Dec 22, 2014
Thoughts on the Raptors, Gobert and Carroll
Think about it - they've been growing to this point over the past few seasons. They started the 2012-13 season with a 4-19 record and went 30-29 the rest of the way. From 4-19, the Raps have gone 94-57 since, in the past few seasons. They started last season 6-12 and then went 42-22 the rest of the way. From 6-12, the Raps have gone an amazing 64-28 over the past season plus.
1. TORONTO RAPTORS:
Think about it - they've been growing to this point over the past few seasons. They started the 2012-13 season with a 4-19 record and went 30-29 the rest of the way. From 4-19, the Raps have gone 94-57 since, in the past few seasons. They started last season 6-12 and then went 42-22 the rest of the way. From 6-12, the Raps have gone an amazing 64-28 over the past season plus. They're in the zone and have improved dramatically. As they enter tonight's game in Chicago to start a brutal six game road stretch, the question needs to be asked---regardless of whether they go 0-6, 6-0 or 3-3 on this trip--are they currently at a point where the 'window of opportunity' has opened for them in this year's Eastern Conference race or are they a year or two away? I said it before and I'll say it again, in my opinion--I think they're a fourth quality big man away from being in that discussion. Check out an article written by Christopher Reina for RealGM.com about the Raptors--he makes some interesting points worth considering. Quite a decision (a positive one) upcoming for GM Masai Ujiri about the next move to make (if any). The next six games (missing DeMar DeRozan--must take that into consideration) will give him better insight into really where his team is and where they need to go. Fun stuff -- compared to so many other dreadful seasons that Raps fans have endured. Enjoy the ride.
2. RUDY GOBERT (Jazz):
Love this young man's potential. Keep an eye on him. In December he's averaging 7.5 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 67 per cent. He's averaging 2.2 blocks per game in that span as well. The best is yet to come. I'm sure a bunch of contending teams will be sniffing around trying to pry this kid off Utah's hands for a pick or an expiring contract. He's worth a look. The cat is out of the bag--kid can play.
3. DE MARRE CARROLL (Hawks):
Turning into a nice three man for Atlanta. His three-point shot has improved greatly to 40 per and he's averaging 11.5 PPG and 5.3 RBG in a breakout year for him and his team. Love his energy and toughness. He guards and plays within his abilities. Love his approach.
4. DANILO GALINARI (Nuggets):
This young man can't catch a break. Out 18 months with three left knee procedures and now he's out with a right knee injury. If I'm Denver's ownership and management, I'm legitimately concerned that he's never going to be the player he once was. Something has run amiss here and with constant breakdowns and inconsistent health they're in a tough spot with what once was a very valuable asset. A shame.
5. DONATAS MOTIEJUNAS (Rockets):
Dwight Howard goes down--no problem. This young man has grown by leaps and bounds in the month of December (15.6 PPG/6.4 RPG/53 per cent). They knew he was pretty good but he's better than they ever imagined and it took an injury to 'force feed' him into the fire-cooker of pressure to see what he has and he's delivered for them. Has nice post skills and solid face up game. Fundamentally sound with a winning approach to the game. A true keeper for them. Out of crisis--something really good happened. They'll be in the hunt all season in the West and another reason is this guy.