Toronto Raptors Two-Man Game: Depressing January

Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors
Jan 25, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) reacts to a call during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Toronto 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

As Cory Joseph continues to struggle, Fred VanVleet is starting to accumulate serious minutes. Do you see that continuing when DeMar DeRozan comes back?

Chris: Joseph has fallen off a cliff this season and he had his first DNP-CD (did not play — coach’s decision) of his career on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets. I think the backup point guard job is an open competition now and Casey will roll the “hot hand” until Fred VanVleet, CoJo or Delon Wright take the reigns.

I think CoJo will still be a part of the rotation when DeRozan returns, but he’s now on an extremely short leash and I fully expect to see VanVleet and Wright on the floor more going forward.

Demar: Yes, mostly because in the period of time where Joseph was given a chance to shine and display his offensive abilities he wilted. CoJo was lauded for his defensive abilities over the years with the Raptors and Spurs, but he’s been able to provide the quality that gives Casey the most comfort.

VanVleet is a small guard but he’s playing like Yogi Ferrell out there, every possession played as though it’s his last and it very well could be.