It’s been another tumultuous week for the Toronto Raptors, who can’t seem to keep things quiet and unnoticed. Every week is another injury, another trade or another title. This week was no different.
From some sobering injury news, to the death of a playoff push, to more injuries, to some spirited losses, to more injury news, it’s been busy. Last Tuesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans broke through and completely demolished the Raptors by 41 points. Toronto had no answer for Zion Williamson running the offense.
Then they hit the road and played three close games despite their injuries, going 0-3 to open the trip but taking every game to the bitter end. They lost by seven points in Phoenix, lost in overtime in Portland and took the defending champions to the wire in Denver.
Let’s look at all the scenarios of a busy week. It’s Tuesday, so that means it’s Raptors News!
Otto Porter Jr. had a fascinating but often tortured career, winning big contracts due to his talent and ability to adapt to any lineup, but battling injuries at the worst of times. The 2022 season was lightning in a bottle, with Porter getting healthy just in time for a run to the playoffs where he played a key role for the Golden State Warriors, earning a well-deserved ring in the process.
After the brilliance of that championship season, Porter had many suitors in the league. Rather than sign elsewhere or return to the Warriors, Porter chose the Toronto Raptors. Not many free agents do that, so it was a notable event.
Unfortunately, those injuries returned and prevented Porter from making a huge impact in Toronto. They moved him into the Kelly Olynyk deal last deadline, and the Utah Jazz just waived him when he announced his retirement. Porter noted that his body simply wouldn’t allow him to play NBA basketball.
It’s a disappointing end to his career, but he’ll always have that ring.
