It is February in Toronto. The sky is the color of a wet sidewalk, and several people are yelling about second round picks. This is the annual tradition where we look at the roster and decide if we like the people on it. Usually, we decide we do, but only if they cost less than they currently do.
Scottie Barnes is an All Star again. There is a photo of him with his child, who appears to just want a hug while Scottie holds an award. It is a nice reminder that while we obsess over True Shooting percentages, some people are just trying to navigate nap time. Objects are often smaller than they appear, except for Scottie, who is quite large.
The Sacramento Standoff
The rumors say the Raptors and the Kings are staring at each other. Sacramento wants a first round pick, but Toronto is offering second round picks. A first round pick is like a down payment on a house you might never live in. A second round pick is more like a gift card to a restaurant that has mixed reviews but a very good patio.
I remember when we used to value players based on how they played basketball. Now we value them based on how much they might help us get a player who doesn't exist yet. It is all very confusing. My uncle once traded a lawnmower for a professional grade deep fryer, and he does not even like fried food. He just liked the leverage of the deal.
To Trade or Not to Trade
There is a growing sentiment that this is not the year for a big move. The Celtics and the Knicks are doing things that make sense, which is frustrating. Our bench is young, and the identity of the team is currently "tall people who are occasionally tired." Building an identity takes time, like waiting for a slow cooker to finish a roast that you forgot to season.
People are mentioning Ja Morant or Zach Edey. Edey is from here, which is the ultimate Toronto scout report. We love a local story. If a player grew up near a specific GO Transit station, we will immediately assume they can fix our perimeter defense. It is a comforting thought, even if it might not be true.
The Farewell Tour of the Week
Today is game day, and some are saying it could be RJ Barrett's last game in a Raptors jersey. It feels like he just got here. Time moves in strange ways when the trade deadline approaches. One day you are the future of the franchise, and the next day you are being discussed in a boardroom because your salary matches a disgruntled guard in Memphis.
We will watch the game regardless. We will see the rotations and wonder why certain players are sitting on the end of the bench looking at their shoes. The shoes are very bright this year. Everyone has bright shoes now (even the referees sometimes). I hope Scottie gets that hug he was looking for, because the trade deadline is a cold place.
Notes from the Shop:
- The signed Pape Sow jersey is still not for sale.
- The weather is supposed to be "grey" through Sunday.
- Does anyone know if Primo Pasta is still a thing, or was that just a fever dream we all had?