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The Next Raptors Dynamic Duo Includes T-Ross?

By Greg Chow

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It’s been over a week  since Terrence Ross and the Toronto Raptors agreed to terms on an extension. Looking at this deal many things come to mind. First, is he getting overpaid? A reported $33 million over 3 more years is a steep price even with the leagues cap going up. A more compelling perspective is how much potential does this deal have for the future of the ball club?

Nov 4, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

All I could think about when I first saw Terrence Ross take part in an NBA all-star dunk contest was Demar DeRozan’s appearance in the same event. I was thinking Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. By no means am I saying Demar and T-Ross will ever be as good a combination as Vinsanity and T-Mac. What I am saying is that the potential to have a super athletic wing duo who can run fast breaks and dunk over almost anyone is enough to get your mind racing.

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Plenty of things that this idea needs to manifest are still in the air. DeRozan’s contract expires at season’s end. T-Ross is now suffering a torn thumb ligament  and is still adjusting to coming off the bench. The most important thing to remember is that Terrence Ross is still just 24 years old and already has solidified himself as a dependable outside shooter and one of the top athletes in the league. He also started as a rookie and a sophomore on a competitive team that earned a top seed in the eastern conference playoffs 2 years in a row. He and Jonas Valanciunas were the youngest starters on a playoff roster.

Finally, it must be noted that Ross is now coming off the bench with DeMarre Carroll starting. This perhaps could be a blessing in disguise for Terrence Ross. Now, with the departure of Lou Williams and Greivis Vasquez the second unit will depend on Ross more now than they did when he was a starter. DeRozan and Ross may be separated but will be a very important and necessary 1, 2 punch if the Raptors hope to have continued production of points throughout games.

October 5, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half in a preseason game at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I am still a strong believer in looking to our guards  as our future. When looking at starting shooting guards in the league you think of Klay Thompson, James Harden, Dwyane Wade and after that there is a significant talent drop. Ross and DeRozan as individuals may not be in the same tier as the mentioned but together they are possibly the most dynamic duo on the wings when it comes to pure athleticism and above the rim scoring. Together or even separately, the Raptors tandem will be able to keep most defenses alert when it comes to defending the lanes.

Despite some of Terrence Ross’ shortcomings and lack thereof development, he complements DeRozan perfectly. While DeMar can get to the rim and draw fouls almost on a whim, Ross provides the outside touch and defensive chops that his wing mate does not.

Dynamic? Unquestionable. Duo? Separated by lineups but represent the same.  Only time will tell if Ross can live up to his massive extension. For right now all Raptors fans can hope for is a successful recovery, continued development and perhaps another 51 point game.

Greg Chow is a staff writer for Raptors Rapture

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