Toronto Raptors Two-Man Game: All-Star Weekend Questions
By Demar Grant
Are you happy for the All-Star break?
Demar: Contrary to popular belief, no. The All-Star break means games are over until after the trade deadline, which is bad for the Raptors. The Raps made two new additions to their roster — Ibaka and Wright (sort of, he was injured) — before the All-Star break, and although that means rest for Lowry and DeRozan, that’s bad news for those two players.
Ibaka is going to go about two weeks without playing basketball and now he’s on a new team that needs him to start immediately. He needs to hit the ground running or the Raptors can risk fumbling through the next part of the season. It also means that we don’t get a lot of data on the new additions before the trade deadline. Wright looked great over the past two games but how real is that really?
If the Raptors believe it’s really, really real then they can try to swing a trade with Cory Joseph and some of the king bloods for a wing. But what if it’s just a couple good games and now the Raptors make a trade for wing depth? Then they have barely not a rookie Wright filling a role to big for him.
Now, the exact opposite can happen. Those two games are a sign of Wright’s readiness but no trade is made. Now you have a crowded back court again, right after trading Ross.
This All-Star break for the Raptors is like going to a party the day before your exam and then just guessing the answers when you get the test.
Chris: From the Raptors’ perspective, yes, I’m thrilled the All-Star break is here. This team has been mired in a slump recently, posting an 11-14 record since January 1st, so I think the break came at the perfect time. Plus, it allows Ibaka time to learn Casey’s system and also gives Patterson more rest.
From a personal perspective, I was in the midst of a “hot streak” in DFS hoops, so I selfishly wish teams were still playing! But I don’t mind watching the All-Star festivities either, so I guess it’s sort of a win-win? Anyways, next question!