For the first time in 5 years, the Raptors are in playoff contention, and not just the hanging around the 8 spot type of contention, they are a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the East. The Raptors are currently tied for third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 33-26, and with only 23 games remaining, they are virtually a lock for the post season.
What makes it all the more impressive is that the Raptors seemed to be dead in the water after 18 games with Rudy Gay. The ball movement in the offence was lacking, if present at all, and the Raptors were slowly spiralling into the lottery once again, but then on December 8th, the whole landscape of the franchise changed.
With one swift move, Massai Ujiri, the Raptors first year GM, managed to dump Rudy Gay and his large salary to the Kings, while getting some solid role players back in the trade. This was originally thought to be a trade to begin the ‘Tanking’ era in Toronto, but in reality it turned out the exact opposite. Since the trade of Rudy Gay, the Raptors are 27-14, and along the way, they have beaten perennial powers like Indiana, OKC and the Mavericks.
In the absence of Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan have
both played at all-star levels, with Derozen receiving the honour of a trip to New Orleans last month. Demar is evolving from a secondary piece to a star right before our eyes, his whole game has evolved from creating opportunities for his teammates to stepping up in the clutch. Meanwhile, sophomore Terrence Ross has stepped right into Rudy Gay’s shoes, as he has had quite a few dynamic performances, namely the 51 point game vs the Los Angeles Clippers. He has also been the Raptors best perimeter defender over the past couple months, as he has shut down some of the league’s brightest stars, such as Paul George, and Kyrie Irving. Role players like Grieves Vasquez and Patrick Patterson, have been important parts of the Raptors rotation since coming over from Sacramento.
It is hard to find something to complain about with this team, they have come together as a unit, and are even outperforming their fan base’s lofty expectations. Experts thought that this team would struggle to win, even in the lowly Eastern Conference, but the Raptors are proving everyone wrong. Even without their former ‘closer’ Rudy Gay, the Raptors have been the best fourth quarter team in the league, with a +18.3 point differential per 100 possessions. Their offence is excelling even in high pressure situations, because of their players willingness to give up a good shot for a great shot. The Raps loyal fan base that had stuck with the team through the down years is now enjoying the joy of a winning team. Toronto has always been known as a hockey town, but this Raptors team has the potential to change all of that. The passion for basketball has always been present in this city, this Raptors time may just be the spark that will ignite the fire.
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