NBA Toronto Raptors

A Healthy DeMar DeRozan Should Be On the Toronto Raptors’ Christmas Wish List

DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors poses for a photo during Media Day at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 29, 2014. Since his departure due to a groin injury, the Raptors have done fine without him but can't help but make a Christmas wish for his return (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ron Turenne-Getty Images

Star light, groin tight, the Toronto Raptors won’t see DeMar DeRozan back in the lineup tonight.

All the Raptors really want for Christmas is NBA All-Star Demar DeRozan back and healthy, but when exactly their Christmas wish will be granted is still unknown.

The Raptors don’t have any cause for new player acquisitions on their Christmas wish list as so far they seem to have the players and depth to take them to the opening round of the playoffs and perhaps even beyond. So let’s be realistic, any major tinkering with their roster would be the wrong decision and could do more harm than good.

DeRozan, the key figure in the Raptors’ revival in recent years, has been out of the lineup since suffering a groin injury on Nov. 28. Initially, the team announced he would be out for a month, but after further examination, it appears the star player’s soft-tissue injury may take longer to heal and there is no timetable for his return.

Last season, DeRozan averaged an impressive 22.7 points per game and four assists; this season, before the injury, he had registered slightly lower, but still solid numbers, with 19.4 points and 2.6 assists per game.

But despite missing DeRozan, there has already been an early Christmas present for Canadian hoops fans because without “DeeBo,” the Raptors have continued to pile up the wins. “We the North” currently lead the Eastern Conference with a record of 20-6, good for a one-game lead on the equally-hot Washington Wizards.

The Raptors’ success without DeRozan is primarily because the contribution of point guard Kyle Lowry. He has stepped up admirably since DeRozan was hobbled, averaging 19.6 points per game while dishing out an 7.8 assists. Not too mention some impressive efforts off the bench from other guards like Grieves Vasquez and Louis Williams.

DeRozan continues to take part in pregame shooting practice while also working with the team’s director of sports medicine Alex McKenchie on his recovery. He also has an active role on the bench with coach Dwane Casey and his assistants.

Not one to stay idle during recovery, the star player has also been busy expanding his horizons with other responsibilities such as his recent audition as a sports journalist. If you saw my recent post about DeRozan and the Raptors’ victory over the Orlando Magic on Mondayyou quickly realize that this guy isn’t camera-shy either and fully relishes the spotlight.

But what about his pending return? How will it go when it happens?

Nobody can make a seamless comeback without some jitters and it is possible that DeRozan’s return could be temporarily disruptive for Toronto as he looks to get his timing and shot back to their usually jaw-dropping levels. But after his eventual adjustment, DeRozan’s return will provide the Raptors with an even more dangerous backcourt.

So please, Santa Clause, take the milk and cookies and don’t leave us poor, shivering and snowbound Canadian basketball fans another lump of coal heading into the new year. Dream big and keep wishing for DeMar’s return, Raptors fans!

Peter Mallett is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RedCardTheRef1 like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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