Raptors Update

The Raptors are on a mini win streak since the big trade that saw Antonio Davis, Jerome Williams and Chris Jefferies go to Chicago in exchange for Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall and Lonny Baxter.

Although I didn't think this trade would be good for the Raptors in losing a real chemistry guy like Jerome Williams, the new guys have seemed to fit in very well. Of course winning will help that process. But it is the way they are winning that is most impressive.

Last night they set a franchise record for 3-pointers (17). Vince Carter had his second in a row double-double in scoring and ASSISTS. This is very significant because I don't think VC has changed his game from before the trade. He is still one of the most unselfish superstars in the game. The difference is he is now passing to guys who are making shots. Marshall has been amazing. Alvin Williams is healthy and making shots. And Jalen Rose is a far better play-maker than I originally gave him credit. But I think the single biggest factor that Jalen Rose has brought to Toronto is the flexibility to play a three guard rotation of Alvin Williams, Morris Peterson, and Rose. It has been obvious to me that the Raptors' other point guard, Milt Palacio, just wasn't getting the job done.

It will be interesting to see how the Raptors respond to a game where they are not shooting well. Hopefully, they haven't become used to settling for the long-range bomb.