Raptors Blogtable: Terrence Ross – Trade or Keep?

Keep

Brian Boake

Jan 19, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) and guard Kyle Lowry (7) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Toronto won 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

That we are even entertaining the thought of trading Terrence Ross brings me pain, but there’s no denying his third season with the Raptors has been a flop. I fully expected him to increase his scoring and rebounding by at least 50%, but there’s been no improvement. After a number of shabby games, he lost his starter’s role to Greivis Vasquez. I think Ross’ on the ball defense has slipped as well.

Let’s set aside emotions, and run through the usual questions to be asked and answered when a trade is under consideration. Does the guy “need” to go? Is he feuding with the coach, or a locker room malcontent? We’ve heard nothing negative about TRoss, ever. He’s low-profile, and low-maintenance. Are we selling high or low? The latter, I’m afraid, so we’re not likely to get much of a return. Does the team need a shakeup, meaning someone’s got to walk the plank? We’re 31-15, so I’d say that’s a No.

One overarching issue remains: will TRoss figure out how to exploit his astonishing athleticism, or are we looking at another perennial disappointment, like Joey Graham with a dash of Andrea Bargnani? I pumped to keep Bargnani, and was wrong, but I’ll stick to my guns with Terrence. He’s going to make it, perhaps as a sixth man, and I hopes he stays.