Reading the news this morning, and this article stood out as I was thinking about "talent" and this year's team.
I think we might need to take a different tack re: evaluating the roster. I mean, I haven't argued with anyone who says the Raptors simply lack the talent to compete. But is that really true? Every player on the roster has talent, significant talent. But it's how you use it. Are there guys on the roster now who should be evaluated more on the mental makeup than their physical gifts and potential? The young guys who are struggling right now are certainly not lacking in talent, but they may never have the mental makeup to become elite players in the NBA.
Either way, it's just one more thing to consider when talking about who should stay and who should go. If the goal is to build a playoff team, that mental strength is key. Weak players have no place in the playoffs. Competitive fire along with the ability to keep it in check/harness it.
Bargnani, Kleiza, JJ all have it in spades. Amir has it.
Ed Davis has shown sparks of it.
Bayless has it, but lacks the "harness" part.
Demar needs to find it.
James Johnson: 'It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s something that shouldn’t need to be said. We’re professionals and this is our job. If you can’t come out ready to do your job then we have to find new starters or go find a different day job.'
Either way, it's just one more thing to consider when talking about who should stay and who should go. If the goal is to build a playoff team, that mental strength is key. Weak players have no place in the playoffs. Competitive fire along with the ability to keep it in check/harness it.
Bargnani, Kleiza, JJ all have it in spades. Amir has it.
Ed Davis has shown sparks of it.
Bayless has it, but lacks the "harness" part.
Demar needs to find it.
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