Vicissitudes

So. In what could be a season-defining game against a weakened Bucks, TO deferred to the shooting wisdom of King Solomon and were gunned down 13-0 in the final two minutes of the game. Was Triano thinking: no way Ukic can keep replicating those top draw fourth quarter performances? No way Bargs is going to go 6 of 7 from the arc? No way Bosh is going to keep having the hot hand for his 15th shot? QED, let's take a pot at the king.

But what's new?

Just when we might have turned the corner, chalking up a couple of quality wins against top opposition, the sky fell again. And new scenarios continue to be posited by TO fans.

At first, it was Moon remaining on the moon after last season's performance and refusing to descend to earth. Thus, the "consensus" was to junk him.

Then it was those ludicrous Bargs-Roy comparisons.

Then it was JO being deadweight.

Then it was trade JC cos we have behind-the-back-pass Ukic.

Some even suggested "rebuilding", starting with ridding Bosh. I guess no one reminded them that in the history of the NBA, there has only been one bona fide power forward messiah. Yeah, that Virgin Islands chap who's 33 this year and may well make a run for his fifth ring.

And let's not forget the let's throw a shoe at Mr BC a la Bush. 

Well, the variance in the troughs of this season is simply attributable to the inconsistency of the players. So do we keep the faith?

I think it boils down to a combination of an objective appraisal of the situation and subjective belief in the players. Anybody who thinks Bosh is bollocks is the real bollocks. AB's a little tricky but the upside is undeniable; coupled with his recent performance, I'll take a gamble on him anytime. I do like the 4-5 tandem of Bargs and CB4 -- and there is no better time than now to assess Bargs over the next few games. JC is steady, and Ukic is promising, but it's simply not time to ship JC yet. Our real problems remain the 3, and maybe the 2. Stating the obvious? Then explain the detracting sentiments expressed by our fans on the mere evidence of every game prior.

The long and short -- this season is not over yet. The last few seeds are eminently attainable. Preferrably, we shake up the weak spots with some brilliant trade. But even if that doesn't work out and this season tanks, we should still at least have 3-4 solid pieces to work with. Is that too little to keep us wanting to give a damn?