There is a certain type of silence that only exists in a sports merchandise store when you realize the specific polyester shirt you want no longer exists. A fan recently asked if the 2024 (25) City Edition jerseys will ever be restocked. They mentioned being a bit short on funds last year, which is relatable, as I once spent my entire grocery budget on a Jorge Garbajosa bobblehead.
The reality of retail in the NBA is often as cold as a February morning in Etobicoke. Once those jerseys are gone, they usually stay gone, drifting into the void where all our hopes for a backup point guard also reside. It is a strange feeling to want to buy something that celebrates a city you already live in, but that is the nature of the industry.
The Great Center Search
Our current situation involving tall people is concerning. With Jakob Poeltl and Chris Boucher dealing with injuries, the roster feels a bit thin in the middle. Jakob is thirty now, which is not old, but in basketball years, it means his back probably feels like mine does after trying to assemble a shelf from IKEA.
Some people are panicking and wondering if Jakob is finished. He has four years left on his contract, which is a long time to have a sore back. I remember when a back strain was just something you got from sleeping on a bad mattress, but for a seven footer, it is a bit more complicated.
The Sabonis Dilemma
Naturally, the trade rumors have started, and Domantas Sabonis is the name currently being whispered in the dark corners of the internet. He is a great rebounder and an elite playmaker, much like a taller version of my uncle at a Thanksgiving dinner. However, he does not offer much in terms of rim protection.
Trading for Sabonis might mean losing RJ Barrett, which feels like a heavy price to pay for someone who might just watch people layup the ball. RJ has recently been upgraded on the injury report for the game against the Blazers, which is a nice change of pace. Seeing RJ back on the court is better than imagining him in a Kings jersey, mostly because the color purple is difficult to pull off.
Final Thoughts on the Deadline
The trade deadline is approaching, and everyone is a little bit on edge. It is that time of year where we look at every other team's roster and wonder if their third string center would look better in a Raptors uniform. Usually, the answer is no, but we keep looking anyway.
- Jakob Poeltl: Needs a heating pad and some rest.
- RJ Barrett: Returning to save us from our own thoughts.
- City Edition Jerseys: Likely gone forever, like my youth.