The Raptors have stopped doing so. In fact, last night, for the first time, there was an undercurrent of doubt. It was there, like a bump under the carpet, in the funereal atmosphere post-game. There is only one way to get out of it, and that's play between the lines, individually and collectively. Rumours persist that the Raptors have interest in Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but acquiring him and his chunky salary is filled with obstacles, particularly given the Raptors are capped out and ownership faces stiff league penalties next season if they go over.
Trades are increasingly awkward to pull off.
That could mean no choice but living with the status quo. Key things must happen If that's the case, several things have to happen. He has to be nudged about his shot selection, about going up straight rather than kicking his legs out, about working on his shot voluntarily when on the road. Individual players, particularly veterans, have to ask more of themselves. And defence has to improve.