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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 breakthrough

For Masai Ujiri, the ink is very much dry on Ross’ year-old contract extension. No matter how you slice it, an investment in Ross of roughly $11 million per year looks spectacular in today’s NBA where ordinary talents such as Portland Trail Blazers’ swingman Allen Crabbe are getting paid nearly $19M per year.

“T-Ross” as fans normally call him, is quietly having a breakout season this year. Thus far, Ross has posted career-highs in Steals, FG%, 3PT%, FT%, Player Efficiency Rating [PER] and Usage %. He also has recorded a career-low in Turnovers Per Game – citing smarter decisions with the ball.

Oct 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) drives the ball between Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (left) and forward Alan Anderson (right) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) drives the ball between Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (left) and forward Alan Anderson (right) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Raptors head coach, Dwane Casey has found a perfect match for the skill-set of Terrence Ross. From Ross’ earlier days as a starter beside DeRozan, he is now instead used as a pseudo-6th man (along with Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson).

Ross has now developed into an all-around ‘spark plug’ who can simply turn games upside-down with his shooting ability and highlight-making plays.

Like music to Raptors fans’ ears, Ross is finally driving into the lane with purpose rather than constantly settling for jumpers. He has also gotten back to his rookie ways of being disruptive defensively.

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