Trade TJ So Jose Starts - Be Careful What You Wish For
By Walter DubowecIf there is anything more insane than the ongoing trade Bargnani discussions among Raptors fans - its the never-ending Jose vs. TJ debate.
For some unknown reason, many fans seem compelled to choose between Jose Calderon or T.J. Ford. My question is 'why'? Neither Jose or TJ are unhappy with the situation.
In my opinion, the two are better as a tandem than they are as individual players.
Jose's strength is that he's a prototypical point guard who distributes well and takes good care of the ball. This season his jump shot has noticeably improved, even though his defence is still suspect.
TJ's strong point is that he's lightning quick and can break down a defence in ways that make him a game changer. Best of all, his assists are up and his turnovers are down. Unfortunately, he still gets selfish from time to time.
Together Ford and Calderon provide a great change of pace and tempo during each game. Best of all, there is no drop off in play when either one is on the floor. And because no one is playing ridiculous minutes over prolonged stretches, both guys have fresh legs and sharp minds right through to the final buzzer.
Yet, some Raptors fans still are unhappy.
Why do Calderon fans stoke the flames?
"Trade TJ and make Jose the starter" is heard often from Jose's supporters. In fact, most of this ridiculous controversy is driven by fans of Jose who have this deep-rooted dislike of T.J. Ford which borders on hatred.
I don't get it. Its mind-numbingly stupid. I like both TJ and Jose equally. I cheer for both when they play well and I am critical when they screw up.
Yet the pro-Jose camp insists on creating a controversy when there is none. No question, I blame blind Jose supporters for 99% of this Jose/TJ crap.
Since the inception of the franchise, the Raptors have never had a true point guard like either TJ or Jose. The most notable names have been Damon Stoudamire, Alvin Williams, Chris Childs, Muggsy Bogues, Rafer Alston and Mike James. None filled the point guard role as well as Jose and TJ.
So why change what's working? To do so, makes no sense.
Be careful what you wish for
My fear is that if we trade one or the other, then the Raptors will be faced with a new set of problems.
1. Who plays back-up? Is it D-Mart or is it Juan Dixon? Or maybe we go out and get a Milt Palacio type of point guard. Remember, quality point guards are hard to find. There is "no freaking way" I want any of those guys as my primary back-up. And don't count on picking up a decent back up point guard in a trade either.
2. What happens when our point guard gets injured? Do we then play D-Mart, Juan or say a Milt P. type for 40 minutes and expect to win?
3. What happens if our point guard has an off night? Who steps in and tries to pick up the team?
Be careful what you wish for, because relying on one point guard only may not be the ideal situation some of you think it is.
I strongly believe that Ford and Calderon are as successful as they have been because they are a tandem. As soon as you take these guys and start playing one for 40 minutes a game you will see a drop-off in overall performance.
Just because Jose or TJ are putting up 'x' assists, 'y' points and 'z' turnovers through 20 minutes, does not mean that you can automatically double the statistical output when they play 40+ minutes.
The combination of T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon is one of the Raptors true strengths. In fact, the team's MVP so far this season has been Ford AND Calderon.
To mess with a winning combination is sheer insanity.
Do us all a favor and stop the Jose/TJ debate now!
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