What has been a career season for Chris Bosh would continue on through the All-Star Game. Bosh would make 2 free throws to clinch the win for the East as it would turn out. He had 23 points and 10 rebounds with a couple of steals and played just over 29 minutes. He was in the mix for game MVP which would go to D-Wade. It all went down in front of the largest crowd ever to to witness a basketball game with over 108,000 folks on hand. To put that in some perspective that is about 38,000 more than were in attendance for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver for the Olympics. Speaking of those games we won a GOLD...YIPPEE!!! Finally a gold medal on home soil. I happened to be hanging out on a Live Blog with Eric Smith. The people on that liveblog went nuts with pride and it was fun to share that experience. I think it was given the audience something like it would be if Raptors won an NBA Championship.
Think that is what the Olympics are all about creating dreams and bringing people together to share in a national experience from coast to coast. Hopefully as a fan of basketball we as fans can have that kind of experience through the Raptors someday.
All-Star weekend as a whole was not exactly the great show that I had hoped for but the game itself had it end on a high note. It was also great to see on Friday Steve Nash be party of lighting the flame and then less than 24 hours later winning his event at All Star Weekend on All-Star Saturday night. Nash is everything you would want a Canadian to be. He is funny and proud of his country. He competes and gives his 100% and ultimately has had success. Steve Nash is greatest basketball player in the history of this country. You would never know it by looking at him but that is part of what makes it great. Steve Nash has inspired a lot of kids to pick up a basketball and that is great.
It is back to business for the Raptors as they will return to practice and kick off the post All Star schedule on Wednesday vs the Grizzlies. The trade deadline is the following day and it is looking more likely the Raptors are likely to do little if anything before the deadline.
Speaking of deadline you have till that same Thursday to vote for me and the Dino Nation Blog in the Pros vs Joes contest. Also a couple things for those of you that are on facebook. I am trying to get the DNB's Fan Page back on track so come be a part of the DNB experience on Facebook. One other thing on Facebook in that liveblog I was hanging out in the topic of the Raptors TV show once done by Eric Smith and Paul Jones came up. Double Dribble was the show and it was a PTI like basketball program with Paul and Eric as the hosts. I decided that I would start a facebook group to support the idea of bringing the show back and others like it on Raps-TV. I want to see more shows on the Network and who knows maybe someday even my own. But just more basketball content from Canadians by Canadians for Canadians. So if you feel the same join the facebook group and be a part of it.
So for the next couple weeks GO CANADA GO and GO RAPS GO and even a little GO DNB GO with our Pros vs Joes contest. Thanks to anyone that takes the time to vote and support me.
Showing posts with label All Star weekend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Star weekend. Show all posts
2/13/09
Trade Deadline And Economics
Last year the Memphis Grizzlies took a look of heat from folks around the league for the trade they made sending Pau Gasol to the Lakers. Since that time the economy has taken a nose dive in United States and around the world. Prior to this season the Denver Nuggets traded away Marcus Camby for next to nothing as well. If you have been watching games around the league you will notice that some buildings are not even close to full. There had long been jokes about places like Atlanta for having small crowds. But it is spreading across the NBA. Detroit that had a long history of consecutive sell outs had that streak snapped this season. The car Industry as many if not all of you are aware is in serious trouble. Michigan is the state that is most impacted by that. The point in mentioning all of this is the upcoming trade deadline. Before we get into that just to illustrate the point have a look at the attendance figures from around the league. You will find the home town Raptors checking in at # 9 but the focus of this is the bottom teams on that list.
Attendance Figures From ESPN
Not just attendance but all forms of revenue suffer. Fans get less gear, less food, basically less everything. Not just that but owners of teams often have other businesses that they have beyond the sports franchises they operate. The tough economy has an impact on those obviously as well. So what does all this mean basketball wise? Some teams are looking to dump payroll not unlike what the Grizzlies and Nuggets had done that was mentioned at the start of this blog. At the heart of all this talk has been the Phoenix Suns. The hosts of this year's NBA All Star Weekend ironically. In the NHL the Coyotes are in serious trouble and have been advanced profit sharing money. That speaks to the lack of interest in hockey in the area but also to the tough economic times. So if you think the idea of trading for Steve Nash is crazy or off base. It really isn't. In having a conversation about it with some one I made what I think is a valid point. All the talk has been about Amare Stoudamire. However if the Suns were considering trading Nash that is not something they would want to get out obviously. David Aldridge has a great write up on this whole topic of the trade deadline and the economy and it's impact on it.
Aldridge On Deadline Economics
When we think about things from a Raptor perspective, MLSE is in pretty good shape despite all the economic concerns. That stability could help the Raptors find some bargains at the deadline perhaps. MLSE as an organization takes a lot of shots from fans and even myself on occasion. However it should be said that they have a solid economic base and they provide stability for the franchise. In times like this if they choose to do so they can take advantage of situations that are available at this time. Also they are smart business people. So is Bryan Colangelo as far as that goes. If the Raptors could acquire a Steve Nash that could do amazing things for the national profile of the Raptor brand across this country. It would be a solid basketball move as well.
In a season that based on the mess over TSN 2 and the broadcasting of this team across this country and even in the Toronto area has taken a hit. What would the addition of a Steve Nash do for that? Short of this team making a run deep in the playoffs it might be the best marketing move in franchise history. Nash still could have the talent to help this team turn around next season as well. It also helps you make a statement to Chris Bosh that you are very serious about building a team around him for the future. It is just really a question of if Nash is on the market? The Suns publicly have said no. However we here so much talk of if Bosh will be back in 2010. However how likely does Steve Nash come back to the Suns in 2010. It seems far less likely and given his advanced age maybe the Suns are not even interested in keeping him. So for all the reasons people have been making to trade Bosh do they not apply even more to the Suns? I think the answer is pretty clear that they do.
So while some are convinced Bosh must go. I am not convinced at all. I think Bryan Colangelo is working on a way to ensure that does not happen. Bosh has been the only player that Colangelo has made a definite statement that he is not interested in moving at any price. That should tell you something. He has mentioned the importance of Calderon and Bargnani but never made that same bold statement about them. There are few deals that I could in vision a Calderon or Bargnani being moved. However a move for Steve Nash ranks among those he would consider moving them in my view. That does not mean a lot but when you consider Colangelo has made major statements of support for Jay Triano and his future. It all makes you wonder if that is in part because a Nash and Triano partnership would make total sense.
It is rare I get into trade talk and rumours. It is even more rare that I throw out trade scenarios of my own. I just don't think it makes good sense to do that very often. That being said I firmly believe if on next Thursday or prior to that we here the name of Steve Nash traded to anywhere other than the Toronto Raptors it will be an opportunity lost. I have said in the past if the Vancouver Grizzlies had made the effort, to draft Nash by acquiring a pick to select him prior to his pick by the Suns, I think the Grizzlies may still be here. It is not to say the Raptors will be gone without bringing in Nash. It was not to suggest that Nash not going to Vancouver was the sole reason for failure. However to have a home grown talent that clearly is worthy of playing and starting would have a giant impact on basketball in this country and would help establish basketball on a national level. Raptors have always talked about wanting to be Canada's team and not just Toronto's team. Well opportunity in that regard could be knocking and they would be foolish not to answer the door.
So those are things to think about as we approach All Star Weekend. I will pop in now and than during All Star Weekend and share some thoughts on all of that. Jason Kapono defends his 3 point title from a Raptor prospective and a whole lot more fun beyond that. I say it to whoever cares to listen. No on does the All Star idea better than the NBA. It is the model for all professional sports in my view.
I also spoke with Darren Rovell from CNBC on this same topic of economy
Attendance Figures From ESPN
Not just attendance but all forms of revenue suffer. Fans get less gear, less food, basically less everything. Not just that but owners of teams often have other businesses that they have beyond the sports franchises they operate. The tough economy has an impact on those obviously as well. So what does all this mean basketball wise? Some teams are looking to dump payroll not unlike what the Grizzlies and Nuggets had done that was mentioned at the start of this blog. At the heart of all this talk has been the Phoenix Suns. The hosts of this year's NBA All Star Weekend ironically. In the NHL the Coyotes are in serious trouble and have been advanced profit sharing money. That speaks to the lack of interest in hockey in the area but also to the tough economic times. So if you think the idea of trading for Steve Nash is crazy or off base. It really isn't. In having a conversation about it with some one I made what I think is a valid point. All the talk has been about Amare Stoudamire. However if the Suns were considering trading Nash that is not something they would want to get out obviously. David Aldridge has a great write up on this whole topic of the trade deadline and the economy and it's impact on it.
Aldridge On Deadline Economics
When we think about things from a Raptor perspective, MLSE is in pretty good shape despite all the economic concerns. That stability could help the Raptors find some bargains at the deadline perhaps. MLSE as an organization takes a lot of shots from fans and even myself on occasion. However it should be said that they have a solid economic base and they provide stability for the franchise. In times like this if they choose to do so they can take advantage of situations that are available at this time. Also they are smart business people. So is Bryan Colangelo as far as that goes. If the Raptors could acquire a Steve Nash that could do amazing things for the national profile of the Raptor brand across this country. It would be a solid basketball move as well.
In a season that based on the mess over TSN 2 and the broadcasting of this team across this country and even in the Toronto area has taken a hit. What would the addition of a Steve Nash do for that? Short of this team making a run deep in the playoffs it might be the best marketing move in franchise history. Nash still could have the talent to help this team turn around next season as well. It also helps you make a statement to Chris Bosh that you are very serious about building a team around him for the future. It is just really a question of if Nash is on the market? The Suns publicly have said no. However we here so much talk of if Bosh will be back in 2010. However how likely does Steve Nash come back to the Suns in 2010. It seems far less likely and given his advanced age maybe the Suns are not even interested in keeping him. So for all the reasons people have been making to trade Bosh do they not apply even more to the Suns? I think the answer is pretty clear that they do.
So while some are convinced Bosh must go. I am not convinced at all. I think Bryan Colangelo is working on a way to ensure that does not happen. Bosh has been the only player that Colangelo has made a definite statement that he is not interested in moving at any price. That should tell you something. He has mentioned the importance of Calderon and Bargnani but never made that same bold statement about them. There are few deals that I could in vision a Calderon or Bargnani being moved. However a move for Steve Nash ranks among those he would consider moving them in my view. That does not mean a lot but when you consider Colangelo has made major statements of support for Jay Triano and his future. It all makes you wonder if that is in part because a Nash and Triano partnership would make total sense.
It is rare I get into trade talk and rumours. It is even more rare that I throw out trade scenarios of my own. I just don't think it makes good sense to do that very often. That being said I firmly believe if on next Thursday or prior to that we here the name of Steve Nash traded to anywhere other than the Toronto Raptors it will be an opportunity lost. I have said in the past if the Vancouver Grizzlies had made the effort, to draft Nash by acquiring a pick to select him prior to his pick by the Suns, I think the Grizzlies may still be here. It is not to say the Raptors will be gone without bringing in Nash. It was not to suggest that Nash not going to Vancouver was the sole reason for failure. However to have a home grown talent that clearly is worthy of playing and starting would have a giant impact on basketball in this country and would help establish basketball on a national level. Raptors have always talked about wanting to be Canada's team and not just Toronto's team. Well opportunity in that regard could be knocking and they would be foolish not to answer the door.
So those are things to think about as we approach All Star Weekend. I will pop in now and than during All Star Weekend and share some thoughts on all of that. Jason Kapono defends his 3 point title from a Raptor prospective and a whole lot more fun beyond that. I say it to whoever cares to listen. No on does the All Star idea better than the NBA. It is the model for all professional sports in my view.
I also spoke with Darren Rovell from CNBC on this same topic of economy
1/25/09
Raptors Look To Crown The Kings
I said it yesterday the Raptors margin for error over these next 3 games is nothing. If they do not win their next 3 contests it pretty much is over as far as any slim playoff chances they may hold. It is all based on what the Raptors face after that. They have little to no change of getting a win in the next 4 after these 3. The Sacramento Kings have been a total failure this season and are trying to rebuild around Kevin Martin. He was not in the line-up when these teams faced off on Boxing Day. The Raptors would get a rare win on the west coast as they beat the Kings on the road for only the second time in franchise history. It is a rare 6 pm tip time at the Air Canada Centre. The Kings come into this game on a 4 losing streak and a 3-19 road record. I mean it does not get more of a gimmie win then this does it? If the Raptors get even half of the performance they got from Jose Calderon in his return to the line up it should be a cake walk.
All Star Thoughts
I have said this for years and last night offered proof to my point. Yesterday I was on CJLO in Montreal and that is the host city of the NHL ALL STAR weekend. The breakaway challenge winner was Alex Ovechkin who put on a silly hat and some sunglasses and used two hockey sticks and eventually scored. Can anyone say that was even close to as entertaining as Dwight Howard putting on a Superman outfit and dunking a basketball. Not even close. I get that I am in Canada and hockey will always be bigger then basketball. But even hockey fans have to give the nod to the NBA's All-Star Saturday night as opposed to the the NHL's pathetic rip off of the event for their sport. In the market that matters for the NHL, the United States, it will be viewed as I have stated a cheap rip off that is not good in comparison.
Gary Bettman came from the NBA and has tried to use NBA ideas in the NHL with little success. David Stern is a far better commissioner for his sport and it is made the most clear when you compare the two sports All Star Weekends. The NHL had to bring in a rule that forces players to sit out the next regular season game for the season if they skip the NHL ALL STAR GAME. The NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND is an event that most players love to be at even if they are not part of the game or events. The NBA is the better league when you get right down to it and that may not play well in Canada but the simple fact is that it is the truth. The All Star Weekends of the two sports just offer the most obvious comparison that makes that fact clear.
It will be interesting to see if Chris Bosh gets the nod to be in the ALL STAR GAME. I have seen most thinking it is likely a lock that he does. But given the Raptors record I am not convinced it is. Should he not it will be interesting to see how he handles that moving forward. He has been more vocal and angry about what is going wrong. If he were not to get the personal honour of going to the ALL STAR GAME if for no other reason then his team's poor record. That good be a point where we see Bosh say enough is enough. Whatever happens I am glad that Chris is starting to show some emotion and say loud and clear that this is not acceptable. I think on this the Fans and CB4 are on the same page.
Lakers vs Spurs
Before the Raptors take on the Kings. A match-up of 2 of the NBA's best teams with the Lakers and the Spurs. I am going to be live blogging it for The Score. You are welcome to stop by and take part as you get set for Raptors and Kings. After all there is no football being that it is the bye week before the Super Bowl. So that gives you a chance to see more basketball. It is a 3:30 tip time and if all goes well it will end before the Kings and Raptors get going and that game originally scheduled for TSN 2 has been moved over to TSN. Maybe they are finally hearing the angry basketball fans? Wishful thinking I am sure.
The Score Live Blog Link- Spurs and Lakers
After I am done with Spurs and Lakers. It is right into Raptor Rewind of Kings and Raptors. A busy day but hopefully a fun one.
All Star Thoughts
I have said this for years and last night offered proof to my point. Yesterday I was on CJLO in Montreal and that is the host city of the NHL ALL STAR weekend. The breakaway challenge winner was Alex Ovechkin who put on a silly hat and some sunglasses and used two hockey sticks and eventually scored. Can anyone say that was even close to as entertaining as Dwight Howard putting on a Superman outfit and dunking a basketball. Not even close. I get that I am in Canada and hockey will always be bigger then basketball. But even hockey fans have to give the nod to the NBA's All-Star Saturday night as opposed to the the NHL's pathetic rip off of the event for their sport. In the market that matters for the NHL, the United States, it will be viewed as I have stated a cheap rip off that is not good in comparison.
Gary Bettman came from the NBA and has tried to use NBA ideas in the NHL with little success. David Stern is a far better commissioner for his sport and it is made the most clear when you compare the two sports All Star Weekends. The NHL had to bring in a rule that forces players to sit out the next regular season game for the season if they skip the NHL ALL STAR GAME. The NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND is an event that most players love to be at even if they are not part of the game or events. The NBA is the better league when you get right down to it and that may not play well in Canada but the simple fact is that it is the truth. The All Star Weekends of the two sports just offer the most obvious comparison that makes that fact clear.
It will be interesting to see if Chris Bosh gets the nod to be in the ALL STAR GAME. I have seen most thinking it is likely a lock that he does. But given the Raptors record I am not convinced it is. Should he not it will be interesting to see how he handles that moving forward. He has been more vocal and angry about what is going wrong. If he were not to get the personal honour of going to the ALL STAR GAME if for no other reason then his team's poor record. That good be a point where we see Bosh say enough is enough. Whatever happens I am glad that Chris is starting to show some emotion and say loud and clear that this is not acceptable. I think on this the Fans and CB4 are on the same page.
Lakers vs Spurs
Before the Raptors take on the Kings. A match-up of 2 of the NBA's best teams with the Lakers and the Spurs. I am going to be live blogging it for The Score. You are welcome to stop by and take part as you get set for Raptors and Kings. After all there is no football being that it is the bye week before the Super Bowl. So that gives you a chance to see more basketball. It is a 3:30 tip time and if all goes well it will end before the Kings and Raptors get going and that game originally scheduled for TSN 2 has been moved over to TSN. Maybe they are finally hearing the angry basketball fans? Wishful thinking I am sure.
The Score Live Blog Link- Spurs and Lakers
After I am done with Spurs and Lakers. It is right into Raptor Rewind of Kings and Raptors. A busy day but hopefully a fun one.
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