by Zack Cooper
The Raptors’ slide (7 losses in their last 8 games) is something we’ve all seen over the last couple of weeks. The holes have been apparent, and apparently Coach Sam Mitchell’s ready to try his hand at some patch-work.
The Raptors are going back to a starting line-up that they used in stretches of November and December. A devastating injury to TJ Ford brought Jose Calderon into the mix as the starting point guard, while Andrea Bargnani’s struggles led to his promotion to becoming the starting Center. A position the sophomore would hold… until tonight.
When the Raptors tip-off against the Pistons this evening, they’re expected to swap Jose for TJ, and Andrea for Rasho Nesterovic (who’s raked in double digit scoring in all but 3 games this month, while picking up 3 doubles-doubles in “starters minutes”).
The rest of the starting 5 remains the same:
PG: Ford
SG: Parker
SF: Moon
PF: Bosh
C: Nesterovic
The need for change has been apparent; And while it’s something I discussed with Paul Jones on “Late Night” last night, I wasn’t expecting it to actually happen.
What’s an interesting sidenote to all this, is that the idea for the point guard swap, came from the guy going who’s back to the bench – Jose – who continues his selfless, team-first acts.
Jose understands that Ford has been struggling off the bench (since his return from neck and back injuries, costing him nearly 2 months), and piped up to Mitchell that maybe the way to get him (and the team) going again, would be for TJ to get the start.
As for Rasho… we all knew that was coming. His play has been stellar over the last month, and Andrea’s still showing that’s he consistently inconsistent.
Tonight, they’ll be going up against a Pistons team that just the other night clinched their 7th straight 50-win season. They’re 0-2 vs. Detriot so far this season, but Coach Flip Saunders seemed to indicate that Rip Hamilton will not be suiting up for them.
He dropped 22 and 39 points on the Raps in the last 2 meetings.
…If the playoffs started today, the Raptors (7th place, .5 games behind Philly, 1 behind Washington for 5th) would take on the Pistons… not something they want.
…and also, just a freaky stat: Detroit’s 31-1 when they score 100 or more points.
LOOK OUT!
Eric and Paul have the call…
Tip-off at 7:00 on the Fan 590.
7 Responses to “Switching It Up…”
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Another example of how valuable Jose is to this team. TJ would never do that for Calderon.
- steveI couldnt agree more with Steve. Lets hope this will increase Ford’s value so we can Ship him Out in the Offseason…………
- roscoJose is the man.
If TJ fails with the starters he is 100% gone this off-season.
And Steve you’re dead on. I doubt TJ would give his starting spot for Isiah Thomas if it was his last game in the NBA.
- Brandon in TorontoAs much as I hate to see Jose lose his starting job, I really think this will provide a spark. The second unit was much better when Jose was running it, and TJ is obviously more effective when he’s starting. As well, we are a much better team when are second unit is on point. I’m sure all those bandwagon Raptor fans will be uptight about this move, but I hope you’re not. I belive this will spark the team and make them better. I only wish Mitchell would yank Moon out the starting 5 once and for all and slip Delfino in there and see what he can do. Mitchell is so predictable about being predictable. Why did he wait so long to make a lineup change to shake things up? I’m quickly losing my hope in Mitchell as being the coach to take this club to the next level. I don’t think he has a big enough imagination.
- MikeI think it is funny how people use to talk about how valuable it was to have two starting-worthy pointmen. What a terrible idea. I realize that we didn’t know Jose was going to turn out to be such a stud, but HELLO? We should have been looking to ship Ford looooong before now. I hope it isn’t too late, because we end up losing Jose to free agency we are back to square one…this kid is going to be something special for years to come.
Ps. Sam Mitchell is great and all in terms of interacting with the boys and getting their respect, which I hear is a huge part of coaching in the NBA. But, you know what another huge part is? Knowing how to coach the game itself.
- JamieThis is more an issue about Calderon’s “Team First” attitude than T.J. Ford’s “Me First” attitude. I prefer Jose at the point. His jump shot is more consistant and his 3 pts stroke is better, not to mention he runs the team more efficiently. All that being said this move should help improve the team. The second unit needs someone to create shots for them and T.J.’s recent shot happy approach will not fly with players like Bosh and Rasho.
- AlessioIf TJ plays exactly the way he is playing tonight, Cleveland better get ready for a long series. Man the boys looked good tonight, hats off to Sam for making the switch.
- Jamie