Toronto Raptors: Matt Thomas is a true underdog story
By Todd Dudas
Matt Thomas is a true underdog story for the Toronto Raptors, and he’s just getting started
The Toronto Raptors organization has come a long way.
From losing seasons as the only Canadian team in the NBA to then suddenly making history by winning the 2018-19 NBA title, everyone loves a feel-good story. This one is about the underdog. Raptors shooting guard Matt Thomas.
This kid has quite a story. All of his life, he has lived, breathed and played basketball. Providing him an outlet to focus on, while tragedy took place around him. One could not imagine, facing the kind of loss he has had to endure as a young man.
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First, losing his father at the age of 11. Then as a teenage kid, to lose his father figure to a swimming accident. I mean, just gut-wrenching hardship on a young man. To have to deal with these things at his age is simply unfair.
Then, having to go to Europe and play in Spain until he gets his shot at the NBA level. You just can’t help but root for this guy. And on top of that, he is a talented young player. This organization has got to be one of the deepest teams in terms of talent. One of the most talented NBA teams ever, even after losing Kawhi Leanord.
You lose one of the best players in the world and just go on cruise control without him this season. A ton of talented guys like Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, and that’s not all. What about the defensive prowess of Serge Ibaka, Marc Gasol and someone who has been a rising star this season that has accepted that role, Pascal Siakam.
Now add up-and-coming Matt Thomas.
Thomas’ journey is just beginning, but he’s already has had a few bright moments for the Raptors. Over the last three games, he’s shooting 8-14 from the 3-point line and nearly averaging 10 points per contest. He’s shown that he has the potential to be one of the most prolific shooters in the league if given the opportunity.
A few games ago against a Pacers team that would lose to the Raptors by a resounding 46 points. He had a dynamite game with 17 points, shooting 5-7 from downtown and only played 15 minutes. Excuse me?
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In large part due to injuries, Matt Thomas is earning more minutes. And he’s proving more than capable of sticking in a rotational role at the NBA level. As the playoffs draw closer, there’s a good chance we could see Thomas’ minutes dwindle for the Raptors this season. But we haven’t heard the last of Matt Thomas. He has all the tools to be a legit threat in the not-so-distant future.