I keep in mind very clearly the place I used to be and what I used to be doing when Kawhi Leonard was traded. At my desk, in the course of writing an article about Leonard, I obtained the textual content from my model new editor.
I sat there in shock for an excellent ten minutes, after which, like each journalist is taught, I pivoted. The subsequent night my very first article was revealed right here, at Pounding The Rock. The article was as constructive as I felt I might make it, and ahead wanting, however as a fan of the workforce I simply felt misplaced. There have been simply so many sides to digest.
For starters, I didn’t love the phrases of commerce. And I actually didn’t just like the transport out of fan favourite Danny Inexperienced along with Leonard. Privately, I used to be a little bit amused that PATFO had shipped Leonard off the Canada. However the associated fee was steep.
And whereas I couldn’t blame Toronto for taking a swing, I resented that they had been nearly definitely going to make use of San Antonio’s anointed franchise participant to chase a championship. It chafed much more that they finally pulled it off.
Largely although, I simply puzzled what was subsequent. How usually does any franchise get to draft skills like Robinson, Duncan, Parker, Ginobili, and Leonard in such shut succession? It felt just like the wilderness may very well be due for a protracted wandering by the franchise and followers.
5 years later, and a transcendent reply has materialized. As soon as once more, San Antonio was touched by the lottery gods, and now they’re attending to take Wemby out for a check drive towards the franchise that nicked their final franchise constructing block.
I by no means fairly forgave the Raptors for being the beneficiaries of all that friction and turmoil. I signed as much as cowl their video games as quickly as I might, unable to look away, entranced with terrible fascination. I lastly really feel like I can let go.
Who is aware of what Toronto shall be on the receiving finish of on this match-up? Towering dunks from the free throw line? Ungodly heat-check threes and a 38+ level outburst?
Each groups have detrimental internet rankings, excessive turnover and help numbers, and have largely middling capturing stats. And but, with Victor Wembanyama on the courtroom, something feels attainable for the Spurs, who’ve been trending upwards.
In some unspecified time in the future, it nearly appears like gloating. Virtually.
Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs
November fifth, 2023 | 2:30 PM CT
Watch: Bally Sports activities Southwest|Hear: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Accidents: Devin Vassell – Out (Groin)
Raptors Accidents: Treasured Achiuwa – Uncertain (Groin), Christian Koloko – Out (Sickness)
What to look at for:
The Beginning Lineup: Aside for the plain and dazzling spectacle that’s Victor Wembanyama, there have been questions on how finest to optimize the beginning lineup because the preseason. This time, it’s Devin Vassell’s flip by default of harm, with followers paying shut consideration to the selection of short-term substitute. Ought to it’s the hyper-efficient passer in Tre Jones, whose capacity to set the desk doubtlessly helps each Wembanya and Sochan, in addition to general offensive circulation? Or ought to it’s the virtually equally hyper-efficient shooter in Cedi Osman, who provides extra on the defensive finish? Or will it’s a darkish horse like Devonte’ Graham (and even Doug McDermott), if Pop’s completely satisfied along with his present bench rotation? There’s no actually no telling relating to PATFO, however my wager could be on a kind of 4. I’m positive we’ll all be watching both means.
Size vs. Size: To date this season, the Spurs have rolled out a beginning lineup longer in collective top and limb that a lot of the groups they’ve confronted, however Toronto stands as one of many few squads that may match them in each youth and elongation. The sport ought to function good check of San Antonio’s larger rotations, and particularly their inside protection. Even Wemby gained’t have the ability to suppress all of that size alone, so a collective effort shall be important in defending the rim all through the sport and particularly each time he’s off the ground.
For the Raptors’ followers’ perspective, go to Raptor’s HQ
PtR’s Recreation thread shall be up this night for individuals who need to chat by way of the sport. It’s also possible to comply with together with the motion by way of PtR’s Twitter feed.
