Practice could offer glimpse into Raptors’ future

Monday’s practice at the Air Canada Centre might be one of the most anticipated Raptors practices of the season.

The team expects injured point guard Jose Calderon to take part in the full workout and see how his sore left foot holds up.

Calderon has missed Toronto’s last two games—a loss to Denver on Friday and Saturday’s miracle comeback against the Detroit Pistons—and he hopes to be able to play Tuesday when the Raptors are in Charlotte.

However, the six-year veteran, who stayed home to get treatment on his foot while his teammates were in Detroit, can’t be sure of how the foot will respond to a full workout until after Monday.

Calderon has been on a tear since taking over the full-time starter’s job after the Nov. 20 trade of Jarrett Jack to the New Orleans Hornets.

In the nine games since, he averaged 11.8 points and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 54 per cent from the field.

Most importantly, he averaged fewer than two turnovers per game and with the Raptors coming off an 18-turnover effort in Detroit, his ball-handling and offence-running skills are in need.

His replacement, Jerryd Bayless, tied his career high with 31 points Saturday in Detroit but almost committed four turnovers while dishing out seven assists.

Peja Stojakovic remains in injury limbo with the Raptors.

The veteran forward, obtained from New Orleans on Nov. 20, has missed Toronto’s last eight games because of swelling in his left knee and there is no timetable for his return.