Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives past Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, left, and Danilo Gallinari (8), from Italy, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Monday, March 21, 2011.Jack Dempsey
Their playoffs hopes have been obliterated. Their 20-53 record ranks among the worst in franchise history. And with about two weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, even the maintenance staff at the Air Canada Centre are ready for Toronto Raptors fans be relieved of their misery.
"Same thing year after year after year," one ACC staffer said Monday as he swept up debris from the Juno Awards ceremony the night before.
So with four practices and a token home game Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks (29-43 heading into their game Monday against the Bobcats in Charlotte) on the agenda this week, how do the Raptors find the motivation to play with any sort of intensity?
"When it comes time for games, you don't want to get embarrassed out there," Toronto forward James Johnson said Monday.
Pride is one thing. And nobody, including Andrea Bargnani, would argue the team doesn't have things to work on.
"Of course it's hard because [you're playing]for nothing," he said, but added: "As a player you want to always get better."
Still, the Raptors' seemed remarkably upbeat after practice Monday, considering they'd just come off a five-game trip that included four consecutive losses, capped off with a 94-90 loss Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, when the Raptors let a fourth-quarter lead slip away.
According to the head coach, the workout had been intense.
"Maybe it is because they're young - we don't have an old vet who's just riding it out," said Jay Triano, whose Raptors have nine games left this season. "Guys who are the veteran guys are probably under contract and looking for ways to extend their basketball livelihood."
Afterward, seven players hung around the gym an extra 20 minutes, competing to see who could score from centre court. There was a lot of trash talk. And a few baskets made. "All the pressure's on Baby Jay!" Johnson crowed after sinking his shot, referring to Triano's teenage son, who had helped out at practice and was now competing with the pros.
"That's team bonding right there," Raptors centre Alexis Ajinca said.
In the end, Ed Davis was the victor, and $400 richer. "Lucky shot. Twice," Johnson said.
Sure, each player had put $100 on the line, and that's one way to motivate people. But for a young team looking ahead at the promise of a next season, a high lottery pick in the entry draft, and another year to perhaps transform into a winning team, the moment may have been worth something more than that.