Tuesday came the report that the Raptors don’t think DeMarre Carroll will be back for the end of the regular season and likely only would play if the Raptors make a deep playoff run.
Carroll doesn’t see it that way.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday he said he wanted to be back for a few games of the regular season so he can be ready for the postseason. From Eric Smith, the Raptors’ radio play-by-play guy.
Carroll says he had some swelling during rehab. Hence the reason his absence has been longer. But all (many) specialists say he's ok
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) March 30, 2016
Carroll, paraphrasing, says he still expects to be back. hopes to be back. Wants to try to play a couple of games before end of reg season
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) March 30, 2016
Carroll says the swelling came about three weeks ago...hence seeking out docs/specialists to be sure he (the knee) is fine
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) March 30, 2016
Hasn't done much for 3 weeks. Swelling is gone. Docs have given ok. He wants to ramp it up -- and get back to practice. Then to games
— Eric Smith (@Eric__Smith) March 30, 2016
Players are notoriously (at times legendarily) optimistic about their healing powers and ability to come back from injuries. They almost always underestimate the time involved. But Carroll has set his targets, saying he wants to be able to come back and play like a bulldog, not a poodle.
To be clear, there was a setback as was previously reported, and with that you can understand why team officials might be cautious about his return.
The Raptors have set team records for wins in a season the last couple years only to get bumped in the first round of the playoffs. The Raptors are about to set a franchise record for wins again this season, but fans have been hesitant about buying in, even though is a team capable of a run (so are a few others). Carroll returning would give them a reason to believe.
But we’ll see if he plays, and if he does, we’ll see if he’s a bulldog.