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5 reasons Raptors fans might be pessimistic for the upcoming playoffs

By Graeme Klayh

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey and recording artist Drake react after a play goes against the Raptors against the Chicago Bulls at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) goes up to make a basket as Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) goes up to make a basket as Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. DeMarre Carroll’s Rhythm

In my reasons for optimism, I stated how the return of DeMarre Carroll will be a huge plus. Over the last few days, it was revealed that Carroll is actually returning to basketball routines and should return with a couple of games left before the playoffs. There was a lot of talk of him shutting it down for the season, but this is better than nothing, because he never gives nothing on the court.

During the Raptors broadcast against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday evening, they chatted on how even if Carroll doesn’t get enough games in to create a strong rhythm going into the playoffs, it won’t matter because he can bring his defense at the very least. Yeah, that’s great, but a bit worrying. Would Carroll supplant the emergence of Norman Powell on the wing? If so, we would be sitting a confident rookie who can shoot, defend and make plays for an out of sync, oft injured wing.

A healthier Carroll, one who had the opportunity to play more before the postseason, definitely would have been better but this is what we got, and it’s hard to justify bringing him in at all.

Next: Stepping up in the playoffs

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