Who Should Be the Raptors' Closer?

After watching the Raptors' poor excuse for a 4th quarter performance (where they gave up 38 points while only scoring 22), it occurred to me that maybe the Raptors should have a game-plan centering around a closer (a la the Lakers).

Just who is up for the herculean task?

Well for starters, the two most viable candidates would be DeRozan and Bargnani - the co-faces of the post-Bosh Raptors. Both did well in posting team high 30 and 23 points respectively. Yet Bargnani was an abysmal -14 in plus/minus, perhaps helping to explain the Nets' 38-point barrage. DeRozan, on the other hand, was a team-leading    -5 (not counting Bayless who played far fewer minutes) and scored his 30 in a ruthlessly efficient 12 for 19 shooting. DeMar demonstrated just how close his budding game was to maturation, showing his prowess both on the open floor and in the post. His last minute turn-around jumper was particularly impressive and Kobe-esque. So DeRozan is going to need to channel that inner Kobe in today's re-match against the Nets and hopefully Triano will recognize that.

Because Toronto fans have waited long enough for a star whose career was nurtured here. A star who embraces the city back. God knows we need another ultra-athletic shooting guard that does not care to strive for the ceiling of his abilities.