The Raptors have, for them, an abundance of backcourt riches this year, giving coach Jay Triano a chance to keep up with the rest of the NBA. With a legitimate backup in Jarrett Jack -- Toronto had an unproven rookie Roko Ukic and overmatched journeyman Will Solomon as backup point guards a year ago -- the Raptors are using Jack and starter Jose Calderon together at times this season. It's just keeping them up to speed, said Jack. With both capable of calling plays and running the offense, it gives Toronto a chance to pick up the tempo when both Jack and Calderon are on the floor.
"We were really able to push the tempo because we don't have to get the rebound and look for one person to push it," said Jack. "If I get the rebound, I go; if he's on the side where the ball comes, he goes.
"Running the plays, I can create and let him spot up on the wing. He's a really good knockdown shooter, so it works both ways."
Using two solid ball-handlers at the same time seems to be a trend around the league these days, which will also allow Toronto to use it more often.
"Lots of teams are going to do that," said Jack. "With Houston the other day, I saw Kyle Lowry and (Aaron) Brooks, these guys (the Grizzlies) aren't the biggest backcourt in town with (Mike) Conley and O.J. Mayo.
"A lot of teams are going with a smaller look these days. The Bulls play (Kurt) Hinrich and Derrick Rose, the Pistons have Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon.
"I think it works to our advantage with the rest of the league doing it, it kind of plays into our hands."
Whether it works in Toronto's next game -- Sunday against Orlando which doesn't usually play two smallish point guards -- is doubtful but the coach will keep using it.
GRIZZLIES 115, RAPTORS 107: Toronto was unable to contend with the inside presence of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in dropping to a 1-1 on the season. Randolph had 30 points and Gasol had 19 as the Raptors could find no offensive support behind the 37-point night of Chris Bosh.
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