Hello Raptor Fans,
In this 2nd edition of “Raptors Rant”, we will take a glimpse of where the Toronto Raptors stand after hitting the 1/4 mark of the season:
Last night the Raptors played their 24th game of the 82-game regular season and they sit with a lackluster record of 11-13. Surprisingly, they have a stronger record on the road (7-5) compared to (4-8) in front of their own fans at the Scotia Bank Arena. You would think it would be the other way around, as they have typically been strong at protecting home court. After 24 games, they have when healthy, looked like a Top 10 team at times, a bottom 10 team for the most part and a middle of the pack squad, the rest of the time. The truth is that was my expectation for the Toronto Raptors – coming into the season. I thought they had the potential to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference and could possibly win 1 playoff round in April.
Unfortunately, they have not yet had a full squad and only 2 players (Svi Mykhailiuk & Dalano Banton) have suited up for all 24 games. Injuries are part of the game, and every team must deal with it. So, no excuses! Good news is they are seeing growth with their young draft picks Scottie Barnes and Dalano Banton who look to be absolute gems, from the 2021 NBA Draft. Gary Trent Jr has been a defensive beast and shot maker and Fred Van Vleet is being, Fred Van Vleet. Steady Freddy! OG Anunoby was looking impressive, mind you a bit inconsistent in the 15 games he has played so far. Hopefully, he will return from a nagging hip pointer injury soon.
However, ultimately the player who will wear the biggest target on his back and should have the largest impact on where they finish in the standings is, Pascal Siakam. After returning to the lineup for the past 13 games rehabilitating from off-season shoulder surgery, the Raptors sit at (4-9) in those games. The team was on a 5-game win streak, firing on all cylinders and then “Spicy P” seemed to mess up their chemistry. I think his lack of conditioning played a large part in his inability to play solid defense and they went from one of the best defensive teams during that 5-game span to one of the worst, upon his return.
Pascal’s physical conditioning has improved and last night he played his best game of the season scoring 31 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Most importantly his defence was strong, mobility was quick, and he had more endurance – not picking up lazy fouls and having to come out of the game due to foul trouble. With a 2-0 record in the past couple of games and with Khem Birch and OG Anunoby looking like they are close to returning from injury. The Toronto Raptors are poised to get some stability with the roster. This will allow Coach Nick Nurse to set a regular rotation, allowing the team to form the chemistry they need on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, enabling them to take that next step up the ladder.
The next KPI will be Mid-January after they hit the halfway mark of the season. I fully expect them to form that chemistry and surprise the NBA. The Raptors are beginning to show signs of success using their one-of-a-kind, Nick Nurse defensive schemes, that are catching teams off-guard. They are now getting healthy and have the personnel and talent returning to implement more run and gun offence, which is initiated from getting that defensive stop. Plus, they will have their most optimal starting lineup and a versatile rotation – to do much more in half-court sets.
Hold on Raptors Fans! It’s about to get fun and very interesting over this holiday season!
Go Raptors Go!!!
