Toronto Raptors: Four wishes ahead of All-Star Weekend 2020

Matt Thomas participates in the three-point contest

Matt Thomas is a gifted three-point shooter and there just so happens to be a contest during ASW aimed at deciding who the league’s best *ahem* shooter is.

Despite playing limited minutes in his first half-season in the NBA, Thomas might be the answer.

In 17 games this season, Thomas has 21 made threes on 45 attempts.

In total, he’s only attempted 60 shots, meaning, 75 percent of Thomas’ total attempts in 2019-20 have come from beyond the arc. His role in Toronto’s offence — when Nick Nurse tabs him for duty — is simple…Catch and shoot the basketball when it finds his hands. I can’t imagine grabbing balls off racks and letting them fly, with pace and rhythm, would be right up the 25-year-old’s alley. Not since 2006 and 2007 — Jason Kapono x2 — have the Raptors seen a player crowned victorious in the 3pt competition.

It’s also worth noting what a victory in this event could do for Thomas’ confidence.

The guard missed extensive time with a hand injury and finds himself far down Nurse’s pecking order. Would a win in a marquee event such as the three-point competition help advance Thomas’ role in the second half of the regular season? Whether he wins, or bows out after Round 1, Thomas belongs in the contest. Please ensure this is taken care of.

Well that takes care of wish #1. Wasn’t so hard, was it? All I’m asking is for a proven sharpshooter to be given what he rightfully deserves…a chance to prove he’s the best. It wasn’t long ago, prior to him signing in Toronto, that Thomas was considered the best shooter outside the NBA by many in the basketball community.

Now, let’s discuss wish #2: