The Raptors not to be confused as a defensive powerhouse

The Toronto Raptors began the 2012-2013 campaign with renewed optimism based on the off-season acquisitions that were consummated by general manager Bryan Colangelo.  Simply put, everything that could of possibly gone wrong has. From inconsistencies surrounding former # 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani to  a long term injury to newbie Landry Fields and compounded by, who I will now refer to as “Mighty Mouse Jr.”, paying homage to Raptor great Damon Stoudemire, Kyle Lowry, who just recently inserted himself back in the lineup after also missing a handful of games due to injury. This season’s campaign would have been an optimal season for the Raps to flourish because they essentially have the Toronto professional sport market to themselves because of the lingering NHL lockout affecting the Leafs. Instead, the Raps haven’t flourished, having sputtered to a 4-17 start. So what can be changed in order for the Canada’s team to finally become relevant in the National Basketball Association?

For starters, this team has absolutely no identity contrary to what Colangelo would’ve liked you to believe when he hired ex-Mav Dwayne Casey prior to the 2011-2012 season, who had the rep for being a defensive stalwart. There is no one doubting Casey’s defensive brilliance because he was instrumental in implementing the Mavs smothering defence that went on to win the league title in his last year as an assistant. I think the problem more than anything is that the team personnel does not coincide with Casey’s coaching strengths. I’ll put it to you this way, when your supposed ”franchise” player(although the  word franchise will be used very loosely in this context) is Andrea Bargnani, the same Bargnani that the Fan 590’s Bob McCown once questioned if he even had the ability to guard the coach on the sidelines, you may have an issue. I myself found this comical but I am well aware that the die hard Raptor fan doesn’t view this the same way. So if the team is hell bent on instilling a defense first approach, is a bold move in order? With the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly shopping former Arizona Wildcat great Derrick Williams, who is known as a blocking forward who can provide a sprinkle of offence, a trade involving him and Bargnani could perhaps be in order. Williams provides a toughness and drive that Andrea never will. As much as I’m critical of Bargnani, my same criticisms cannot be applied to the former Houston Rocket Kyle Lowry. Best point guard since the Mighty Mouse himself? Absolutely. Lowry’s competitiveness is second to none and his fearless brand of basketball endears himself to fans like myself. You get the sense from watching on the tube that this poorish start is eating away at Kyle, one of the few that provide any physical emotion when the going gets tough. Due to where the Raptors are in their organizational structure, there is no other point guard I’d want as commander at this present time. You may be procrastinating, “no other point guard”???? I’m not for a minute suggesting he’s the most talented guard in the NBA, but I believe you’d be hard pressed to find a point guard who provides better leadership and a drive to win right now in the current era.

So defensive awareness, as discussed above is a pressing concern. On the court, that is how they’re going to have a greater total of W’s in the long haul. However, to be relevant, one must be marketable. TSN and Sportsnet have split rights to the Raps and that in itself creates a problem due to the multiple colour commentators that are used throughout the course of the season. I`m going to use the comparison between the Raptors and the Blue Jays. During the mid nineties into the early two thousands,the Jays split rights between the CBC/Sportsnet/TSN disallowing any flow and consistency to the broadcasts, and with the multitude of colour commentators, and even at times the musical chairs of play by play commentators, it didn’t allow the viewers to get comfortable with one set team. Speaking of the current model with the Blue Jays, the main provider Sportsnet has done a wonderful job having a permanent twosome including Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler. To get this back on the Raptors, if Sportsnet and TSN could ever somehow agree to allow Jack Armstrong to work alongside both networks, it would be a win-win situation. A little less Leo Rautins and a little More Jack will lead to increased viewership. I would absolutely love to see TSN at least attempt one of their more underrated personalities, that being James Cybulski into the permanent play by play role. Matt Devlin doesn’t provide enough excitement for a team that at the best of times can be a sight for sore eyes. For a team that Sir Charles Barkley argued would have a tough time defeating the Kentucky Wildcats, excitement from a media standpoint is an absolute must.

Toronto is a professional sports market. The Leafs will be always be a staple, the Blue Jays have recently made some monster acquisitions to become relevant in America’s pastime. The Raptors have been third in T.O far too long and the time is now for Colangelo and company to step up to the plate and provide the GTA the winner it has long craved.