes aren’t stepping up. We’ve yet to find a diamond in the rough.

Jontay Porter appears to have plateaued. That’s not a huge surprise; I didn’t project him as anything better than the third name on the depth chart at the 4 and 5 spots. If he adds some bulk without sacrificing quickness this summer, he’ll be worthy of a decent contract. We need the size, and Porter has displayed versatility.

As far as Ochai Agbaji goes, I’ll defer once again to Bill James. When referring to a young pitcher with pro-grade ‘stuff’ but a poor W-L record, James wrote “If this fellow is going to find himself, I suggest he organize a search party right quick.” Ochai has made 2 of 11 long balls in his last five games – and he’s a shooting guard. He’s got bad hands, reminiscent of Antonio Davis. Am I seeing OG Anunoby-grade defense? Nope. I’d love to be wrong, Ochai. Make some deep shots, finish at the rim, and stop committing stupid fouls. You’ll never get a better chance than now to establish yourself.

Gradey Dick is having his baptism by fire. He will be fine.

Jahmi’us Ramsey needs to find an element of his game he can build on. If there’s anything he can do at a consistent NBA level, he’s hiding it well.

Jordan Nwora is someone I could warm up to. He can disappear for long stretches, which is irksome, but he’s enjoyed some decent games recently. I like his ability to score inside and out. On a strong Raptors team two years from now, I can see him as a rotation swingman.

Kelly Olynyk is playing well, and appears full value for his recently-signed contract extension. See – I knew I could find some good news if I searched hard.

Keep the faith, Raptors Nation. We’ll be back, just not this year or next. Let’s hope the ping-pong balls are kind, and we can draft in the top six.

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