Extinction Level Event: What’s Wrong with the Raptors?

column by AJ

Well beyond a decade ago (what for basketball fans above the border seems closer to 65 million years) some front office genius named Isaiah Thomas brought the game of basketball to the city of Toronto. There was much fanfare about the NBA’s presence on an international level; the expansion to Canada was seen as a big step but was apparently just the first of many in David Stern’s diabolical scheme for global domination. Thing is though, the Commish may be fielding questions about teams in Europe and games in China, but he knows very well that things haven’t worked out so well for the NBA north of the 49^th.

The Vancouver Grizzlies, tired of sucking and being fodder for critics of the expansion, took their act to Memphis, where they proceeded to continue sucking and also became fodder for Joe Budden punchlines. The Raptors meanwhile have been a comparable success; they’ve made several postseason appearances and consistently rank among the league leaders in attendance. But somehow, between some promising beginnings and a frustrating present, a team whose first four draft picks were Damon Stoudamire, Marcus Camby, Tracy McGrady and (sorta) Vince Carter just never really took off. They now find themselves well beyond any grace period you could possibly give an expansion team with exactly one playoff series triumph to their credit.

Toronto came into this season looking to build on what some considered their best season and came out flatter than Darius Miles. Clearly a few steps away from contention, the Raps need to forget about their obvious oversight in not relentlessly pursuing Mike D’Antoni and make decisive moves this summer before this franchise becomes the new-school Clippers. They aren’t exactly endangered but fans in Canada won’t remain interested in a mediocre team forever; especially a guy like me who roots for the Raps out of patriotic duty and love of the game despite how much I fucking hate their squad.

This year, I was again treated to the sweetness of the NBA playoffs, coupled with the bitter reality that I live in a country where the simultaneous NHL postseason reigns supreme on every TV at every bar, on every highlight show and often at the expense of a televised game. It’s annoying; infuriating even. Why can’t the roundball get that kind of love? I’m well aware that hockey’s too deeply entrenched in Canada’s culture to be replaced, but I’m also pretty confident that if the Raptors could stop pissing us Canucks off, (anything from letting T-Mac walk to drafting Rafael Araujo or trading Carter for a 1992 Toyota Corolla) people here would care a lot more about basketball. It’s about damn time the Raps gave us a reason to really show interest in the NBA; over the years they’ve done little to satisfy the die-hards in T.O. and the rest of us Canadians who hesitantly cheer them on. So here’s a blueprint for a turnaround; some moves to ponder, some choices to make. I’m kinda certain that Bryan Colangelo’s never going to read this column, but hopefully his head’s on the same track because, as its international ambassador, the league needs the Raptors. And the Raptors need to:

Deal/Minimize TJ Ford

Yeah so his trade value may not be sky high what with his history of random paralysis and rash of spinal cord injuries; when healthy he’s an athletic and insanely quick quarterback with pinpoint passing, a decent jumper and pesky D. Many teams lack and need such a player but he’s expendable because he’s of less value to the Raptors than anyone. Jose Calderon’s gone public with his desire to start after having a career year with personal highs across the board and the most efficient passing in the league. Ford dominates the ball and looks to score on a team full of jump-shooters; his return from another back injury this season, however inspiring, led to them losing a lot as the season drew to a close. This one’s a no-brainer.

Put a Deadline on Project Andrea

I know the promise of “the next Dirk” seemed alluring but Bargnani looks more like the next Keith Van Horn and can quite often be a two-way liability. His trade value will plummet exponentially with every passing season he fails to improve on his rookie success, so why take a gamble on a guy who you gave plenty of opportunity (to no avail) this season when you can still trade him at (potentially) equal or greater value? Make no mention of an extension ‘til he stops playing like a Care Bear and be prepared to let him walk if he keeps hitting the wall next year, lest he transcend from draft bust to expensive mistake for the Raps.

Keep Sam Mitchell Around

Mitchell’s no doubt going to spend the offseason listening to rumours about his impending demise as any NBA coach would after a disappointing season. There’s a shortage of quality bench bosses in the league and axing a guy who just a season ago was considered the best in the biz would be premature. Uncle Sam’s a passionate motivator who’s been around the league since the Cretacious period; his players respect him and he seems to genuinely care about the team (he’s easily one of the more animated faces when patrolling the sideline). Canning him would possibly evoke resentment from players and usher in a hastily-chosen replacement who almost certainly won’t be able to get them to defend either.

Run like Forrest Gump

Colangelo came to Toronto amidst the massive success of a team he built in Phoenix around a simple philosophy: just score a lot; it’s the object of the game after all. That team may not have won a championship but remained a contender for several years and more importantly played with a flair and enthusiasm that kept fans entertained and opponents struggling to keep up. Toronto has all the makings of Suns 2.0: an efficient point guard who can push the ball, big men who can run the floor and plenty of sharpshooters who, in the right offense, could find enough open looks in transition to bury just about any team. Another trait they share with those Suns, as mentioned before, is both size and ability on D; theirs sucks but maybe if they open up the offense a little more that won’t be as much to their detriment.

Make like John Amaechi and Start Handling Mens Down Low

Toronto’s soft in the post; the trio of Bargs, Bosh and Rasho aren’t power players who can dominantly rebound, intimidate attackers and keep a guy like Dwight Howard in check (22, 18 and 4 swats in the first round). Why not package your superfluous point guard with one of your glut of swingmen for someone like Chris Wilcox, Brandon Bass or even Sideshow Varejao who can wax the boards and bring toughness without slowing the team down or demanding touches on offense. Chris Bosh is overworked as the closest thing to a low-post banger on this team while being a relative welterweight and being looked upon to carry the scoring load most nights. Needless to say he could use some help. Rasho came on nicely at the end of’ the year, but his career trajectory’s on the downward and I question how consistent he’ll be next season. There’s a shortage of quality big men in the East and a serious advantage to be won if Toronto can add a big, athletic body to their rotation.