Ok we will keep this brief because I am off to Toronto to catch this one live and in person. The Hawks put the boots to the Raptors on MLK day and it was not close. So what if anything can the Raptors do to stop a replay of that from happening tonight? Here are the 3 keys to the game as we see it at the DNB. We must know what were talking about because Jack Armstrong had the same 3 keys for the last game as us.
3 Keys:
Contain Josh Smith: In that MLK Match the Raptors let Josh Smith run a muck and have his way. He went off early and often. In the past Smith has fallen in love with his 3 point shot, not so much these days. But you would rather see Smith taking jumpers then driving to the basket and running in transition.
Transition Defence: This is still a Hawks team that likes to run and take advantage of some of it's athletes like Smith in transition. Make sure to take care of the ball and get back in a hurry on D. If you don't do these two things it will be a long night at the office.
Demar vs Joe: Demar DeRozan had his best game of the season. His reward a match up with Joe Johnson. For the Raptors to have a chance in this one Demar needs to win this match-up or at least keep it competitive. If Demar attacks like he did against the Nets he can get Johnson or others in foul trouble which is good for his side. On the defensive end he needs to stick with Johnson and contest shots.
So that is a real quick look at Hawks and Raps. As I said off to Toronto to catch this one live and find some folks to talk too. Been quite awhile since I have been down to the ACC for a game so looking forward to it. If you there and see a bald guy with a goatee that looks like me please say hello...I don't bite honest ask anyone.
Showing posts with label Atlanta Hawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Hawks. Show all posts
1/16/12
More Of The Same In The ATL
The Raptors would be another man down as the entered Atlanta for a special MLK Day Matinee. James Johnson joins Jerryd Bayless, Aaron Gray and of course Andrea Bargnani. The writing was on the wall it seemed heading into this one. Demar DeRozan day started out the day on the right foot with the Raptors opening score in this game driving to bucket and getting an easy two points. But by the end of the afternoon DeRozan would be as frustrated as the fans watching the game likely were. He would get a rare technically foul and end up on the bench cooling his jets with 4 fouls. Amir Johnson would also have his issues with foul trouble as well on this afternoon. He quickly had to make an exit in the 3rd quarter with about 9 minutes left. For an undermanned Raptors squad that made it an even rougher afternoon.
It did start somewhat well though with an 11-5 lead in early going in the first. But Josh Smith would be big all afternoon and it started with 8 points of a 10-0 run that brought the Hawks back to take the lead. This would set a pattern for most of the afternoon. The Hawks would seem to turn it on and off proving that they are, both good enough to be good, but why they never will be great. They were the like a cat playing with a mouse before they killed it. Raptors fought back to get the lead down to 4 with the score 22-18 only to see the Hawks pull away again before the end of the first with a 26-18 advantage after one.
In the second despite many foolish and silly turnovers by the Raptors, the Hawks were letting their foot off the gas pedal, especially at the end of the half. After letting a 34-22 lead be trimmed to 36-30, only to go on another 7-0 run and have their largest lead of the game at 13 points. But again they let things slide and only led 50-45. It was a gift the Raptors were still in this game.
The Hawks continued to feed Raptor fans hope and their own fans concern. The Raptors with a less than full roster, and having a few folks in form of Young Onez as spectators were able to hang around. Barbosa was the main offensive weapon, his 22 points off the bench led the Raptors on the afternoon. The Raptors would be just down 2, heading to the fourth quarter with the score 73-71 Hawks. But as often been the theme for the Raptors of late, the 4th quarter was an epic disaster. They would take over 5 and half minutes to even register a field goal. Hawks did enough to close the door outscoring the Raptors 20-13 and finish off the Raptors 93-84.
Raptors 5th loss in a row as they head next to Boston to conclude this 3 game road swing. Josh Smith had the line of the game with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Joe Johnson was not shabby either with 27 points 5 rebounds and 6 assists with a couple steals. Compare that to the Raptors future as Demar DeRozan had just 10 points and was 5-17 from the field. Ed Davis did have a season high 11 rebounds but only 7 points as he was forced to play 40 minutes in part because of Amir Johnson's foul trouble. Johnson did have 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action. Calderon had 13 points and 11 assists but also 4 turnovers. You can certainly understand why the Raptors are struggling with injuries mounting combined with the schedule that has been challenging. But, if you are not starting to have some deep concerns about this young core that Raptors have claimed they are building, then you must not be paying attention. Is it a product of the new system? Is it a product of having to play harder with a focus on the defensive end of the floor? Is it the fact the Raptors were handcuffed by the lockout and had no control of there young players for the entire lockout? It could be all of the above. But for the Raptors ultimate game plan to work they need a lot more from their young core. That begins with Demar DeRozan and Ed Davis.
It did start somewhat well though with an 11-5 lead in early going in the first. But Josh Smith would be big all afternoon and it started with 8 points of a 10-0 run that brought the Hawks back to take the lead. This would set a pattern for most of the afternoon. The Hawks would seem to turn it on and off proving that they are, both good enough to be good, but why they never will be great. They were the like a cat playing with a mouse before they killed it. Raptors fought back to get the lead down to 4 with the score 22-18 only to see the Hawks pull away again before the end of the first with a 26-18 advantage after one.
In the second despite many foolish and silly turnovers by the Raptors, the Hawks were letting their foot off the gas pedal, especially at the end of the half. After letting a 34-22 lead be trimmed to 36-30, only to go on another 7-0 run and have their largest lead of the game at 13 points. But again they let things slide and only led 50-45. It was a gift the Raptors were still in this game.
The Hawks continued to feed Raptor fans hope and their own fans concern. The Raptors with a less than full roster, and having a few folks in form of Young Onez as spectators were able to hang around. Barbosa was the main offensive weapon, his 22 points off the bench led the Raptors on the afternoon. The Raptors would be just down 2, heading to the fourth quarter with the score 73-71 Hawks. But as often been the theme for the Raptors of late, the 4th quarter was an epic disaster. They would take over 5 and half minutes to even register a field goal. Hawks did enough to close the door outscoring the Raptors 20-13 and finish off the Raptors 93-84.
Raptors 5th loss in a row as they head next to Boston to conclude this 3 game road swing. Josh Smith had the line of the game with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Joe Johnson was not shabby either with 27 points 5 rebounds and 6 assists with a couple steals. Compare that to the Raptors future as Demar DeRozan had just 10 points and was 5-17 from the field. Ed Davis did have a season high 11 rebounds but only 7 points as he was forced to play 40 minutes in part because of Amir Johnson's foul trouble. Johnson did have 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes of action. Calderon had 13 points and 11 assists but also 4 turnovers. You can certainly understand why the Raptors are struggling with injuries mounting combined with the schedule that has been challenging. But, if you are not starting to have some deep concerns about this young core that Raptors have claimed they are building, then you must not be paying attention. Is it a product of the new system? Is it a product of having to play harder with a focus on the defensive end of the floor? Is it the fact the Raptors were handcuffed by the lockout and had no control of there young players for the entire lockout? It could be all of the above. But for the Raptors ultimate game plan to work they need a lot more from their young core. That begins with Demar DeRozan and Ed Davis.
Raptors Have Early Start On MLK Day in U.S
Before we get to basketball today just a few words on what today is in the United States. Martin Luther King was one of the many that struggled for civil rights in the 60s. He was one of the great men that lead that struggle. When I was in high school studying American History this time period was one I took particular interest in. I have always had great respect for not just King but Malcolm X and all the others that fought for the rights of African Americans. The fact we live in a time that has a black president is something that perhaps these men could not even have imagined. So take the time to learn about their struggle. Here is the most famous speech Dr. King delivered it is one of the best speeches given by any man of any colour:
So that is why I will not complain that the Raptors play at 4pm on Monday. They are in Atlanta to take on the Hawks. As mentioned when we talked with Jack Armstrong last week, the Hawks have lost an important piece to their puzzle in Al Horford. To me, Horford is the heart and soul of this Hawks team. While the Hawks have more talented players in Joe Johnson and Josh Smith they do not provide that leadership and heart that Horford does.
Smith comes in off perhaps his worst performance of the season with just 8 points in a win for the Hawks over Minnesota. While Joe Johnson remains productive but many will point to his contract and say that he should produce much more. The Hawks are a good team that has never been able to find the parts to be that great team. They come into the game today looking for their 10th win of season sitting in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Actually sitting second in the Southeast behind Orlando not Miami. The Heat with their losing streak are a half game behind the Hawks.
As for the Raptors they continue to struggle against three things. The schedule, injuries and themselves. James Johnson the latest Raptor to catch the injury bug had x-rays on his ankle that were negative but his status for today as of right now is uncertain. The schedule is what it is and there is nothing you can do about that. But the Raptors turnovers and missed free throws along with having trouble getting to the line at all are things that they control. As Scott Carefoot in Raptor Blog referenced that 1 for 7 performance was the worst for the franchise since back in it's first season in the league. Demar DeRozan did not even get to the line in that game. This has to change fast if the Raptors hope to compete on any level.
Despite the great improvements on defence you still at the end of the day must score more than than other team to win. Turnovers and missed free throws will do nothing to help in that regard. The Raptors would be served not by the words of Martin Luther King but by those of Malcolm X as they need a win and will take it "By any means necessary." So let's get to some keys to the game.
Get There And Make It- I just went through how important it is for the Raptors to get to the free throw line and once there cash in on their attempts. This offence struggles to score at times and without Andrea Bargnani that struggle is even greater.
Battle on the Glass- Hawks are by nature an athletic team. Minus Horford they still are that. The Raptors need to fight hard on the glass and close out defensive possessions. They can not afford to give up rebounds that lead to second chances points or transition opportunities.
Transition D- The Hawks are a team that can get out and run. Josh Smith is a finisher in transition and the fewer easy points you can give up to him the better. Give yourself a chance to guard the Hawks in the half court and try to shut them down. The Raptors at times did an excellent job of this against Chicago. This was done mostly through the use of zones and the Hawks are a team that is not exactly known for 3 point shooting so it might be a good idea to go to the zone early and often today.
That just about does it. I encourage you even as Canadians to take some time to remember a great man in Martin Luther King today. His dream still lives today and it is up to all of us to keep it alive and be mindful of the past. I have friends of all colours and backgrounds. I think basketball more than perhaps any other sport is a true collection of all of these cultures. I judge people on how they treat me and not by the colour of skin or religion or anything else. That is how I was raised and is part of who I am. On a day like today it is important to reflect on those values and spread them to others. We have come a long way in terms of race relations but there are still people in this world that have not seen the light and may never see it. At the end of the day we as people can only control our own actions and our own way of life. But together we can show that we as people of any colour, race or creed can all be as one and love a sport like basketball. United by a common bond and love of something that we all share.
So that is why I will not complain that the Raptors play at 4pm on Monday. They are in Atlanta to take on the Hawks. As mentioned when we talked with Jack Armstrong last week, the Hawks have lost an important piece to their puzzle in Al Horford. To me, Horford is the heart and soul of this Hawks team. While the Hawks have more talented players in Joe Johnson and Josh Smith they do not provide that leadership and heart that Horford does.
Smith comes in off perhaps his worst performance of the season with just 8 points in a win for the Hawks over Minnesota. While Joe Johnson remains productive but many will point to his contract and say that he should produce much more. The Hawks are a good team that has never been able to find the parts to be that great team. They come into the game today looking for their 10th win of season sitting in 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Actually sitting second in the Southeast behind Orlando not Miami. The Heat with their losing streak are a half game behind the Hawks.
As for the Raptors they continue to struggle against three things. The schedule, injuries and themselves. James Johnson the latest Raptor to catch the injury bug had x-rays on his ankle that were negative but his status for today as of right now is uncertain. The schedule is what it is and there is nothing you can do about that. But the Raptors turnovers and missed free throws along with having trouble getting to the line at all are things that they control. As Scott Carefoot in Raptor Blog referenced that 1 for 7 performance was the worst for the franchise since back in it's first season in the league. Demar DeRozan did not even get to the line in that game. This has to change fast if the Raptors hope to compete on any level.
Despite the great improvements on defence you still at the end of the day must score more than than other team to win. Turnovers and missed free throws will do nothing to help in that regard. The Raptors would be served not by the words of Martin Luther King but by those of Malcolm X as they need a win and will take it "By any means necessary." So let's get to some keys to the game.
Get There And Make It- I just went through how important it is for the Raptors to get to the free throw line and once there cash in on their attempts. This offence struggles to score at times and without Andrea Bargnani that struggle is even greater.
Battle on the Glass- Hawks are by nature an athletic team. Minus Horford they still are that. The Raptors need to fight hard on the glass and close out defensive possessions. They can not afford to give up rebounds that lead to second chances points or transition opportunities.
Transition D- The Hawks are a team that can get out and run. Josh Smith is a finisher in transition and the fewer easy points you can give up to him the better. Give yourself a chance to guard the Hawks in the half court and try to shut them down. The Raptors at times did an excellent job of this against Chicago. This was done mostly through the use of zones and the Hawks are a team that is not exactly known for 3 point shooting so it might be a good idea to go to the zone early and often today.
That just about does it. I encourage you even as Canadians to take some time to remember a great man in Martin Luther King today. His dream still lives today and it is up to all of us to keep it alive and be mindful of the past. I have friends of all colours and backgrounds. I think basketball more than perhaps any other sport is a true collection of all of these cultures. I judge people on how they treat me and not by the colour of skin or religion or anything else. That is how I was raised and is part of who I am. On a day like today it is important to reflect on those values and spread them to others. We have come a long way in terms of race relations but there are still people in this world that have not seen the light and may never see it. At the end of the day we as people can only control our own actions and our own way of life. But together we can show that we as people of any colour, race or creed can all be as one and love a sport like basketball. United by a common bond and love of something that we all share.
4/19/11
NBAZ In 7 DayZ - Playoff Edition
The least debated of the post season awards was handed out, and no surprise Dwight Howard wins the Defensive MVP for a 3rd straight year. No one has ever accomplished that feat. But the harder feat for Dwight will be to take his Magic anywhere in the playoffs. The group around him is anything but defensive minded. The Hawks who took game 1 of their opening round series against the Magic. They last season took the worst beating in the history of the NBA Playoffs. That humiliation might have just motivated the Hawks to show up this year. It motivated them to send Mike Woodson packing. He was the coach in Atlanta for 6 years and improved his win total every season. But his team and their lack of performance in the playoffs was the reason he was let go. Stan Van Gundy has to worry about his future if the Magic go out in first round. Not that he will lose his job, but he very well could lose Dwight and that would make his job a lot tougher to keep in the future.
I had told you that the Boston and Knicks series would be closer than people thought. That Amare Stoudamire if he plays big in this series could help the Knicks upset Boston. In Game 1 both of those were true. It was a pretty exciting game and if the Knicks can come up with a similar effort they might just be able to head back to New York tied at 1. Boston just has not been the same since Kendrick Perkins was dealt at the deadline. Despite Jermaine O'Neal being able to turn back the clock in game 1, he is no Kendrick Perkins. Rajon Rondo has not exactly played to his All-Star level of late. Maybe he should watch Russell Westbrook for some inspiration. Boston also might have noticed that the Miami Heat trashed the Sixers last night and that Chris Bosh guy is looking pretty good. But Boston has to get there in the first place to face the Heat and that will not be an easy task.
Speaking of turning back the clock how about Jason Kidd? He was pretty amazing in game one for the Mavs. He hit six shots from beyond the arc and had one of the best playoff performances of his long career. Dirk also got a bit dirty getting in the paint and taking the ball to the hoop. The Blazers on the other hand could say they didn't get the full bang for their buck. Gerald Wallace who I said would be key in the Blazers upsetting the Mavs was not exactly the factor he needs to be in game 1. Also the Blazers have a huge advantage with Lamarcus Aldridge and the need to take advantage of it. Tyson Chandler is a good to great defender in the post. But Aldridge is quicker and can make jumpers from the mid-range. You wish that the old Brandon Roy was still around. But injuries have taken away the brilliance that once was Brandon Roy. I still don't trust the Mavs and will see how they respond once they face some adversity in this series. If they can get out of Dallas up 2-0 that would be well advised. The Rose Garden is one of the better environments in the NBA.
Many have raved about what a great weekend of basketball it was. This is true it was some of the best first round basketball we have seen in the playoffs in quite some time. Both number one seeds were pushed to the brink. The Bulls survived and won a similar type game last night coming out on top in a tight affair. The Spurs were not as lucky going in the history books as the first team to lose a playoff game to the Grizzlies Franchise. I can't help but still feel sad as no matter how good these playoffs can or will be it is not going to change one fact. That fact is that when it all is over and a champion is crowned that might be it for a very long time. The Lockout is looming and it is like a dark cloud that has hung over my head all season. Part of me says just enjoy the moment and not think about it. But that is very hard to do for me seeing as I try to eek out a living covering this sport. But I will try my best. No question the product on court right now has been pretty fantastic.
2/2/11
Raptors Try To Avoid Unlucky 13
The Raptors finally got to Atlanta this late this morning and now have the tough task of beating the Hawks. Bargnani has struggled and has shown zero effort on D. Yet Jay Triano believes his team is improving on defence? If you don't get that you are not alone. Hawks have beat the Raptors twice already. A close loss back in Toronto but the Raps got torched here in Atlanta earlier in the season.
Al Horford an easy basket as Bargnani was out to lunch attempting to help on defence. Raps would get 2 straight scores and then allow the Hawks to do the same to them and it was 6-4 Hawks in the early going. But the Hawks run was not done it would stretch to an 8-0 run where Triano called a time out to praise his team for that improved defence. Maybe not. Demar DeRozan ended the run and then Al Horford schools Bargnani and it was a 10-2 run and a 12-6 Hawks lead. Raptors would claw back to 14-11 as Weems made a jumper....then on the break CABOOM the back is O.K and Raptors were down 1. But the Hawks would score a two then find Joe Johnson in the corner for a wide open 3. But the Weems show was kicking into gear another bucket and 3-4 shooting start and Raptors were behind 19-17. Demar DeRozan got banged up for the 2nd game in a row....and the Raptors were fighting on with out him for now but a Johnson 3 at the buzzer and Hawks led 28-24 after 1.
Crawford gets rolling now to start the second.The Hawks have a lot of Raptor Killers on their roster. Demar DeRozan checked back in that was good news. He had 2 fouls so that was more the reason he was out then injury perhaps. Hawks led 34-30 with Calderon and Johnson getting a breather. Bayless was in did the right thing and took a charge but paid the price and got up favouring his right knee a bit. Josh Smith meanwhile had back to back scores the latest a slam on the break and Hawks led 38-30. Demar's rough night continued picks up his 3rd foul and Jay Triano gets a rare tech on DeRozan foul call. Raptors were down 41-34. Calderon trying to create a spark with the drive and score and 1 to make it a 4 point game. But a Joe Johnson 3 and it was 48-41 Hawks. The Hawks were closing the half strong building the lead to 9. Raptors would be fortunate it would remain at 9 as Mike Bibby had 2 chances at three pointers and missed on both he was 0-5 on night a rare occurrence vs Toronto. But the rest of the Hawks were doing more than enough to take a 54-45 lead to the half.
Demar DeRozan back in with his 3 fouls and has instant impact with a drive and score. Raps got rolling off to a 6-0 start and a smart time out from Drew as his Hawks still lead 54-51. Make that a 10-0 run and Raptors lead 55-54. Cue Mike Bibby for 3 and he makes it this time. A slam off the steal and Hawks were back in charge. A bad 3 from Bargnani and another slam and the 1 point lead was a 6 point depict in the blink of an eye. Raptors were giving up 3's on D and Bargnani missed 2 shots inside of 3 feet. Hawks led 69-61. Raptors were hanging around but not really doing much that gave you the hope they could climb the mountain down 6 heading to the 4 with the score 75-69.
I mentioned earlier that Bayless had hurt his knee. He left the game and is not coming back with a sprained right knee. As for the Raptors coming back I am not optimistic with Hawks leading 84-77 with 7:45 to play. A Josh Smith slam after a Weems miss on a pull up mid range jumper and it was Hawks up 88-78 with 6 and change to play. Back to Back 3's and Bibby as he has in the past he nails the daggers to seal the Raptors fate. In the end the Hawks sweep the season series with a 100-87 win.
I could say a bunch of things but you have heard them all before. I am officially out of ways to describe losses. It is not like the story changes much. The Raptors have turned in to the real life version of the movie Groundhog Day.
Al Horford an easy basket as Bargnani was out to lunch attempting to help on defence. Raps would get 2 straight scores and then allow the Hawks to do the same to them and it was 6-4 Hawks in the early going. But the Hawks run was not done it would stretch to an 8-0 run where Triano called a time out to praise his team for that improved defence. Maybe not. Demar DeRozan ended the run and then Al Horford schools Bargnani and it was a 10-2 run and a 12-6 Hawks lead. Raptors would claw back to 14-11 as Weems made a jumper....then on the break CABOOM the back is O.K and Raptors were down 1. But the Hawks would score a two then find Joe Johnson in the corner for a wide open 3. But the Weems show was kicking into gear another bucket and 3-4 shooting start and Raptors were behind 19-17. Demar DeRozan got banged up for the 2nd game in a row....and the Raptors were fighting on with out him for now but a Johnson 3 at the buzzer and Hawks led 28-24 after 1.
Crawford gets rolling now to start the second.The Hawks have a lot of Raptor Killers on their roster. Demar DeRozan checked back in that was good news. He had 2 fouls so that was more the reason he was out then injury perhaps. Hawks led 34-30 with Calderon and Johnson getting a breather. Bayless was in did the right thing and took a charge but paid the price and got up favouring his right knee a bit. Josh Smith meanwhile had back to back scores the latest a slam on the break and Hawks led 38-30. Demar's rough night continued picks up his 3rd foul and Jay Triano gets a rare tech on DeRozan foul call. Raptors were down 41-34. Calderon trying to create a spark with the drive and score and 1 to make it a 4 point game. But a Joe Johnson 3 and it was 48-41 Hawks. The Hawks were closing the half strong building the lead to 9. Raptors would be fortunate it would remain at 9 as Mike Bibby had 2 chances at three pointers and missed on both he was 0-5 on night a rare occurrence vs Toronto. But the rest of the Hawks were doing more than enough to take a 54-45 lead to the half.
Demar DeRozan back in with his 3 fouls and has instant impact with a drive and score. Raps got rolling off to a 6-0 start and a smart time out from Drew as his Hawks still lead 54-51. Make that a 10-0 run and Raptors lead 55-54. Cue Mike Bibby for 3 and he makes it this time. A slam off the steal and Hawks were back in charge. A bad 3 from Bargnani and another slam and the 1 point lead was a 6 point depict in the blink of an eye. Raptors were giving up 3's on D and Bargnani missed 2 shots inside of 3 feet. Hawks led 69-61. Raptors were hanging around but not really doing much that gave you the hope they could climb the mountain down 6 heading to the 4 with the score 75-69.
I mentioned earlier that Bayless had hurt his knee. He left the game and is not coming back with a sprained right knee. As for the Raptors coming back I am not optimistic with Hawks leading 84-77 with 7:45 to play. A Josh Smith slam after a Weems miss on a pull up mid range jumper and it was Hawks up 88-78 with 6 and change to play. Back to Back 3's and Bibby as he has in the past he nails the daggers to seal the Raptors fate. In the end the Hawks sweep the season series with a 100-87 win.
I could say a bunch of things but you have heard them all before. I am officially out of ways to describe losses. It is not like the story changes much. The Raptors have turned in to the real life version of the movie Groundhog Day.
Raptors Have Landed In Home Of The Hawks
In case you missed it the Raptors have been stuck in Indiana since Monday, a saga that lasted all yesterday and into this morning. The team was stuck on a plane for about 5 hours by most Twitter accounts of it from media and players. That likely did no favours to a guy like Sonny Weems who has been dealing with a bad back. He seemed the least thrilled of anyone that they were stuck in as he put it on twitter "Whack Indiana". So you can scratch the Pacers off his list of teams he would sign with next season. I am sure everyone connected with the Raptors will be happy not to return to Indy till next season given what they went through. But it may not be as bad as the 12 game losing streak we all have had to endure. Given all the nonsense the Raptors went through to get to Atlanta it is anyones guess what it will mean on the floor tonight. Under normal circumstances the Hawks are a team that has always had the Raptors number. Maybe the Raptors will be pissed off enough to come out and bring it. Maybe this time stuck together has helped them work out some issues. Maybe it will be just more of the same.
The Basics: Toronto 13-36 (WIN PLEASE) Atlanta 30-18 (15-7 @ Home)
When Last We Saw Them: More of the same in Indiana. Andrea Bargnani got taken to school by Roy Hibbert. Ed Davis tried to spark a rally but to get a spark in icy Indy was just not possible as the Raptor went down to defeat for the 12th time in a row. Then as we mentioned could not escape Indiana.
Key Match-Ups: I am begging someone, anyone to make sure there is someone guarding Mike Bibby on three point line. I have watched Mike Bibby torch (Not the Blackberry) the Raptors far to many times to have to endure it again. I would rather see Josh Smith have 6 dunks on Andrea Bargnani's head then watch Bibby nail 3's on the Raptors all night. Basic math is a beautiful thing and 3 > 2 is always going to be true. Obviously Al Horford is a beast inside and you much look to account for him. Really at this point it is not about match-ups or anything other than getting a win for this Raptors team. They just have to find a way, any way, to get a win. How that is going to happen is being more aggressive on offence with more drives and less jumpers and a better overall effort on defence. Anything other than that is just based on luck and if you have been paying attention the Raptors luck is all bad.
Other Things of Note: The Raptors are 4-12 vs the East on the road. That is not good at all but better in comparison to their overall road record of 5-21. The Raptor losing streak watch would hit 13 tonight should they lose. Last time that happened was Feb 12th -March 7th 2002 and it happened once more back in Mar/Apr of 1998. The next stop after this would be the all-time record losing streak of 17 games that lasted from November 7 to December 9th of 1997. Case you missed it yesterday Demar DeRozan will suit up for All-Star Friday night as part of the Sophomore squad. Ed Davis did not make it on the Rookie side. Last time the Raptors were in the ATL they got smacked 96-78 but did battle the Hawks in a close contest at the ACC a couple weeks back on January 12th losing 104-101 at the ACC. All time the Raptors are 12-17 in Atlanta and 26-33 overall and are currently in a 5 game losing skid vs Hawks.
Where Is It On? TSN 2 ( Normally a joke would go here about TSN but given the way Raptors have played they may deserve to play on TSN 3)
1/27/11
"Behind Enemy Lines"
Who do you think is the most valuable team in the NBA right now? Miami fans may say the Heat and while it is true they had the hugest jump in value percentage, they still sit in the seventh spot according to a recent report. Give up? The New York Knicks. They have jumped over the Lakers for top spot as the most valuable franchise in the NBA. Forbes magazine ranks them as number one and valued at $655 million due to an increase in ticket sales and sponsorships at Madison Square Garden. The most troubling part of their report? According to Forbes, 17 of 30 teams in the NBA lost money last season. Unbelievable. More than half the teams in the NBA? Good news for the Raptors, they sit at 10th on Forbes most valuable NBA team list. Let's hope one day that's their rank in league play. This week, the Raptors take on the Bucks, Timberwolves, Pacers and Hawks. Let's get at it.
Milwaukee Bucks @Toronto Raptors - Friday, January 28
Toronto Raptors @ Atlanta Hawks - Wednesday, February 2
Milwaukee Bucks @Toronto Raptors - Friday, January 28
- This will be the first time the Bucks and Raptors will meet this season.
- As of Thursday, the Bucks are 17-26 and 9th in Eastern Conference (5 spots ahead of the Raptors).
- Milwaukee notable: Bucks signed guard Garett Temple to a 10-day contract. Temple, 24 years old, has appeared in 30 games with San Antonio, Houston and Sacramento over the past two seasons.
- Milwaukee Inactive List: Brandon Jennings (left foot), Drew Gooden (left foot) and Michael Redd. John Salmons has been out with a right hip injury but was rostered against the Hawks this week but no playing minutes logged.
- Raptors need to watch: Garett Temple. He started the fourth quarter against the Hawks this week after only one practice since being signed to the team Tuesday. He made a solid impact on their defense in the dying minutes of that game.
- Key for the Raptors: The Bucks are putting on a happy face. They have lost 10 games in their last 15 and the Raptors need to play consistent and push the right buttons.
- This will be the first time the Timberwolves and Raptors will meet this season.
- As of Thursday, the Timberwolves are at the bottom of the West, 10 and 35.
- Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis has been like the Wayne Gretzky of the coaching world this season. Lots of talent and experience coaching a less than mediocre team. (Rambis was 14 years in the NBA as a player, 9 seasons with the Lakers. He spent 7 seasons as an assistant coach with the Lakers beside Phil Jackson before coming to Minnesota).
- Timberwolves Inactive List: Lazar Hayward and Kosta Koufos.
- Raptors need to watch: Forward Kevin Love. He had 31 points, 21 rebounds and shot 3 for 3 from behind the 3 point line for the Wolves against the Thunder during their last meeting.
- Key for the Raptors: This team is fighting stay alive but this is the kind of team that can be the most dangerous and unpredictable. They have nothing to loose. The Raptors need to make sure they do loose by sustaining a lead of at least 10 throughout the game - not letting the lead change hands.
Toronto Raptors @Indiana Pacers - Monday, January 31
- The Pacers and Raptors have met once already this season on December 6th. Pacers took it 124-100.
- The Raptors edged them in the 3rd quarter of this game in points but the Pacers held on in the rest.
- During this last meeting, the starting Pacers were all in double digits: Danny Granger put up 21 points. Only the Raptors top three saw double: Jose Calderon also had 21.
- Indiana Inactive List: Dahntay Jones, Josh McRoberts and Lance Stephenson.
- Raptors need to watch: Brandon Rush. He had 26 points off the Pacers bench against the Raptors in December.
- Key for Raptors: Have a stronger bench. Barbosa and Bayless both had twelve points each off the bench when they last met the Pacers. They need to be able to go the distance with this team.
Toronto Raptors @ Atlanta Hawks - Wednesday, February 2
- The Hawks and Raptors met twice already this season. Toronto lost both times.
- During their last meeting on November 28th, Atlanta lead the first 3 quarters in scoring. Toronto tried to rally in the 4rth but it wasn't enough. Final score 96-73 Hawks.
- Top four Hawks in double digit points versus two in the Raptors line-up. It was Bargnani and DeRozan for the Raptors.
- As of Thursday, Atlanta is 5th in the East at 29 and 17.
- Hawks Inactive List: Josh Powell, Pape Sy and Marvin Williams.
- Key for Raptors: Don't let them have the lead for more than one quarter if that. On their first meeting of the season on November 28th, Atlanta lead the scoring in the 1st and 4rth quarters and lead the first three in the second meeting. The Raptors need to pace themselves, no costly turnovers and be strong in the fourth.
As always, thank you for joining me. Please keep your comments and suggestions coming on Twitter (@ddegraauw) and on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw, purple jacket/red microphone). Have a great weekend and see you again on Tuesday for more NBA coverage in "NBAz in 7 Dayz".
1/13/11
Good Game, Terrible Finish
Well I did this game for The Score and after the Raptors had been crushed by the Hawks 96-78 the last time they hooked up. I don't think if I was being completely honest I expected a competitive game that would come down to the final minute. But that is what we got last night at the ACC. Here is how it went down live as it happened on The Score Live Blog last night.
The Raptors would hang around the entire night it was a slow and sloppy start for both teams starting shooting just 1 for 4 from the field. The bad shooting would continue for the first half of the first quarter as the Hawks had a 10-8 lead and were 5-13 from the field while the Raptors were 4-12. Raptors would get out on break and Calderon would hook up DeRozan for the slam tied at 12. Calderon would nail a 3 after the Hawks answered with 2 and Raps had a 15-14 lead. Jamal Crawford noted Raptor killer would come of the bench and nail a 3 ball. Hawks had a 19-18 lead with 2:33 to play in 1st Quarter. Raptors would regain the lead only to have Crawford strike again with another 3 ball and the Hawks led 22-20. Crawford would later get a basket and 1 to make it 9 points in just 3 minutes of the bench. He would add two more before the Quarter ended and he had 11 points and DeRozan lead the Raptors with 9. On the Scoreboard it was 27-21 Hawks with one in the books at the ACC.
The Hawks would maintain the lead and build on it slightly to 35-27. Raps would get things rolling and would go on a 7-0 run to close the gap and force the Hawks into a time out still leading 35-34. This was after back to back turnovers that the Raptors turned into points. Both teams were having trouble and neither could play any kind of consistent defence. Bargnani would emerge and DeRozan would fade in this quarter. Raptors were hanging around as a result of the effort now being led by Bargnani trailing 45-42 with five and change to play. Raptors were also getting a good performance by Barbosa off the bench and had a rare slam dunk off steal would light up the crowd and the Raptors were back to down just 1 with score 49-48. But as good as Barbosa was Crawford was better and he was hitting almost everything he shot. He had yet another 3 pointer and gave the Hawks a 56-50 lead. By the time the half was over he had 25 points and the Hawks had a 60-55 lead at the half. DeRozan was shut out in the 2nd quarter stuck on 9 points. Bargnani had 15 to lead the Raps and Barbosa had 13 off the bench.
The Raptors came out in the 2nd half and to their credit shut down Crawford in the 3rd Quarter where they would shut him out. It was a sloppy start to the 3rd quarter much like it was to start the game. But if one Raptor killer was finally being shut down it was ok because the Hawks had another. Mike Bibby hit a three pointer and the lead was 67-61 Hawks. The Raptors had been playing a lot of zone that was making the 3 point shot available to the Hawks. Risky business but it was working to a degree as the Raptors were still being able to hang around. They would do more than that in fact as they would take the lead 74-72 late in the 3rd. It was their first lead since 18-17 in the first quarter. Barbosa was driving the bus to lead the Raptors charge back and they would hang on to lead 79-77 entering the 4th quarter.
The Raptors would fight and scrap to keep their lead and would hold it till the score was 91-88 and a Joe Johnson three pointer would tie it at 91 with 4:20 left to play. Raptors a few times in this game broke a fundamental rule of defence in basketball fouling a 3 point shooter. Crawford was fouled went to the line and dropped all 3 to give the Hawks a 99-98 lead with under a minute to play. Raptors would respond, with an Amir Johnson basket plus a foul, and he would make that extra free throw too and Raptors led 101-99. Crawford missed a corner 3 to take the lead the Raps got the rebound and it looked like they were going to pull of the upset. But a moving screen on Amit Johnson who seconds earlier had appeared to ice the game. Cue Mike Bibby and he would fire it up from 3 and nail it but he did not wait till the buzzer leaving the Raptors some time for an answer. Out of a Triano time out the Raps would run a pick and roll with Amir and Jose and Calderon drove to the basket with Horford on him. There was not one moment that Jose looked like he had a chance to make the shot. He would not and it was blocked and after a video review overturned the call on the floor and it was Hawks ball with just two seconds left. Some may say Calderon was fouled but in my view he was clearly playing to be fouled and not to make the shot. You can debate about if Horford fouled him or not. But the fact was based on the play Calderon had zero chance to score, and why was the play not for Barbosa who had been on fire. Hawks would get fouled make two free throws that left Raptors a single second. Bargnani actually got a look at a 3 to tie but it only caught rim. The Hawks fly out of Toronto with a 104-101 win.
A tough way to lose but the Raptors just did not execute down the stretch. But this is what happens when you are a young team with a losing record down the stretch some times. Hopefully the Raptors can store away how they felt after this one and the next time they remember that feeling and play hard to avoid it.
The Raptors would hang around the entire night it was a slow and sloppy start for both teams starting shooting just 1 for 4 from the field. The bad shooting would continue for the first half of the first quarter as the Hawks had a 10-8 lead and were 5-13 from the field while the Raptors were 4-12. Raptors would get out on break and Calderon would hook up DeRozan for the slam tied at 12. Calderon would nail a 3 after the Hawks answered with 2 and Raps had a 15-14 lead. Jamal Crawford noted Raptor killer would come of the bench and nail a 3 ball. Hawks had a 19-18 lead with 2:33 to play in 1st Quarter. Raptors would regain the lead only to have Crawford strike again with another 3 ball and the Hawks led 22-20. Crawford would later get a basket and 1 to make it 9 points in just 3 minutes of the bench. He would add two more before the Quarter ended and he had 11 points and DeRozan lead the Raptors with 9. On the Scoreboard it was 27-21 Hawks with one in the books at the ACC.
The Hawks would maintain the lead and build on it slightly to 35-27. Raps would get things rolling and would go on a 7-0 run to close the gap and force the Hawks into a time out still leading 35-34. This was after back to back turnovers that the Raptors turned into points. Both teams were having trouble and neither could play any kind of consistent defence. Bargnani would emerge and DeRozan would fade in this quarter. Raptors were hanging around as a result of the effort now being led by Bargnani trailing 45-42 with five and change to play. Raptors were also getting a good performance by Barbosa off the bench and had a rare slam dunk off steal would light up the crowd and the Raptors were back to down just 1 with score 49-48. But as good as Barbosa was Crawford was better and he was hitting almost everything he shot. He had yet another 3 pointer and gave the Hawks a 56-50 lead. By the time the half was over he had 25 points and the Hawks had a 60-55 lead at the half. DeRozan was shut out in the 2nd quarter stuck on 9 points. Bargnani had 15 to lead the Raps and Barbosa had 13 off the bench.
The Raptors came out in the 2nd half and to their credit shut down Crawford in the 3rd Quarter where they would shut him out. It was a sloppy start to the 3rd quarter much like it was to start the game. But if one Raptor killer was finally being shut down it was ok because the Hawks had another. Mike Bibby hit a three pointer and the lead was 67-61 Hawks. The Raptors had been playing a lot of zone that was making the 3 point shot available to the Hawks. Risky business but it was working to a degree as the Raptors were still being able to hang around. They would do more than that in fact as they would take the lead 74-72 late in the 3rd. It was their first lead since 18-17 in the first quarter. Barbosa was driving the bus to lead the Raptors charge back and they would hang on to lead 79-77 entering the 4th quarter.
The Raptors would fight and scrap to keep their lead and would hold it till the score was 91-88 and a Joe Johnson three pointer would tie it at 91 with 4:20 left to play. Raptors a few times in this game broke a fundamental rule of defence in basketball fouling a 3 point shooter. Crawford was fouled went to the line and dropped all 3 to give the Hawks a 99-98 lead with under a minute to play. Raptors would respond, with an Amir Johnson basket plus a foul, and he would make that extra free throw too and Raptors led 101-99. Crawford missed a corner 3 to take the lead the Raps got the rebound and it looked like they were going to pull of the upset. But a moving screen on Amit Johnson who seconds earlier had appeared to ice the game. Cue Mike Bibby and he would fire it up from 3 and nail it but he did not wait till the buzzer leaving the Raptors some time for an answer. Out of a Triano time out the Raps would run a pick and roll with Amir and Jose and Calderon drove to the basket with Horford on him. There was not one moment that Jose looked like he had a chance to make the shot. He would not and it was blocked and after a video review overturned the call on the floor and it was Hawks ball with just two seconds left. Some may say Calderon was fouled but in my view he was clearly playing to be fouled and not to make the shot. You can debate about if Horford fouled him or not. But the fact was based on the play Calderon had zero chance to score, and why was the play not for Barbosa who had been on fire. Hawks would get fouled make two free throws that left Raptors a single second. Bargnani actually got a look at a 3 to tie but it only caught rim. The Hawks fly out of Toronto with a 104-101 win.
A tough way to lose but the Raptors just did not execute down the stretch. But this is what happens when you are a young team with a losing record down the stretch some times. Hopefully the Raptors can store away how they felt after this one and the next time they remember that feeling and play hard to avoid it.
1/12/11
Weems Could Return To Face The Dirty Birds.
Well it has been an exciting day. I have joined the world of mobile technology. Yes I finally have a blackberry and that should be helpfully in our coverage of games at the ACC. Which I will be doing Friday as the Raptors take on the Pistons at the ACC. But before we get there, it is Raptors vs Hawks tonight at the ACC. I will be live blogging it for The Score Mobile and The Score.com which you can tune in at about 6:45. Mother nature dealt a blow to the Raptors chances tonight as the Hawks were suppose to play last night but due to bad weather their game was postponed. So no second night of a back to back for them. Raptors took it on the chin 96-78 facing the Hawks earlier in the year. Some more help at least as Sonny Weems has been upgraded to a game time decision for tonight. He has missed 11 games with a bad back. It would be unlikely he starts if he is back in the line-up.
The Basics: Atlanta 25-14 ( Won 9 of last 10) Raptors 13-24 ( 8-10 at ACC)
When Last We Saw Them: Way back on Sunday it was the Raptors able to topple the Kings with no Evans in the line-up for them. Andrea Bargnani and Demar DeRozan both showed up in this one and led the charge for the home side.
Key Match-ups: Mike Bibby has traditional been a Raptor killer be it as a Hawk, King or way back in the day as Vancouver Grizzlies. Jose Calderon will draw the assignment most likely. Bibby was always been able to light it up from 3 point range vs the Raps. Be on RED ALERT in terms of perimeter defence on him. Al Horford is a beast and will be a force on the glass. But not sure if the Hawks will match him up with Andrea Bargnani. They might go the unconventional route and perhaps put the athletic Josh Smith on him. Will see what happens. Joe Johnson and Demar DeRozan makes for an interesting match-up as well with Demar starting to catch fire of late in terms of scoring. Joe Johnson is proving worth the cash despite Raptor fans chanting he was over paid in his last visit to the ACC. He is averaging 18.6 points per game. But he did pour in 24 in the Hawks last game.
Other Things Of Note: I got a blackberry....Oh wait I said that already. Hawks are 12-2 when they shot above 50%. Given the way the Raptors have play defence that is worth noting. In the last match-up vs Toronto the Raptors only scored 11 points in 3rd Quarter and 32 points in that second half which are season bests for the Hawks. Raptors are 5-7 at home vs Eastern Conference opposition. When you think of the Hawks you think about and athletic team that get blocks and steals but stats suggest otherwise. Raptors actually average more steals with 7.3 to Hawks 6 a game and Hawks only average 4.3 blocks a game.
Where is it on?: Scoremobile with Me and TSN 2 on T.V ( The Streak on main stream T.V Dies at 4)
5/14/10
Sam Coming Back To NBA Soon?
Sam Mitchell is now out of Raptor paychecks or soon will be. He has expressed an interest in a return to the league and has already interviewed with the Sixers. But now with the news that Mike Woodson has been fired in Atlanta this may open up the perfect landing spot. Sam is of course a resident of the ATL and has made the odd appearance at Hawks games since being booted from the Raptors. The Hawks were destroyed by the Magic and it was only a matter of time before Woodson would be gone. Woodson's contract was set to expire. In the sports world we live in for a coach to get to his "lame duck" year of his contract that is a clear indication the organization has no faith in him. Woodson in a even more glaring fashion was totally out coached by Stan Van Gundy. Mitchell in his battle with Stan at least got a win for the Raptors.
So why is Sam a right fit for the Hawks?
Simple... this team cries out for discipline and a leader. Sam Mitchell clearly excels at both. Sam had a no nonsense approach to coaching and it is something the Hawks are crying out for. Josh Smith clearly dogged it when he was out there against the Magic. So much so that Hubie Brown on the TNT broadcast went out of his way to point it out. If Sam Mitchell is coaching that team it just would not have been tolerated. Sam had many times in his career with the Raptors where he called out his team for such acts. He held people accountable which is something that was clearly lacking with the Hawks.
Do I know that Sam is on a list of candidates for the Hawks? No. However would they be crazy not to have him on it? Absolutely. Mitchell could also work with a player like an Al Horford and pass along the same lessons and guidance he did with a K.G and Chris Bosh. Horford as much as he will never be on my Christmas card list, was far and away the best player the Hawks had in that series. Joe Johnson leaving will just allow Crawford to enter into to the starting line-up coming off a 6th man of the year award.
Sam Mitchell had many detractors in Toronto but he also had a lot of supporters. The one thing that all would have to agree on is that Mitchell is a no nonsense individual which is what the Hawks are crying out for. Given the athletic talent they have the need for a great x and o guy is not a major requirement. Had it been Mike Woodson would not have lasted as long as he did. In addition some of Sam's best coaching performances were when he had little talent. The Hawks will lose a major piece in Joe Johnson, he seems clearly like he is not coming back. But that being said there is more then enough talent left without him. Which is pretty much what happened in a few playoff games.
Mike Brown was out then in for the moment in Cleveland today. There are other openings out there, but if there is a place the makes the best sense for both parties it is Atlanta and Sam Mitchell. In his time away from the game Sam has said he enjoys the chance to be around his family. If he was able to stay home in Atlanta and do his job that might help mello him out a little bit. Sam has had time to reflect on what he did in Toronto both good and bad. I think the 2nd time around a team will get a bigger and better Sam Mitchell. The Hawks are clearly well down my list of teams I like in the NBA. However for Sam's sake, who I do like, I hope this will work out. If Mike Brown goes he will join a long list of former Coach of the Year winners to be shown the door. That being said I don't think Scott Brooks is worried in OKC with all his young talent. Hawks were once that young up and coming team. The time has come to grow up and man up and who better to make that happen than Sam Mitchell? No one that I can think of. Maybe Jeff Van Gundy but he seems to be having to good a time being on T.V.
Regardless I want to see Sam Mitchell back in my NBA!!!
So why is Sam a right fit for the Hawks?
Simple... this team cries out for discipline and a leader. Sam Mitchell clearly excels at both. Sam had a no nonsense approach to coaching and it is something the Hawks are crying out for. Josh Smith clearly dogged it when he was out there against the Magic. So much so that Hubie Brown on the TNT broadcast went out of his way to point it out. If Sam Mitchell is coaching that team it just would not have been tolerated. Sam had many times in his career with the Raptors where he called out his team for such acts. He held people accountable which is something that was clearly lacking with the Hawks.
Do I know that Sam is on a list of candidates for the Hawks? No. However would they be crazy not to have him on it? Absolutely. Mitchell could also work with a player like an Al Horford and pass along the same lessons and guidance he did with a K.G and Chris Bosh. Horford as much as he will never be on my Christmas card list, was far and away the best player the Hawks had in that series. Joe Johnson leaving will just allow Crawford to enter into to the starting line-up coming off a 6th man of the year award.
Sam Mitchell had many detractors in Toronto but he also had a lot of supporters. The one thing that all would have to agree on is that Mitchell is a no nonsense individual which is what the Hawks are crying out for. Given the athletic talent they have the need for a great x and o guy is not a major requirement. Had it been Mike Woodson would not have lasted as long as he did. In addition some of Sam's best coaching performances were when he had little talent. The Hawks will lose a major piece in Joe Johnson, he seems clearly like he is not coming back. But that being said there is more then enough talent left without him. Which is pretty much what happened in a few playoff games.
Mike Brown was out then in for the moment in Cleveland today. There are other openings out there, but if there is a place the makes the best sense for both parties it is Atlanta and Sam Mitchell. In his time away from the game Sam has said he enjoys the chance to be around his family. If he was able to stay home in Atlanta and do his job that might help mello him out a little bit. Sam has had time to reflect on what he did in Toronto both good and bad. I think the 2nd time around a team will get a bigger and better Sam Mitchell. The Hawks are clearly well down my list of teams I like in the NBA. However for Sam's sake, who I do like, I hope this will work out. If Mike Brown goes he will join a long list of former Coach of the Year winners to be shown the door. That being said I don't think Scott Brooks is worried in OKC with all his young talent. Hawks were once that young up and coming team. The time has come to grow up and man up and who better to make that happen than Sam Mitchell? No one that I can think of. Maybe Jeff Van Gundy but he seems to be having to good a time being on T.V.
Regardless I want to see Sam Mitchell back in my NBA!!!
5/7/10
Other Free Agents Not Named Bosh
I think we have all had are fill of Chris Bosh free agency talk haven't we? But just to be clear Bosh did tweet that he isn't saying he wouldn't consider Toronto. Which to also be clear Tracy McGrady said the same thing (That he would consider Toronto) and signed with Orlando at 12:01 am when free agency opened. Also to be clear, I need a personal break from talking about this and writing about it. So let's talk about some other folks and their future.
Let's start with Joe Johnson who is still in the playoffs and was named to the 3rd team ALL NBA. He has performed terrible for the Hawks. In game 7 vs the Bucks and Game 1 vs the Magic he was awful. It makes you wonder about his free agent status in this market. He is thought to be one of those guys on the B level behind Bosh, James and Wade. But really can you consider him that when he fails to perform in the biggest games of the year for his franchise? The Hawks as a team have been a brutal embarrassment and he is suppose to be one of the key players and leaders on this team. Safe to say if people were considering Johnson they may be rethinking that.
Speaking of Wade he had some interesting comments about the comments about Pat Riley. For some reason Riley decided to express that he would not rule out a return to the sidelines. Stan Van Gundy remembers how that works. But he is happy in Orlando thank you very much. Well as happy as Stan can ever be. Wade also remembers as he pointed out that he did win a title with Riley but also had a terrible season under him as well. That terrible season got the Heat a second overall pick that turned out to be Michael Beasley. Not exactly the Robin to Wade's Batman. While most feel that Wade's return to south beach is a lock. Many also feel that Bosh may be a guy to join him or someone will mention in a minute. I am not sold that Wade is a lock to return and think the front runner to have him leave would be Chicago. If Riley decided to force out another coach it may not be a wise move if he wants to have Wade to coach.
The other name you hear a lot in Miami and in New York is Amare Stoudemire. He is the fall back plan for the Knicks in New York. While in Miami the alternative to Bosh. All of this being said he is doing pretty well where he is with the Suns. He has been rumoured to be out the door with the Suns for what seems like forever. If dare I say the Suns made it to the Finals or won it would that change his thinking? Not sure but here is something to consider for both Amare shoppers and him. You know how you have on your car mirror that printing that says "things in this mirror appear larger and closer than they actually appear". Well the NBA should have a warning attached to free agents that play with Steve Nash. Players that play with Steve may not be as good as you think they are. Want some examples? Joe Johnson is the exception but how about Quinton Richardson, Raja Bell, Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw. No doubt Amare is talented but does he benefit from Nash and the system with the Suns? We may have the answer if he actually leaves. But don't look to his Twitter account for answers anymore than CB4's. Stoudemire last off-season posted on Twitter that he had been traded to the Lakers. It was of course totally bogus. But for about an hour he fooled the world. This summer he may fool someone into over paying for him.
Matt Bonner.....He is a free agent too. Why am I mentioning him? Simple answer is Canada. If Bonner can find a landing spot quickly he may be able to play for Canada in the summer. He also might be someone that the Raptors would look at if Bosh were to go. Not to replace him but to add some depth. It is important to remember not only Bosh is a free agent but so is Amir Johnson. If both were to go Toronto suddenly lacks depth at the 4 and 5 spot. The return of the "Red Rocket" would be nice but will not make up for the loss of Bosh. It won't win Raptors a title ether, but at least Bonner could flash his ring and show them what one looks like. However that maybe just a shot in the dark but let's hope he is signed somewhere so he can play for Canada. Not that Matt Bonner is the number 1 target for any team in the NBA.
That only scratches the surface of a huge free agent class that is going to be one of the most star studded ever. This is in part due to the fact that following summer the CBA will be over and a new one will need to be agreed too. All signs point to that not going well for the players side and even talk of a possible work stoppage. That is why everyone wants their money and they want it now. After this next CBA it may not be there for them.
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