If Raptors rookies continue their act, whose PT is affected?

The extended absence of DeMarre Carroll has provided opportunities for the Raptors’ young players, which they have seized. Should the kids be bumped for the playoffs in favour of veterans?

A team like the Toronto Raptors, one in the thick of playoff planning, usually shies away from tinkering with its roster. The prevailing sentiment is often expressed as “don’t fix what ain’t broken”, or “these guys got us this far, didn’t they?”.

While “steady as she goes” is a defensible position (and another tired sports cliche), I like the fact the Raptors aren’t standing still. Norman Powell appears to have a firm grip on the shooting guard spot, a development no one foresaw. Delon Wright has earned more minutes with his confident play. Assuming DeMarre Carroll returns at full strength for the playoffs, the rotation is going to look considerably different than it has much of this season.

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Let’s assume Powell continues to impress. Coach Dwane Casey may reduce his minutes, but he won’t bump him from the starting lineup. Carroll has to play somewhere, and the only spot left is power forward. Luis Scola has scored seven points in the Raptors last five games, including a DNP-CD on Friday night. Apparently he has a sore knee. I doubt we’ll see much of Luis the rest of the season, and precious little in the playoffs.

Apr 8, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright (55) tries to control the ball as Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel watches from the sidelines at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Raptors look odds-on to face the Detroit Pistons in round one (assuming the Indiana Pacers snap out of their funk and clinch the #8 seed). Detroit’s starting power forward is Marcus Morris, who’s not an easy cover for anyone. Despite giving away some height, I’d still rather have Carroll take Morris on, with Jason Thompson as the backup.

James Johnson has been bounced around like no other player I can recall, from 48 minutes on the bench one game to starting the next. JJ should prove useful in the post-season in a defensive role, although too often he fantasizes he’s an offensive threat. He might be if he could shoot at all.

I don’t see how the Raptors can retain Johnson for next season, and not just because the Raptors will be severely squeezed by the salary cap. With cheaper kids emerging, and two more on the way in the draft, finding a roster spot for a marginal veteran like JJ will be tough.

Here’s Dwane Casey’s dilemma: should he play Johnson in a limited role, let’s say to shut down the hot hand of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or whomever, or should Delon or Norman get the assignment? The only way to gain playoff experience is on the floor, so if Casey goes young, our kids will get their baptism by fire – but our team might lose while they are learning. JJ won’t be back, but he can still provide a memorable farewell.

While there’s no easy answer for this problem, coach has to find some way to ensure our young players won’t spend the playoffs on the bench. Ignoring the kids would be egregious short-term thinking and the biggest mistake Casey could make. They have earned the right to some playing time in the second season, and those minutes are essential to their development.

Next: A playoff-ready Power Forward realignment?

We’ll need to pay attention to the rotation in the season’s last three games. I expect Delon and particularly Norman will play significant minutes, possibly with tough defensive assignments, while DeMarre takes Scola’s time. If Jason Thompson grabs some boards and provides mobile defense, both of which he’s capable of, he’ll be slotted for more burn. Johnson may be relegated to a spectator.

“May you live in interesting times” – Yes, indeed.