It’s been 2 games since the big Raptors trade and they have both been wins. What does it mean? At the end of my last post I questioned how the new guys would integrate into the team and I now suggest these early results are very promising.
Certainly the teams the Raptors beat, Cleveland and Memphis, aren’t the class of the league right now with records of 6-4 and 5-5 in their last 10 games respectively. Nonetheless, they are competitive teams with a fierce will to win and these were both good wins, wins to feel good about. And at a more granular level, it’s interesting to note that although neither of the victories were by wide margins, the Raptors did have substantial leads during the game.
From a scoring perspective, the new guys are holding their own and providing substantial contributions at efficient ratings and inspiring the regulars who have had very good games themselves. Sure it’s early days and there will be many more difficult teams to play but then these new guys are just learning the Raptor’s plays and their roles on the new team so they have lots of room for improvement.
No, I don’t believe the Raptors are going to go undefeated for the rest of the season, heck they still may not even make the playoffs but I like the early returns and I love the early interactions with the fans. Quickley high fived a bunch of fans courtside including a young fan wearing a Lowry jersey. I’m betting the next game he attends he’ll be wearing a Quickley jersey. Quickley also had many good things to say about the Raptors fans and will in no time be a fan favorite here.
Funny thing about Quickley, several people in the know have suggested that the young man just might be the best player in the trade. Wow. If that’s true, we’ve taken a great step. Stuck in New York behind two volume shooters, Quickley may not have had the opportunity to blossom the way he will in Toronto. If he can emerge and take his game to the next level and Barrett can find the motivation he’s been lacking in the Big Apple, Barnes and Siakim will have the help they need to finally get this team back on track and do more winning than losing.
The Raptors now head out on a 5 game western road trip that will see them play both LA teams, Utah, Golden State and Sacramento before returning home to face league leading Boston. This will be a great stretch to feel adversity and see how the boys handle it.
The best part? I’m finally excited to see the Raptors play this season.