Even when he’s Off, Rudy Gay is On for the Raptors

Al Dannity looks back at a night where Rudy Gay had a hot start, got into foul trouble, and then re-appeared just into time to save Toronto. Again. And that’s before we get to last night’s win in New York.

I’m a stats guy, it’s rather important when working for a sportsbook to be one. Guts and moxie don’t move the line. The last two games haven’t exactly seen Toronto’s latest addition impress. Statistically Rudy Gay had a night somewhere between meh and bad against Denver. Of course, that isn’t what mattered with 4.9 seconds to go Tuesday night. All that mattered in that moment was that Gay was there to drain the game-winner. Again New York he was flat-out awful on offence, with 4-21 shooting including 0 of 5 from three-point range.

Yet for all his recent faults, Gay is helping Toronto win. The presence of Gay is making room for Toronto’s other options on the floor. DeMar DeRozan is starting to step-up for the Raps with 22 and 20 points in each of his last two games. Alan Anderson is getting hot off the bench, with 14 and 26 points in the same games. DeRozan’s talent is without question but he appears to be flourishing in the company of a legitimate star like Gay.

Naturally there are still problems to fix in Toronto. Andrea Bargnani continues to be a luxury the Raptors can ill-afford. Coming off the bench each of the last two nights, the Italian didn’t find a way to force himself into the game. For all his faults, Bargnani looked to at least have the talent to be a useful sixth man for the Raps. Right now he is comfortably being out-performed in the front court by Amir Johnson and Landry Fields, and Fields isn’t exactly lighting up opponents.

The player most likely to benefit from Gay’s presence is Jonas Valanciunas. The big Lithuanian is the type of physical presence fans hoped Bargnani could be. While he still has the foul issues that plagued him through the summer with the Lithuanian national team, the rookie is making his presence felt on the glass. With 5 total rebounds in just 13.10 play last night, Valanciunas forced his way into the game.

Gay could oddly find himself in a role of leader and glue-guy. Undoubtedly the best player on the Toronto roster at present, he is well positioned to bring the others around him forward. Don’t think he is going to hang about until free agency to start winning again. Gay waited a long time for Memphis to become relevant, he will be in a hurry to ensure his new home doesn’t stay idle for long.