Chris Bosh returns, but the Raptors have been unable to find themselves and continue to drop in the standings. Did the Detroit game give the Raptors a stop to the fall? Kinnon Yee takes a weekly look at the Raptors.

Getting into a Rhythm

For the final stretch of the season, what should be the goals for the franchise?

First and foremost is to insure that their team remains healthy. Next is to stay out of seventh and eighth place. However, next after those two should be the important task of establishing a consistent playing style.

With so few games played with a full lineup, establishing a proper rhythm and pace is going to be difficult, yet essential, for any playoff hopes. Over the entire season, one couldn’t really fault the Raptors for the lack of a rhythm as their lineup has had significant changes due to injuries of varying degrees.

This season the Raptors have struggled on the offensive and defensive end to show the same consistency they had last year. Each position can be exceptional or downright horrible on any given night, and other than the power forward and point guard positions, questions still remain.

In areas that will make or break a team in playoff basketball, the Raptors have struggled over the course of the year. Currently, the Raptors are a team that exhibits an inability to draw fouls from anyone but Chris Bosh, an inability to challenge perimeter shooters, and perhaps most difficult to remedy, an inability to challenge teams on the glass. In all three areas, the Raptors should expect to be challenged consistently for 48 minutes during the playoffs. They have yet to put together a “total package” effort for at least two months and have even struggled to find consistency against the sub .500 teams of the league.

Finally, remember these two numbers: 87 and 107. On average, when opponents lose against the Raptors, they score, 87 points. When they win, they score 107 points. (ref: Basketball Reference.com) Wins, therefore, have to come from the defensive end.

Nesterovic’s Importance Continues

Given the option, should the Raptors put away their small ball lineup? Rebounding, as we’ve been told time and time again, is largely a mental game. First knowing when the shot is going up, and secondly, knowing where the ball will bounce off the rim. Rasho Nesterovic has shown an ability to get the Raptors second chance opportunities. Second only to Chris Bosh on the offensive glass, Nesterovic has been able to grab 1.7 rebounds off the glass per game.

Yes, the big Slovenian may not be the quickest on his feet, but he can at least provide some interior defense for the Raptors as their perimeter players have gotten beaten off the bounce for the past week and need that presence. And while Andrea Bargnani needs time on the floor and touches in order to become the consistent starter the Raptors hope for him to be, at some point the question has to be asked about how important immediate success is compared to long term goals and aspirations.

There’s No “I” in Calderon

Jose Calderon gave up his starting spot on the team in order to help facilitate changes needed by the Raptors to make sure both units are working at maximum efficiency.

In a league where players need to be the man, Calderon had been given the reins of the starting lineup for the rest of the year. He had proven himself in T.J. Ford’s absence to be an extremely capable and efficient point guard and no one could question his ability to lead the Raptors. However, it’s here where he saw a need for change and he showed why he’s worth whatever he demands for his new contract. Approaching Sam Mitchell before the Detroit game, Calderon gave up his starting spot and then proceeded to come out and give the same consistent effort everyone expects from him.

Without a doubt, one of the classiest moves I’ve seen in a while.

Sinking… But How Far?

A month ago, I mentioned on a roundtable over at RaptorsHQ that the Philadelphia 76ers looked to challenge the Raptors down the stretch and should be considered a threat to many teams in the Eastern Conference. It looks like they’re able to make a push this year in spite of their difficult schedule down the stretch and look to have a fairly simple schedule from here on out. Therefore, it’s pretty safe to say they’re going to sew up fifth place.

Washington, on the other hand, has to go out west and play a bunch of top tier teams starting this week. With Gilbert Arenas now looking to attempt to get back into the lineup for the playoffs, the Wizards may find themselves battling it out with Atlanta and Jersey by the time they return from their late west coast swing.

So does that give the Raptors the miracle match-up against the Magic? Possibly. But at this rate, even though fans and broadcasters alike are salivating at that prospect, the Raptors need to be extremely wary of their latest trends.

Excellence of Execution

Out of all the games in the past week, perhaps the most telling about future playoff aspirations have to be the games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets. The Raptors were competitive for the majority of both games, building some kind of confidence in each. Against the Cavs, the Raptors saw a potential first round match up, and against the Nuggets, they played a team who embarrassed them in a previous match-up.

Most of the Raptors, including the coach and GM, have talked about the fact that the effort is there, but the Raptors just haven’t been able to make shots.

If there’s one thing that has to concern the Raptors organization and brain trust it’s the inability to execute effectively and efficiently in pressure situations over prolonged periods of time. In the playoffs, we can’t expect to see blowout wins, nor can we hope to see large margins of victories. Unfortunately, the team is currently having difficulties winning close games, games where the Raptors are within a few points for the majority but suddenly get blown apart in the fourth quarter as the Raptors shooting starts to get cold and the other teams’ starts to get hot.

This week, Chris Bosh indicated that he was becoming more frustrated with the team’s inability to close out on wins like they did last year.

“The thing that bothers me in the end of the games is [we're] just too hesitant. I give up the ball, guys just have to go ahead and rely on their talent.”

The thought was that once Chris Bosh returned this week, the Raptors would play better, which they have. Nevertheless, the Raptors have found a little better defensive effort, but have still been unable to execute down the stretch. Is it because Sam Mitchell has to rely on players like Jamario Moon and Carlos Delfino who have not been asked to play significant clutch minutes over their careers? Even with a change to the lineup, the Raptors saw their massive lead against Detroit shrink to almost nothing in the fourth quarter.

It’s crunch time folks and it’s a lot to ask Chris Bosh to shoulder when other teams have four or five players that are hitting their stride down the stretch. Problem is, who else on this Raptors squad can step up to the challenge?