Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports Images
Despite all of the excitement that ensued after the Toronto Raptors acquired Rudy Gay prior to the NBA Trade Deadline, the season for the Raptors was mostly a forgettable one. They were below-average in most statistical categories and finished the season with just a 34-48 record for the year. Things around Toronto were pretty disappointing in a basketball sense.
One of the most disappointing aspects of this past season for the Raptors, though, was how little rookie Terrence Ross was allowed to develop. The highly athletic rookie ended the season having played in 73 games, but averaged just 17 minutes per game. He also averaged only 6.4 points, two rebounds and 0.6 steals per game on 40.7 percent shooting and 33.2 percent three-point shooting. Nothing about his rookie campaign really catches the eye.
However, that’s largely because he was never fully given the opportunity to develop throughout his rookie season. Ross was playing over 20 minutes per game early in the season, but watched his role slip as the season progressed. When the Raptors brought in Gay, his role diminished even further.
The biggest problem with finding Ross minutes this season, especially with Gay on their roster, is the fact that his skill-set is so redundant to that of Gay and DeMar DeRozan. All three guys are relatively inefficient shooters that are effective because of their supreme athleticism. Because Gay and DeRozan are more proven, though, they obviously were going to take most of Ross’ minutes.
Going forward, though, the Raptors have to find a way to work Ross into their rotation where he consistently gets solid minutes. Ross has too much raw talent to not be developed and to be left buried on the bench. If they can’t find a way to work Ross in, they should look to trade him as he’s just taking up space on their roster and will have real value in the trade market. Regardless of what decision it is that they make, Toronto has to make one about Ross next season.
Cody Williams is a Senior NBA Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.
