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Toronto Raptors: 6ix Takes – This team must get healthy

By Jordan Skuse

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 1, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

4. Injuries have caught up to the Dinos

Considering the Raptors are amongst the league leaders in the # of different starting lineups they’ve fielded this season, the fact they have the record they do is super impressive. Every other team that’s had to juggle their starting five as much as Toronto presently have “long-term leases” in the league’s proverbial basement.

Rather than run around in a panic, screaming and carrying on over Fred VanVleet’s seemingly unnecessary ball dominance, — last I checked, point guards are supposed to dribble a fair bit, no? — fans should reserve their negative commentary until the Raptors are fully healthy. If they struggle then, I’ll join in on the panic parade…

I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest this team misses Jonas more than they do Kyle Lowry. Before you crucify me for that born-in-fire, hotter-than-hot take, understand that I’m not saying JV is more valuable than Lowry. However, the Raptors, in my humble opinion, are better equipped to cope with Lowry being out than they are Valanciunas, who does so much for them on both ends of the floor. I’m more confident in the combo of Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright than I am in Serge Ibaka and Greg “I love you, but…” Monroe.

Missing the big man has put an immense amount of pressure on Ibaka and has forced Nick Nurse to play Greg Monroe more than he ever imagined he’d have to. For all those people who criticized Jonas in the past, we are seeing first hand just how much he means to this team.

As for Lowry, he will, for as long as he remains a Toronto Raptor, be this team’s engine. At this point, nobody else on the roster can duplicate his bulldoggedness on the floor. Obviously, the Raps miss his offensive contributions, but you can’t forget how much of a factor Lowry is on the defensive side of things, specifically his unparalleled ability — not to mention willingness — to take charges. Not seeing many Raptor players standing in the way of driving opponents these days…

Hopefully, No. 7 is back in the lineup soon. Regarding JV, as I mentioned earlier, he remains several weeks away from a return (at least). Keep those MOOSE! chants going.

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