Title: Will Raptors have an All-Star? A look at VanVleet, Lowry, Siakam’s chances
Date: February 19, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I looked at the All-Star chances of three Raptors hoping to keep the franchise’s streak of representation alive.
There are any number of motivations facing the Toronto Raptors as they near the midway point of the shortened season. There is the push to get back to .500, and the push beyond that into a favourable playoff position. There is an existential question about whether they’re legitimately good in a year with no good teams. There is the buy/sell path decision approaching a month away from the trade deadline. And there is, if you care about such things, a seven-year streak of having representation in the All-Star Game, something that usually requires a solid record.
With a pair of games against the rival Milwaukee Bucks this week, one Raptor in particular seemed to take all of those goals onto his broad shoulders. He locked up Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. He unleashed fancy drives and made nifty passes. He took over stretches of games in ways that extend beyond his role. He proved his considerable value to what once again looks like a pretty good team.
Alas, the OG Anunoby All-Star push is still at least a year away.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 