I don't know why I do it. I foolishly fall for the same tricks over and over again when it comes to the Raptors. I went into this season with a cautiously optimistic attitude. By that I mean I was happy about the offseason acquistion of Kyle Lowry, and looking forward to seeing what Jonas Valancuinas was all about however very aware that the Raptors were still most likely heading for another lottery pick in next years NBA Draft. Turns out I was right. Same old Raptors draft some guy not many people heard of named Terrance Ross and began the season 4 - 19. I was thinking "Man, I'm smart... or perhaps the Raptors are just stupid?". Why do they continue doing the same thing and hoping for different results? And why am I doing the same cheering for them and expecting different results? I'd had it.
Fast forward a couple weeks. Bargnani is riding the pine, the team is starting to play together, and most important of all they are fun to watch. DeRozan game winner here, great game for Calderon there, and John Lucas, really? Yes really. Amir Johnson and Ed Davis formed great chemistry and suddenly the team started gaining confidence. Meanwhile Bargnani is registering DNPs like his name is John Lucas (wait, what?). How can it be we are a better team without our "best" player and former number 1 overall pick? It doesn't make sense but I like it.
Now the trade rumors begin. Rudy Gay an option? No way. Raptors won't be able to pull it off. A week later: So long to our beloved Mr. Calderon and Amir's BFF Ed Davis - Rudy is coming to town!
Fast forward a couple weeks. Bargnani is riding the pine, the team is starting to play together, and most important of all they are fun to watch. DeRozan game winner here, great game for Calderon there, and John Lucas, really? Yes really. Amir Johnson and Ed Davis formed great chemistry and suddenly the team started gaining confidence. Meanwhile Bargnani is registering DNPs like his name is John Lucas (wait, what?). How can it be we are a better team without our "best" player and former number 1 overall pick? It doesn't make sense but I like it.
Now the trade rumors begin. Rudy Gay an option? No way. Raptors won't be able to pull it off. A week later: So long to our beloved Mr. Calderon and Amir's BFF Ed Davis - Rudy is coming to town!
Just like that I was sold. The Raptors are committed to winning, they actually have a good roster now, and if they can move Bargnani for something of value in return that's fantastic. Rudy and Demar combine to lead the Raptors 7 - 3 heading to the All Star Break. Did I mention Terrance Ross lately? So much for being another typical Raptors selection - I actually like this guy. Nobody told me he could dunk like THAT when they picked him. Now I'll just take JJ Reddicks word for it. So everything is going great and to top it off our boy Terrance wins the dunk contest. Probably the best two week period of being a Raptors fan I can remember.
Now why is there that feeling of impending doom? Two very winable games on the schedule after the ASG vs the Wizards and the Cavs followed by a rematch with the Pacers. After those games comes a matchup with the Bucks our priority competitor for a low spot in the playoffs. Back to reality. Raptors lose three in a row then battle hard without Rudy Gay to get to OT only to lose vs the Bucks and essentially spoil their playoff hopes. It all happened so quickly. Time to build for next year? Maybe.
On the bright side, Amir Johnson is really making use of his minutes this year and always seems to be doing the right things to help us win. Based on his increased scoring, improved passing, consistent rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and overall performance in big moments he is my vote for team MVP. It may not show in the numbers but I see you Amir! Time to rock the #15 Raptors jersey. #IAintTalkingBoutVince
- Damp Money
Now why is there that feeling of impending doom? Two very winable games on the schedule after the ASG vs the Wizards and the Cavs followed by a rematch with the Pacers. After those games comes a matchup with the Bucks our priority competitor for a low spot in the playoffs. Back to reality. Raptors lose three in a row then battle hard without Rudy Gay to get to OT only to lose vs the Bucks and essentially spoil their playoff hopes. It all happened so quickly. Time to build for next year? Maybe.
On the bright side, Amir Johnson is really making use of his minutes this year and always seems to be doing the right things to help us win. Based on his increased scoring, improved passing, consistent rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and overall performance in big moments he is my vote for team MVP. It may not show in the numbers but I see you Amir! Time to rock the #15 Raptors jersey. #IAintTalkingBoutVince
- Damp Money
