Raptors most underrated player is…plus other awards
By Brian Boake
The NBA offers awards for any number of serious and positive things. Let’s have some fun with Raptors-only awards.
Matt Moore of CBS Sports has selected the most underrated player on each team in the NBA. He posits Patrick Patterson as the Toronto Raptors “representative”. As is so often the case when I read stuff like this, I started mulling.
Most Likely To Eat Himself Off The Team
Up until the 2105-16 season, this award was safely in the pudgy hands of Kyle Lowry. However, to his credit, Kyle lost his spare tire and enjoyed the finest season of his career. As a result, the award goes to…Jared Sullinger
Most Hated By Stats Geeks
I don’t even know who’s in second place behind repeat winner…DeMar DeRozan. He’s got every box checked: ballstopping, long 2-point jumpers, poor shooting from beyond the arc, mediocre defender, low assist count. I’m sure to hoops experts who don’t actually bother to watch games, he’s the Devil’s Spawn.
Most Often Thrown Into Trade Talk
Who’s consistently disappointed his team’s fans, is on a reasonable contract, and has tons of potential? You know this one – put your hands together for…Terrence Ross
Most Likely To Drive His Coaches Up A Wall
Our first repeat winner – let’s hear it for….Terrence Ross
Least Comprehensible Raptor During TV Interviews
This award was in Jose Calderon’s trophy case for so long, it’s difficult to remember who else ever won. Our loveable Spanish guard speaks English too quickly and like he has marbles in his mouth, so contenders like Carlos Delfino and Rasho Nesterovic were easily brushed aside. Sadly, Jose is playing out the string with the Lakers so isn’t eligible. The award goes to…Jonas Valanciunas.
Most Underrated Coach
This one’s not close. Dwane Casey, take a bow. It’s likely the only chance you’ll get. You’ve won 3 straight Atlantic Division titles, and the Raptors made the Eastern Conference finals. Yet the press won’t shut up about Boston’s Brad Stevens, Jazz coach Quin Snyder and even Luke Walton, now heading up the Lakers.
Most Kardashian-like Raptor
This award is also known as the famous-for-being-famous trophy. The winner is the player who has acquired an air of mystery, intrigue and possibility without actually doing anything. Another repeat winner…Bruno Caboclo.
Best Hide-and-Seek Player
I’d like to give this award to DeAndre Daniels, but I can’t find him. As a result, we’ll offer a Tim Horton’s card as a consolation prize to Jarred Uthoff. He has a signed deal with the Raptors, yet doesn’t show up on the roster page, unlike fellow newbies Fred VanVleet and E.J. Singler.
Best Hair
Another award with a unanimous vote count. DeMarre Carroll…come on down.
And finally, the Raptors’ Most Underrated Award goes to…Patrick Patterson. Matt Moore got it right.