A little news on an injured Raptor

The things you see sitting around the concourse of the Air Canada Centre waiting to be summoned to Raptors practice.

Tuesday morning we witnessed DeMar DeRozan, in obvious pain from what looked like a bad right ankle, limp out the door, around the corner and into the elevator, leaning on team trainer Scott McCullough.

There is, of course, no word on the seriousness of whatever injury DeRozan suffered but he was putting weight on his legs as he hobbled downstairs.

McCullough was back in the gym about 30 minutes later.

The 20-year-old DeRozan is only one of two Raptors to have started each of the team’s first 45 games, Chris Bosh being the other. He’s averaging 8.2 points and 2.9 assists rebounds in 21 minutes this season.

Comments

[The J]

It will suck not having him out on the floor, but could also be an opportunity for someone else to shine. Many have asked at different times to see someone else start (Marco, wright, etc.) so now they will get a chance to see what that is like.

[Peter]

You're first with the news again! Well done!

[Dallas]

Hope it's not serious. He's been good for us, and I think he'd be crushed if he couldn't take part in All Star Weekend.

[Shea K]

Hey Doug, 2.9 rebounds not assists. You're human, it's ok.

[Coincidence?]

You praise him and he limps out of practice on the same day. Perhaps you are more powerful than the sports illustrated cover jinx.

[Jerry]

So.....Reggie is leaving his mark on physicality on practice already?

j/k!

[Manny]

is this Reggie's doing?

[taher]

Hope it isn't serious!

[Jump Shot]

Hey Doug,

Dang! I really hope this isn't serious. DeMar is partnering up with the schools on some great basketball and literacy programs this winter/spring (more to come later, look for a press release in a few weeks) and we really wanted him to perform in the Dunk Contest.

JS

[Mark L]

Doug, I'll put this here since it's the latest entry.
Can you answer the following questions posed to Jack, Matt, etc.
Raptors Mid-Season Review

1. What has been the biggest surprise of the season for the Raptors thus far?
2. Aside from Chris Bosh, who has been the Raptors’ most valuable contributor so far this season?
3. Speaking of Bosh, do you think the Raptors’ first half has influenced, good or bad, his looming decision on free agency?
4. Is this team better, worse or about where you expected at this point of the season?
5. In terms of seeding, where do you anticipate the Raptors will finish at the end of the regular season? If they qualify for the playoffs, just how far can they go?
6. What do the Raptors need to improve most going forward?
7. What would be your mindset at the trade deadline?

Blogger's note: Not here, no

[Scott]

Maybe Marco B will finally get the chance he deserves to start. As long as this isn't a serious injury I don't think this is the end of the world. Belli and 'toine are more than capable of filling in.

[austin]

I'll answer for Doug, as I have a portal into his soul.

1. Turk's shooting woes. Though other than that he's played well despite what people say (which may change now after the victory over Lakers).

2. Bargnani. His off-season work in the gym has added the strength needed to consistently finish through contact in the post, giving a crucial extra dimension to his game.

3. It's hard to say. After the loss in Milwaukee, he seemed awfully dejected. After the win against the Lakers, he was elated. I believe he's right in the middle, but he along with the rest of us are finding out that this team can win ball games against big teams.

4. Right on the money. They had a somewhat road-heavy and difficult schedule to begin the season. We expected them to be around .500 at this point in the season, and we expect them now to take advantage of the home games looming, and the less talented schedule between late January and the end of February.

5. They'll finish 5th, 6th or 7th. They'll have a tough time beating one of the big four in the opening round, but it's certainly plausible. We just don't know where the Magic will stand with Carter, and if the C's can stay healthy. However, one thing that's certain is finishing 8th and playing Cleveland is a first round exit for any team.

6. Complacency. They've found a way to let big leads slip in games (23, Indiana, for one), and need to continue playing aggressive defense and running effective offensive sets despite their advantage. Often when their lead grows to a point, we see players taking contested shots with plenty left on the shot clock. Turkoglu has been a major contributor to this problem at times (although not for a week or two now), and one has to wonder if it has something to do with the coaching staff making sure he gets his shots up.

7. Nothing. Build with this group going forward. There's no need to rehash the oft speculation surrounding the Raptors, but the whole 'buyer', 'seller' idea is more of a Baseball and Hockey philosophy. Other than that, obviously figuring Bosh's intentions. Though, everyone should be getting the impression that management is confident with the team the rest of the way, and hopefully a promising playoff series or two can sway him to re-sign. Colangelo did a great job of assembling depth at the beginning of the season, so there's no need to add now while still relatively healthy. One piece buzzing is the expiring deal of Antoine Wright. His contract could assist a team needing luxury tax relief, while Brian might look to supplement their picks, as they lack a first rounder this year from a Marion/O'Neal trade.

G'day. Hope the best for DeRozan, and it's nice to hear Evans is back on the court.

[Truth]

I doubt he will miss all star weekend (I'm more worried about regular season games). The ASG is like 3 weeks away and most (not all) sprain ankles get better in like 1-2 weeks