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The evolution of Terrence Ross

By Sahal Abdi

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The competition

Shortly after Ujiri’s declaration for ‘internal competition’ came a wide-eyed, hungry rookie hailing from UCLA.

Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dunks the ball while defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Raptors defeated the Pelicans 115-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dunks the ball while defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Raptors defeated the Pelicans 115-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The word ‘hungry’ probably doesn’t even do Norman Powell justice. ‘Starved’ or ‘malnourished’ might just do it. Powell, an uber-athletic prospect who glaringly reminded fans of a young DeMar DeRozan, was selected in the 2015 NBA Draft. Powell was taken with the 46th overall selection by the Milwaukee Bucks who subsequently traded his rights to the Toronto Raptors that night for veteran point guard, Greivis Vasquez and a 2017 1st round pick. After watching Powell tear up the team’s D-League affiliate, Raptors 905, everyone knew the Raptors had a gem on their hands. The raw tools were there, the attitude and most importantly, the maniacal work-ethic.

Terrence Ross felt the pressure increasing, no doubt.

As entertaining a league as the NBA is for fans, it is a dog-eat-dog world for professional athletes. If young professionals such as Ross aren’t improving year-to-year, organizations don’t flinch with decisions. Occasionally, players are lucky enough to be sent down to the NBA’s Developmental League. For others, they are given a pink slip with their NBA contract terminated immediately.

This is a real concern for many current NBA players, especially those as wildly inconsistent as Ross. In no way am I suggesting that Ross is in danger of losing his job, however inconsistency is a trait that can only be tolerated for so long.

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