With deadline looming, Raptors' Ross hopeful of contract extension
Players who entered the league via the 2012 draft are facing a fast-approaching deadline for contract extensions.
For some of those more marquee ballers - namely Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - extensions have already been squared away. For others entering their fourth pro season who haven't been rewarded with their second NBA deal, the future seems considerably more dubious.
With Monday representing the final opportunity for said contract extension, Toronto Raptors sharpshooter Terrence Ross currently belongs to that second group.
Ross is hopeful of an extension, which he would consider an honor, reports Josh Lewenberg of TSN 1050.
"We're working on it," he said of negotiations. "So, we'll see what happens."
The 24-year-old wing was selected eighth overall by the Raptors in 2012 - a draft in which burgeoning star center Andre Drummond was chosen one pick after Ross. The presence of big man Jonas Valanciunas - who inked a new deal of his own in August - likely factored into the team's decision to go with the Washington alumnus on draft day.
Ross played sparingly throughout his rookie season - starting only twice in 73 games - putting together 2012-13 averages of 6.4 points, two rebounds, and 0.7 assists.
He eventually saw his star rise as the result of his impressive victory at the 2013 Slam Dunk Contest.
Ross' numbers increased slightly during his sophomore campaign - 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and one assist - as he started to show signs of having defensive stopper capabilities.
However, Ross took a step back across several categories in his third season, as his scoring, rebounding, and free-throw shooting averages dipped in 2014-15.
Depreciated stats, glaring defensive lapses, and an underwhelming playoff performance all occurred with unfortunate timing as an opportunity to convince Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri he's worth of a payday may have been squandered.
In spite of his streaky offensive tendencies, Ross' saving grace may be his ability to shoot the long ball - he sports a laudable 37.3 career percentage from beyond the arc.
Perhaps his new role as the resident scoring punch off the bench on a new and improved Raptors roster will allow him to thrive with less pressure.
Ross flourished Friday against the Boston Celtics, as the second unit scorer finished with 21 points - including an efficient 8-for-12 from the field - and four rebounds.
Coincidence that Terrence Ross had one of 5 best games of his career day or two before Raptors have to decide on extension?
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) October 31, 2015
Ujiri said in August a potential extension for Ross had been discussed, however no developments have come to light.
If no agreement is reached, Ross will become a restricted free agent, and will have to await offer sheets next summer - with a raised salary cap as a backdrop - to determine his market value.
Ross will have one last chance to further prove his worth Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks.