Raptors could have used Chris Bosh last night. He was there dressed for success but not for the game. The Blazers were coming in off a back to back but showed no signs of wear and tear. Hedo Turkoglu had one of his better games as a Raptor in terms of offense (24 points, 8 for 9 from field). However offense and defense was lacking for Toronto. The Raptors for the first time since January 3rd the Raptors failed to score 100 points. So no pizza and in the end no win for Raptors as they lose 101-87 to Portland.
The Raptors did not have an answer to stop the Big 3 for the Blazers of Roy, Miller and Aldridge. The Blazers were going short handed as well without Marcus Camby who they recently acquired from the Clippers. Roy and Miller combined for 38 and the Raptors did a decent job with Aldridge holding him to just 9 points and was just 4-12 from the field. However Rudy Fernandez had 17 points going 3-5 from 3 point range. Bayless also chipped in with 11. In total off the bench Blazers got 35 points from 3 players. Blazers outscored Raptors 35-24 in terms of bench points.
Jay Triano prior to this one said he was hopeful that Chris Bosh would be ready to go Friday when the Raptors take on Lebron James and the Cavs. Safe to say after last night Jay is even more hopeful. He was less than impressed with both his team's defense and the lack of calls going his team's way. However 16 turnovers including 6 (3 Each) by his point guards was a big factor as well in the loss.
The only thing Jay can be happy about is not a lot of people were paying attention to the Raptors yesterday as the fact Canada's Men's Hockey team was playing at the same time. It made for a pretty small crowd at the ACC and safe to say a pretty small viewing audience. The sad reality is fans that were not tuned in did not miss much.
A few more people might be paying attention when Lebron James comes to town for the first time since opening night for the Raptors. James has a new running buddy who is no stranger to Toronto in Antwan Jamison who the Raptors drafted and of course swapped for Vince Carter. The two would eventually end up brother in-laws and Antwan was a regular at Vince's summer charity games in Toronto. Raptors will need to have Bosh back to have any realistic chance in this one.
Showing posts with label Brandon Roy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brandon Roy. Show all posts
2/25/10
2/9/10
"Jiggly Bits" - Danielle de Graauw
Ahhhhh. Love is in the air. With Valentine's Day and the All Star Classic fast approaching, there's lots to be excited about in the NBA. Derrick Rose gets the nod to help the Eastern Conference All-Stars this weekend, "Vinsanity" surfaces again and the Lakers are still on top even without Kobe in the line -up. But we'll get to all that in a minute. First we need to address the ridiculous debate surrounding Hedo Turkoglu and his mask.
A History Behind the Mask
Aside from the fact that he is their 50-million dollar asset, wearing a faceguard is a small price to pay to protect a pre-existing injury before being allowed back on the basketball court. An injury that could possibly keep him sidelined or off the court indefinitely. Apparently he finds it too restrictive. Seriously? This is the same lame argument given for not wearing a neck guard or visor in hockey. I am surprised considering the history of these types of injuries in the NBA, there isn't some kind of document players are required to sign from their trainer or the league saying the mask is required before returning to play. He apparently did not wear one in practice on Monday and eluded to the fact he didn't need to wear it anymore. This worries me.
Consider this. I know many of you watched the Detroit Pistons beat the Lakers in the 2004 NBA Championship Finals. Remember Richard "Rip" Hamilton's performance? Of course you don't because most of the hype from that game came from the clear plastic protective mask he had to wear because of previous fractures to his nose. Six years later, he is still enjoying his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. NBA bad-boy Bill Lambeer wore one and even our beloved Kobe Bryant wore a variation of one in his highschool days. Do you think for one second that if Hedo opts out of the mask even for one game he won't become a target if he isn't already? Defensive plays from Raptors oponents will look to zero in on his face. I know that is an unwritten rule but you know it will happen and has happened. Bill Lambeer, tough guy or no tough guy, supported wearing the mask and said it gave him the confidence to stick his face into any intense rebounding situation and not get hurt. Don't get me wrong, I am a big supporter of Turkoglu. But with the Raptors momentum as of late, they don't need to scratch him due to a re-injured orbital bone.
Who's in, Who's Out - NBA All-Star Weekend
Riding the injury train for a little while longer, Chris Kaman has been selected as an injury replacement to play in the All-Star game this weekend. This must be bittersweet for him after being passed over and it taking Brandon Roy to be scratched for him to relieve his itch to play (so to speak). David Stern's decision to add him makes Kaman the first Clippers all-star since Elton Brand in 2006. I sincerely hope his girlfriend is understanding since he will have to cancel on the Valentine's Day getaway weekend he planned for them.
So excited for Derrick Rose to get his chance to play among the All-Stars. He has really come into his own since overcoming injury and helping the Chicago Bulls get back to where they need to be. This means he won't get to square off against Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings in the Rookie All-Star game. Both hail from Memhpis at the guard position and it would have been great to see them play against each other. I like Tyreke's style of play - you just never know what game tool he'll pull out of his back pocket. What famous Lakers great does this description remind you of? Hmmm..a "magical" number 32? Too early to tell, but I definitely see parrallels.
Ok - so we know Brandon Roy is out and Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony are questionable for Sunday's game. But now Kobe Bryant may not be able to play in his 12th All-Star game. Honestly? This is not a big deal. He's listed as day-to-day but he missed the Lakers win over Portland on Saturday after playing in 235 straight games. This will probably mean he won't see much action in the All-Star game anyway even if he says he is good to play. I say he plays it safe - he's got his eyes on a much bigger prize at the end of the season, anyway.
Vinsanity Makes an Appearance
As a Raptors fan, you either love him or leave him. But whatever side of the fence you sit on, the fact that he scored 48 points against the Hornets the other night deserves at least a round of applause. I don't think he woke up that morning and said "I'm going to score 50 points today" but something needs to be said about being in the zone and running with it - all athletes have a story to tell about that moment. But what's sad about this accomplishment is the Orlando Magic needed almost all of them to beat the New Orleans Hornets 123-117. Where was the support from the rest of his teamates? It's amazing he drained that many (not the first time either -did it in 2005 for New Jersey against Miami with 51 points) but he shouldn't have to do that with an entire team around him. Tracey McGrady had an explosive game nearly six years ago on Orlando's roster too - except this time McGrady racked up 62 points. Don't get me wrong, as a fan of the game it is very entertaining to see a player reach new heights. But I think it says a lot about team depth and coaching when one individual player gets that much of a spotlight just for scoring. There, I've said my bit.
A History Behind the Mask
Aside from the fact that he is their 50-million dollar asset, wearing a faceguard is a small price to pay to protect a pre-existing injury before being allowed back on the basketball court. An injury that could possibly keep him sidelined or off the court indefinitely. Apparently he finds it too restrictive. Seriously? This is the same lame argument given for not wearing a neck guard or visor in hockey. I am surprised considering the history of these types of injuries in the NBA, there isn't some kind of document players are required to sign from their trainer or the league saying the mask is required before returning to play. He apparently did not wear one in practice on Monday and eluded to the fact he didn't need to wear it anymore. This worries me.
Consider this. I know many of you watched the Detroit Pistons beat the Lakers in the 2004 NBA Championship Finals. Remember Richard "Rip" Hamilton's performance? Of course you don't because most of the hype from that game came from the clear plastic protective mask he had to wear because of previous fractures to his nose. Six years later, he is still enjoying his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. NBA bad-boy Bill Lambeer wore one and even our beloved Kobe Bryant wore a variation of one in his highschool days. Do you think for one second that if Hedo opts out of the mask even for one game he won't become a target if he isn't already? Defensive plays from Raptors oponents will look to zero in on his face. I know that is an unwritten rule but you know it will happen and has happened. Bill Lambeer, tough guy or no tough guy, supported wearing the mask and said it gave him the confidence to stick his face into any intense rebounding situation and not get hurt. Don't get me wrong, I am a big supporter of Turkoglu. But with the Raptors momentum as of late, they don't need to scratch him due to a re-injured orbital bone.
Who's in, Who's Out - NBA All-Star Weekend
Riding the injury train for a little while longer, Chris Kaman has been selected as an injury replacement to play in the All-Star game this weekend. This must be bittersweet for him after being passed over and it taking Brandon Roy to be scratched for him to relieve his itch to play (so to speak). David Stern's decision to add him makes Kaman the first Clippers all-star since Elton Brand in 2006. I sincerely hope his girlfriend is understanding since he will have to cancel on the Valentine's Day getaway weekend he planned for them.
So excited for Derrick Rose to get his chance to play among the All-Stars. He has really come into his own since overcoming injury and helping the Chicago Bulls get back to where they need to be. This means he won't get to square off against Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings in the Rookie All-Star game. Both hail from Memhpis at the guard position and it would have been great to see them play against each other. I like Tyreke's style of play - you just never know what game tool he'll pull out of his back pocket. What famous Lakers great does this description remind you of? Hmmm..a "magical" number 32? Too early to tell, but I definitely see parrallels.
Ok - so we know Brandon Roy is out and Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony are questionable for Sunday's game. But now Kobe Bryant may not be able to play in his 12th All-Star game. Honestly? This is not a big deal. He's listed as day-to-day but he missed the Lakers win over Portland on Saturday after playing in 235 straight games. This will probably mean he won't see much action in the All-Star game anyway even if he says he is good to play. I say he plays it safe - he's got his eyes on a much bigger prize at the end of the season, anyway.
Vinsanity Makes an Appearance
As a Raptors fan, you either love him or leave him. But whatever side of the fence you sit on, the fact that he scored 48 points against the Hornets the other night deserves at least a round of applause. I don't think he woke up that morning and said "I'm going to score 50 points today" but something needs to be said about being in the zone and running with it - all athletes have a story to tell about that moment. But what's sad about this accomplishment is the Orlando Magic needed almost all of them to beat the New Orleans Hornets 123-117. Where was the support from the rest of his teamates? It's amazing he drained that many (not the first time either -did it in 2005 for New Jersey against Miami with 51 points) but he shouldn't have to do that with an entire team around him. Tracey McGrady had an explosive game nearly six years ago on Orlando's roster too - except this time McGrady racked up 62 points. Don't get me wrong, as a fan of the game it is very entertaining to see a player reach new heights. But I think it says a lot about team depth and coaching when one individual player gets that much of a spotlight just for scoring. There, I've said my bit.
2/2/10
Jiggly Bits - Danielle de Graauw
So what are you doing for Valentine's Day? I'm spending it watching the classic, yet epic drama that is the NBA All-Star Game. Every year, we talk about who got in and who didn't, who started and who didn't. And to tell you the truth, I agree with the starting line-ups in both the East and the West. However, it would have been nice to see Chris Bosh in that top five. It's too bad the coaches deciding his fate couldn't consider how the Raps have surged foward in the last 5 games. This is his fifth straight all-star game, tying Vince Carter for the most appearances in Raptors history. He's going to be busy between now and the 14th since the game will be played in his hometown of Dallas and everyone will want tickets.
NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Eastern Conference
As you all know, the coaches making selections in both conferences cannot vote for members of their own squad. This year, they've repeated themselves by picking four first-timers as All-Star reserves. Young, too - 23 years old and younger. Al Hortford (23) of the Hawks, Rajon Rondo (23 - he has teammate Paul Pierce for support and guidance in his first all-star appearance) and Bulls point guard, Derrick Rose. Now, Rose has had some injuries to deal with this season and has had to battle back. Since Christmas he has helped the Bulls to a 12-5 record and his personal stats (23.1 points, 6.5 assists, 50% shooting) are totally worthy of a spot on the All-Star Team in the East.
I think the biggest story out of the Eastern Conference Selections with only 6 teams above .500, I don't see any serious snubs. I'm thinking New York Knicks David Lee should have been at least considered. But when you consider the Knicks record so far this season (18-25), you might think this is what held him back. Is this why Chris Bosh was left out of the starting line-up? because of the Raptors record? Some of you might tell me Hedo Turkoglu was passed over, but when you're up against Lebron James, Paul Piece and your own teammate (Bosh) in the forwards category, that's a tough nut to crack. At least he made the list of considerations. Let me know what you think.
NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Western Conference
Deron Williams must be over the moon to be selected this year. He's led the Jazz to the play-offs for the last 3 years, named to the U.S. Olympic Squad, all-around awesome career so far for someone who's just 25 years old and now he's an all-star. Totally agree with this choice. Other new comers in the Western Conference? Thunder forward Kevin Durant - yes. Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies - yes. But here's where I begin to question things. Of the all-star vets that were chosen (Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Brandon Roy and Pau Gasol), Gasol is the surprise for me. I know you are probably thinking he would be the first one from that list I would defend. This is his third time being selected as a back-up centre but he wasn't even the "every day center" for the Lakers (Andrew Bynum is). Gasol has also missed 17 games so far this season. Are we thinking his superior games played aside from those missed games were so incredibly awe-inspiring, it out-weighed even his dip in the scoring category? Hmm. Something to think about.
Overall, the selections by the West coaches went pretty much according to schedule. But I thought for sure Chris Kaman was going to get the nod since he's been snubbed for the second time. Just looking at the stats and comparing him to other centres in the West, he's having a great season. Plus, the Clippers are making a real run for the play-offs (just ignore the 20-25 record part of that equation).
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Dream Team
Yes, there is a connection - sort of. So I was reading an article recently talking about where all the 2010 Winter Olympic Athletes will stay while the games are on. Guess who said this: "I'm a black millionaire - I've earned the right to stay where I want to stay". Give up? Charles Barkley. He was responding to all the hoopla surrounding the U.S. Olympic Basketball team staying at a $900-per-night hotel rather than the Olympic village back in 1992. In 2004, the "Dream Team" stayed on a luxury cruise-liner during the Athens games. Seriously? This SO bothers me. Sure, some countries competing have more money, resources and talent, but it becomes a level playing field when the athletes stay together in the Olympic Village - away from the fans and the media. It takes away from the experience and the spirit of the games when we go galavanting around five-star hotels, whining there isn't a mint on the pillow. Bad move by Team U.S.A. organizers - hope they get it right next time. There - I've said my bit.
NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Eastern Conference
As you all know, the coaches making selections in both conferences cannot vote for members of their own squad. This year, they've repeated themselves by picking four first-timers as All-Star reserves. Young, too - 23 years old and younger. Al Hortford (23) of the Hawks, Rajon Rondo (23 - he has teammate Paul Pierce for support and guidance in his first all-star appearance) and Bulls point guard, Derrick Rose. Now, Rose has had some injuries to deal with this season and has had to battle back. Since Christmas he has helped the Bulls to a 12-5 record and his personal stats (23.1 points, 6.5 assists, 50% shooting) are totally worthy of a spot on the All-Star Team in the East.
I think the biggest story out of the Eastern Conference Selections with only 6 teams above .500, I don't see any serious snubs. I'm thinking New York Knicks David Lee should have been at least considered. But when you consider the Knicks record so far this season (18-25), you might think this is what held him back. Is this why Chris Bosh was left out of the starting line-up? because of the Raptors record? Some of you might tell me Hedo Turkoglu was passed over, but when you're up against Lebron James, Paul Piece and your own teammate (Bosh) in the forwards category, that's a tough nut to crack. At least he made the list of considerations. Let me know what you think.
NBA ALL-STAR SELECTIONS - Western Conference
Deron Williams must be over the moon to be selected this year. He's led the Jazz to the play-offs for the last 3 years, named to the U.S. Olympic Squad, all-around awesome career so far for someone who's just 25 years old and now he's an all-star. Totally agree with this choice. Other new comers in the Western Conference? Thunder forward Kevin Durant - yes. Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies - yes. But here's where I begin to question things. Of the all-star vets that were chosen (Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Brandon Roy and Pau Gasol), Gasol is the surprise for me. I know you are probably thinking he would be the first one from that list I would defend. This is his third time being selected as a back-up centre but he wasn't even the "every day center" for the Lakers (Andrew Bynum is). Gasol has also missed 17 games so far this season. Are we thinking his superior games played aside from those missed games were so incredibly awe-inspiring, it out-weighed even his dip in the scoring category? Hmm. Something to think about.
Overall, the selections by the West coaches went pretty much according to schedule. But I thought for sure Chris Kaman was going to get the nod since he's been snubbed for the second time. Just looking at the stats and comparing him to other centres in the West, he's having a great season. Plus, the Clippers are making a real run for the play-offs (just ignore the 20-25 record part of that equation).
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Dream Team
Yes, there is a connection - sort of. So I was reading an article recently talking about where all the 2010 Winter Olympic Athletes will stay while the games are on. Guess who said this: "I'm a black millionaire - I've earned the right to stay where I want to stay". Give up? Charles Barkley. He was responding to all the hoopla surrounding the U.S. Olympic Basketball team staying at a $900-per-night hotel rather than the Olympic village back in 1992. In 2004, the "Dream Team" stayed on a luxury cruise-liner during the Athens games. Seriously? This SO bothers me. Sure, some countries competing have more money, resources and talent, but it becomes a level playing field when the athletes stay together in the Olympic Village - away from the fans and the media. It takes away from the experience and the spirit of the games when we go galavanting around five-star hotels, whining there isn't a mint on the pillow. Bad move by Team U.S.A. organizers - hope they get it right next time. There - I've said my bit.
1/6/09
The Raptor Roller Coaster- All Aboard!!!
When you choose to be a sports fan you are basically taking your emotions on a roller coaster ride. It has those extreme highs where you think you are just going to keep climbing till you can reach the moon. Suddenly without warning you go falling back down crashing towards the ground and you scream. That is what it can be like and from game to game you never know what might happen. If you have ever been to Disney World and got on the ride Space Mountain that is basically what it is like. Sometimes you just want to close you eyes tight and wait till the ride is over. The Raptors who had fought hard to beat a good team in Orlando in almost the same position exactly last night the would crumble down the stretch. Last night may have given folks T.J Ford or Mike James flashbacks based on Will Solomon's actions down the stretch. Andera Bargnani and Chris Bosh have over 50 points combined and Will Solomon is having a terrible shooting night. But yet we see Will Solomon not once but twice jack up long range bombs. That just goes against common sense and logic. I mean if you have an open look sometimes it is because a team doesn't think you can make a shot. The Raptors will say that is why they didn't worry about Luke Ridnour as he took two long range shots as well. He would make both of his. That is the difference between a goat and a hero. If he were to have missed his shots, Buck fans would have the same reason to complain. Michael Redd and Charlie Villanueva had even better nights going for the Bucks. No one said being a pro athlete was fair did they? It is anything but fair.
Charlie V Is Same Old Charlie
Now I admit that I have not went out and confirmed this as fact. Still I am willing to bet on a few Raptor fan sites and posting boards someone is saying see Raptors never should have traded Villianueva. I would also bet they never watched the game couple nights before where he stunk against the Bobcats. You might have taken notice that he was not starting for the Bucks as well. There is reason for that I am sure. It might just be that Charlie V remains the same talented but inconsistent player that the Raptors traded to Milwaukee. Remember when ESPN ripped Charlie on draft night and he went on to have a successful first year here in Toronto. Well one of the knocks from the guys on ESPN was his desire to work hard and be consistent on a nightly basis. Look back on his career and can you debate that they were wrong? I can't make the case despite the fact Charlie as a person may be one of the best people you will find in going around the league. There was a reason that the Bucks drafted Yi Jianlian and Luc Mbah A Moute. It had nothing to do with giving their announcers headaches in trying to learn to say those names. What it had to do with is they are not sold on Charlie Villianueva as the answer for them at that position. It is not like the Bucks are drafting a shooting guard in the first round or a Center. They have faith in both Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut to play starters minutes at those positions.
The problem is that most Raptor fans only watch Charlie Villianueva in the few times he plays the Raptors in a season. There is no question that he has a chip on his shoulder for these games against the Raptors. I think he truly took in personally that he was traded by the Raptors and it shows every time he suits up against them. It is much like how Andre Iguodala feels about the Raptors passing over him in the draft for Haffa or Hoffa or complete bust take your pick. But they do not watch the rest of the games the Bucks play and see highlights or read boxscores the rest of the time. The truth is Charlie V is that same guy he was when he was dealt in a lot of ways. He has the talent to have nights like last night or the time he poured in 48 points against the Bucks as a Raptor. But he also can just as easily play with disinterest and be a complete non factor. Raptor fans complain at the lack of consistent play from Andrea Bargnani well Charlie V can be just as inconsistent with his game as Bargnani. The one thing he would provide when he is on his game more than Andrea is rebounding. However Andrea when he is on can provide more shoot blocking and offers a much more consistent shot from long range when he is on his game. Charlie is a great guy and I am not here to say that if he had remained with the Raptors I would not still like him and cheer for him. What I am saying is he is not as good a player as he gets made out to be by some Raptor Fans. In the end he is a lot closer to the player that ESPN thought he was than the one Raptors fans think he is.
Charlie V Is Same Old Charlie
Now I admit that I have not went out and confirmed this as fact. Still I am willing to bet on a few Raptor fan sites and posting boards someone is saying see Raptors never should have traded Villianueva. I would also bet they never watched the game couple nights before where he stunk against the Bobcats. You might have taken notice that he was not starting for the Bucks as well. There is reason for that I am sure. It might just be that Charlie V remains the same talented but inconsistent player that the Raptors traded to Milwaukee. Remember when ESPN ripped Charlie on draft night and he went on to have a successful first year here in Toronto. Well one of the knocks from the guys on ESPN was his desire to work hard and be consistent on a nightly basis. Look back on his career and can you debate that they were wrong? I can't make the case despite the fact Charlie as a person may be one of the best people you will find in going around the league. There was a reason that the Bucks drafted Yi Jianlian and Luc Mbah A Moute. It had nothing to do with giving their announcers headaches in trying to learn to say those names. What it had to do with is they are not sold on Charlie Villianueva as the answer for them at that position. It is not like the Bucks are drafting a shooting guard in the first round or a Center. They have faith in both Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut to play starters minutes at those positions.
The problem is that most Raptor fans only watch Charlie Villianueva in the few times he plays the Raptors in a season. There is no question that he has a chip on his shoulder for these games against the Raptors. I think he truly took in personally that he was traded by the Raptors and it shows every time he suits up against them. It is much like how Andre Iguodala feels about the Raptors passing over him in the draft for Haffa or Hoffa or complete bust take your pick. But they do not watch the rest of the games the Bucks play and see highlights or read boxscores the rest of the time. The truth is Charlie V is that same guy he was when he was dealt in a lot of ways. He has the talent to have nights like last night or the time he poured in 48 points against the Bucks as a Raptor. But he also can just as easily play with disinterest and be a complete non factor. Raptor fans complain at the lack of consistent play from Andrea Bargnani well Charlie V can be just as inconsistent with his game as Bargnani. The one thing he would provide when he is on his game more than Andrea is rebounding. However Andrea when he is on can provide more shoot blocking and offers a much more consistent shot from long range when he is on his game. Charlie is a great guy and I am not here to say that if he had remained with the Raptors I would not still like him and cheer for him. What I am saying is he is not as good a player as he gets made out to be by some Raptor Fans. In the end he is a lot closer to the player that ESPN thought he was than the one Raptors fans think he is.
Opportunity Is Still Knocking If Raptors Can Answer
Sure last night was a disappointment and the Raptors basically cancelled out one of those surprising wins they earned over Houston and Orlando. Still they have a chance to keep it rolling in the right direction with games against the Wizards and Grizzlies. It is even more important when you consider the next two after that. Back to back, home and home, with the Boston Celtics who have suddenly dropped a few and have people questioning if they are truly the best in the league. That could make the Raptors the perfect platform to make a loud statement against. It all means that you need to take care of your business in these next two games.
The Wizards can laugh at how disappointed and frustrated Raptors fans are at their season. I mean they are going through a cruel version of deja vu. Last year they had a star player that was writing more blogs then he was playing games. This year the re-signed that player for over 100 million dollars and he still is blogging and not playing. Lot of folks like Gilbert Arenas and think he is a truly colourful character. That is true and he was at one time a very talented player. After two years of being on the IR and blogging more then he has been playing does not seem good. I think he may just end up being a huge elephant in the room with his large contract. The Gilbert Arenas prior to injury was worth that contract. The one that sat out the majority of last season was not. That mistake of re-signing Arenas may cost the Wizards for a long time to come. If only it was just Arenas who was getting injured but Jamison and Butler have had their share as well. It would all lead to Eddie Jordan being shown the door. I feel bad for him because I think given what he has had to deal with in Washington he had done a remarkable job. If he was a name that came up for the Raptors job I would not be disappointed to have him. Washington is 3-7 in their last 10 games which for them is improvement. They are a sad and pathetic 7-25 on the season and dead last in the Eastern Conference.
Memphis is a much different case as they have a lot of hope for the future. O.J Mayo is the real deal and when you also have Pau Gasol's baby brother Marc you have the start of some pretty nice building blocks. Memphis is 11-23 and far out classed in the Western Conference. But they can look at a team like Portland as reason to be hopeful for the future. The Raptors can not afford to over look anyone at this point. If Jay Triano wants to make that point clear, watching the last 5 minutes of the OKC game is a great way to drive home your point. The Raptors again sit in a spot where they can make a few steps back towards respectability or they can stumble and fall and dig a whole deeper that is already pretty massive. It is a lot to ask of a team that is down it's starting center and point guard but they have shown that they are able to do it. The question now becomes if they can do it consistently. It is a lot easier to bring you max effort against someone that you know is better. It is a different challenge to do that against a team that is struggling like you are.
Bryan Colangelo Is Playing The Game
I don't think anything that Bryan Colangelo does in not done without a thought process behind it. He was been doing interviews of late and sending out some messages. The question becomes who is the audience for these comments. Is it an angry fan base that is starting to question his choices. Could it be that he has not been happy with what he has been hearing on the phone and is sending out a message that this is not a fire sale in Toronto. There is no real way to tell why Bryan has chosen now to start a bit of a media appearance spree. But clearly even with out him taking part in the process he has been the talk around the league as eveyone is waiting to see what move he is going to make. About the only thing that you will not find to read is that Bryan Colangelo is NOT going to make a move before the February trade deadeline. Everyone around the league expects him to make a move. Given his past reputation some even expect it to be a big move. That is a lot of hype and pressure to live up too. I some how feel that Bryan understands that this next move no matter what it is will be key to how people view his career in Toronto. He is as aware as anyone that this is a what have you done for me lately business.
Colangelo has stuck to his guns to this point and has defending his number one selection Andrea Bargnani. He has said that they have not made an offer to another team that includes Bargnani. He says he takes many calls about his availability. Colangelo in his defensive of the pick of Andrea said that he even said that Brandon Roy was going to win the Rookie of the Year. He said that Bargnani was picked for a variety of reasons and he was the best fit for the Raptors. The comment about Roy is true as Colangelo was on the record as saying that Brandon Roy was the most NBA ready of the players in the draft. So that would not be far from saying he would be the rookie of the year. He even went as far as to praise Roy and how he is getting to the level of a superstar player in the league. He said if people are going to compare Andrea to Brandon Roy than Andrea could be considered a failure for some. He suggested that it was more about judging Andrea on his own merits. He pointed to his youth and the fact that they had been asking him to learn several positions. He didn't go as far as saying that was a mistake but you were left with the impression that is what he was saying without saying it.
This season before it started I said would end up deciding the Sam Mitchell debate. Well it has done that in a negative way. Although Sam is starting to do his thing on T.V as he made a guest appearence on NBA T.V on the weekend. Thanks to Holly Mackenzie for giving that a mention. I have no doubt if Sam wants a career in T.V he can have a long and successful one. But I don't think he is ready to settle into a media career just yet. However turning back to Colangelo in firing Mitchell he has now made this season a lot about his legacy as the G.M and President. He will have one last card to play even if he does not find the trade to save the season. In fact he could have a couple depending on what he does. The most obvious is he will be in a spot to hire a coach that is his guy and their will be no debate about it even if that guy was Jay Triano. The other chip he has is that massive contract of Jermaine O'Neal. The 2010 frenzy is only going to grow as the year gets closer. A contract worth 23 million dollars of cap space is almost as valuable as any player in the league at this point given the free agents that are out there to be had in 2010. The longer and closer to that time the more attractive Jermaine O'Neal and his contract will become. There is no question this big chip to play of keep was at the core of why Colangelo made the trade in the summer to acquire O'Neal. If O'Neal was able to perform well on top of that it was going to be a win win situation. It has turned into a lose win situation. That contract is still a valuable asset to have no matter the win total the Raptors end up with this season. Colangelo is not going to give it up unless he gets exactly what he wants in return.
So for a lot of reasons you can expect the roller coaster ride to continue on for the rest of this season and will get really wild as we get closer to trade deadline day. It may not be as fun as you like but it sure does make for a lot of information and speculation to keep up to date on. I'd love for someday a G.M to write a book long after he retired and recount all of the things that happened behind the scenes. If Bryan Colangelo were to write that book I would be in the front of the line to buy it.
12/27/08
Raptors Rewind- You Never Promised Me A Rose Garden Edition
1st Quarter
Well the first six minutes of this game was making me look pretty smart. I had said prior to this one it would be a battle between the young bigs of Oden and Aldridge and the more experienced Bosh and O'Neal. Well 26 of the first 28 points of the game were scored by those 4 players. Brandon Roy would break a 14-14 tie with a basket and he would follow up with another basket to follow that up and the Blazers had a 4 point advantage. The is after the Raptors had come back from being down 12-6. Bosh got to the line and made a pair and Andrea Bargnani who checked in for O'Neal made his first jumper. We were tied again at 18. But the Blazer again would push back in front. scoring 4 straight until Jose Calderon would respond with a jump shot. Jose would get another basket via his jump shot and all even at 22 again.
Anthony Parker would hit a big 3-ball after Portland had scored to take the lead. Andrea Bargnani would score on a second chance for the Raptors thanks to J.O rebounding his own miss. Channing Frye would score at the buzzer but the Raptors battled back for 6 points down to have a 28-26 after the first quarter of play.
2nd Quarter
Rudy Fernandez would score the 3-ball for the Blazers and they were back in front. But Andrea Bargnani had his groove on with another 3-ball. Will Solomon would get another 3 pointer for the Raptors and they had a 34-31 lead. Andrea Bargnani would score a 2-ball this time and Raptors had their largest lead of the night of five points with the score 36-31. Raptors would build the lead up to 7. But the Blazers would respond with an Outlaw 3-ball cutting the lead down to 4. Will Solomon was doing a good job leading the Raptor offense and they would build the lead back to 6 points with the score 40-34.
Greg Oden was back on the floor had he had his first basket since in flurry early on. But the Raptors would answer that with a 3-ball. Brandon Roy had a bucket that would be answered with a Jamario Moon jam. Raptors lead the game 45-39 with 4:10 to go in the half. Blazers and Raps exchange two point buckets and the lead remained at 7 points. Chris Bosh showed Greg Oden a little something with a nice move and a jam and a foul. It would give Bosh 3 points and the Raptors a 50-40 lead. Oden would get sent to the line and make a pair. Brandon Roy would follow up with a jumper for 2 for Portland. But Parker had a 3-ball and Bosh would score again and he now had 15 thus far tonight. Most important to him his Raptors had a 55-44 lead. Oden would make a pair from the line but Jay Triano would draw up a play that would get Bosh a score. But Travis Outlaw would get a miracle toss from half court to cut the Raptor lead to 8 at the half leading 57-49.
3rd Quarter
Raptors shot 52% form the field and they were 6-8 from 3 point range. But it was Lamarcus Aldridge that would open the scoring. But Chris Bosh responded with a basket from him to start the half he had 19 points to this point. Greg Oden was having a nice night with a number of powerful slams and he had 16 for his side including his latest monster dunk. Jermaine O'Neal would respond with a bucket for bucket. The Blazers would drain a long range bomb to pull with in 5 points and Lamarcus Aldridge would make that a 3 point Raptor lead with the score 61-58. Bosh would drive and looked to be fouled but no call came. The lead remained at just 3 points for the Raptors. Bosh was forced into a fad away jumper from a long way out which he would miss but Jamario Moon was there to jam in the rebound. Steve Blake would come down to the other end and knock down a 3-ball with ease. Blake would get another look to take the lead but that would catch iron. J.O would miss his first attempt but the Raptors would get a second chance with a rebound and J.O would drive to the basket on his second chance to score and not miss. Raptor lead 65-61 with a time out on the floor.
Travis Outlaw would score on a fading jumper in the land out of the time out. Lamarcus Aldridge would tie the score on the next trip up the floor for the Blazers. The lead that late in the first half had grown to 11 was all gone. 65 all and a brand new ball game. Aldridge would get to the line and make a pair to give the Blazers the lead. They would score again to extend the lead to 4 points. Chris Bosh would drive and draw the foul and almost made it an and one bit it would fall out. So he would head to the line for a pair that he would make. Andrea Bargnani had a chance to put the Raptors back in front but he would miss the 3-ball. Will Solomon would make a bad pass that would go out of bounds and the Raptors missed another chance to pull even. Raptors would trail 69-67 after 3 quarters of play.
4th Quarter
Raptors shooting % sunk down to 43% after the 3rd quarter. But they were still in the basketball game. Took over a minute and half for someone to score. But Chris Bosh would bust open the score sheet with a basket to tie it at 69. But after that the Blazers would run off 4 straight. But Andrea Bargnani would answer that with a 3-ball which Brandon Roy would answer with a 3 pointer of his own and it was 76-72. Lamarcus Aldridge was being good all night long.He scored again and Roy followed that up with a basket and another. Raptor were now looking an eight point deficit square in the face.
Jerrmaine O'Neal had the ball swiped away by Roy and wanted a foul. Instead it would be another Aldridge score and an 84-74 lead for the Blazers. Moon would respond with a score only to have Brandon Roy answer with a 3 pointer. He would get another basket and Jay Triano like his team was frustrated with the non-calls as well and get a technical foul. But in reality he was likely as frustrated his team had no answers for Aldridge and Roy. Raptors who once lead by 11 now trailed by 13 points with the score 89-76. Roy would continue to dazzle with another score. J.O would come back with a jam plus a foul and pull the Raptors back to down 10 points at 91-81 with just under 4 minutes to play. There was time left to make a comeback but it would not be easy. Bosh would get to the line with 3:08 left on the clock for a pair. He would make both and the lead was 8 points for the Blazers. Bosh had 27 points on the night for the Raptors. Brandon Roy would take a tumble at hands of Jamario Moon and head to the line and calm as can be make a pair. Bosh quickly answered with 2 for the Raptors. Steve Blake would score with a one handed runner. J.O would respond but the Raptors needed stops. But they were not coming as the Blazers got a dunk to push the lead back to 10 points at 97-87. This game was done for the most part. Raptors once again played well but not good enough. They could not find that complete 48 minutes it would take to beat a quality opponent. Raptors would fumble and bumble their way down the final minute or so. The Blazers would dribble out a season sweep of the Raptors with a 102-89 win over Toronto.
Blazers/Raps Boxscore
I am a bit under the weather so if there is some editing that is lacking it will get done tomorrow morning. I also had to reboot the computer right before the start hence the bit of strange start to this Raptor Rewind with no set-up and Raptor Rewind Logo. But I was able to stay healthy enough to keep hitting keys. So I will be happy for that. Got an interview to put together tomorrow as well. It will get done but may be a little slower then I would like. But it is for a good cause getting Raptors on TSN 2 for everyone so I will get it done. I may just have to stop to blow my nose or but some ice on my head. But enough complaining from me. Raptors have a tough loss tonight and once again can't close the deal on a good team. Nothing new to report there.
Well the first six minutes of this game was making me look pretty smart. I had said prior to this one it would be a battle between the young bigs of Oden and Aldridge and the more experienced Bosh and O'Neal. Well 26 of the first 28 points of the game were scored by those 4 players. Brandon Roy would break a 14-14 tie with a basket and he would follow up with another basket to follow that up and the Blazers had a 4 point advantage. The is after the Raptors had come back from being down 12-6. Bosh got to the line and made a pair and Andrea Bargnani who checked in for O'Neal made his first jumper. We were tied again at 18. But the Blazer again would push back in front. scoring 4 straight until Jose Calderon would respond with a jump shot. Jose would get another basket via his jump shot and all even at 22 again.
Anthony Parker would hit a big 3-ball after Portland had scored to take the lead. Andrea Bargnani would score on a second chance for the Raptors thanks to J.O rebounding his own miss. Channing Frye would score at the buzzer but the Raptors battled back for 6 points down to have a 28-26 after the first quarter of play.
2nd Quarter
Rudy Fernandez would score the 3-ball for the Blazers and they were back in front. But Andrea Bargnani had his groove on with another 3-ball. Will Solomon would get another 3 pointer for the Raptors and they had a 34-31 lead. Andrea Bargnani would score a 2-ball this time and Raptors had their largest lead of the night of five points with the score 36-31. Raptors would build the lead up to 7. But the Blazers would respond with an Outlaw 3-ball cutting the lead down to 4. Will Solomon was doing a good job leading the Raptor offense and they would build the lead back to 6 points with the score 40-34.
Greg Oden was back on the floor had he had his first basket since in flurry early on. But the Raptors would answer that with a 3-ball. Brandon Roy had a bucket that would be answered with a Jamario Moon jam. Raptors lead the game 45-39 with 4:10 to go in the half. Blazers and Raps exchange two point buckets and the lead remained at 7 points. Chris Bosh showed Greg Oden a little something with a nice move and a jam and a foul. It would give Bosh 3 points and the Raptors a 50-40 lead. Oden would get sent to the line and make a pair. Brandon Roy would follow up with a jumper for 2 for Portland. But Parker had a 3-ball and Bosh would score again and he now had 15 thus far tonight. Most important to him his Raptors had a 55-44 lead. Oden would make a pair from the line but Jay Triano would draw up a play that would get Bosh a score. But Travis Outlaw would get a miracle toss from half court to cut the Raptor lead to 8 at the half leading 57-49.
3rd Quarter
Raptors shot 52% form the field and they were 6-8 from 3 point range. But it was Lamarcus Aldridge that would open the scoring. But Chris Bosh responded with a basket from him to start the half he had 19 points to this point. Greg Oden was having a nice night with a number of powerful slams and he had 16 for his side including his latest monster dunk. Jermaine O'Neal would respond with a bucket for bucket. The Blazers would drain a long range bomb to pull with in 5 points and Lamarcus Aldridge would make that a 3 point Raptor lead with the score 61-58. Bosh would drive and looked to be fouled but no call came. The lead remained at just 3 points for the Raptors. Bosh was forced into a fad away jumper from a long way out which he would miss but Jamario Moon was there to jam in the rebound. Steve Blake would come down to the other end and knock down a 3-ball with ease. Blake would get another look to take the lead but that would catch iron. J.O would miss his first attempt but the Raptors would get a second chance with a rebound and J.O would drive to the basket on his second chance to score and not miss. Raptor lead 65-61 with a time out on the floor.
Travis Outlaw would score on a fading jumper in the land out of the time out. Lamarcus Aldridge would tie the score on the next trip up the floor for the Blazers. The lead that late in the first half had grown to 11 was all gone. 65 all and a brand new ball game. Aldridge would get to the line and make a pair to give the Blazers the lead. They would score again to extend the lead to 4 points. Chris Bosh would drive and draw the foul and almost made it an and one bit it would fall out. So he would head to the line for a pair that he would make. Andrea Bargnani had a chance to put the Raptors back in front but he would miss the 3-ball. Will Solomon would make a bad pass that would go out of bounds and the Raptors missed another chance to pull even. Raptors would trail 69-67 after 3 quarters of play.
4th Quarter
Raptors shooting % sunk down to 43% after the 3rd quarter. But they were still in the basketball game. Took over a minute and half for someone to score. But Chris Bosh would bust open the score sheet with a basket to tie it at 69. But after that the Blazers would run off 4 straight. But Andrea Bargnani would answer that with a 3-ball which Brandon Roy would answer with a 3 pointer of his own and it was 76-72. Lamarcus Aldridge was being good all night long.He scored again and Roy followed that up with a basket and another. Raptor were now looking an eight point deficit square in the face.
Jerrmaine O'Neal had the ball swiped away by Roy and wanted a foul. Instead it would be another Aldridge score and an 84-74 lead for the Blazers. Moon would respond with a score only to have Brandon Roy answer with a 3 pointer. He would get another basket and Jay Triano like his team was frustrated with the non-calls as well and get a technical foul. But in reality he was likely as frustrated his team had no answers for Aldridge and Roy. Raptors who once lead by 11 now trailed by 13 points with the score 89-76. Roy would continue to dazzle with another score. J.O would come back with a jam plus a foul and pull the Raptors back to down 10 points at 91-81 with just under 4 minutes to play. There was time left to make a comeback but it would not be easy. Bosh would get to the line with 3:08 left on the clock for a pair. He would make both and the lead was 8 points for the Blazers. Bosh had 27 points on the night for the Raptors. Brandon Roy would take a tumble at hands of Jamario Moon and head to the line and calm as can be make a pair. Bosh quickly answered with 2 for the Raptors. Steve Blake would score with a one handed runner. J.O would respond but the Raptors needed stops. But they were not coming as the Blazers got a dunk to push the lead back to 10 points at 97-87. This game was done for the most part. Raptors once again played well but not good enough. They could not find that complete 48 minutes it would take to beat a quality opponent. Raptors would fumble and bumble their way down the final minute or so. The Blazers would dribble out a season sweep of the Raptors with a 102-89 win over Toronto.
Blazers/Raps Boxscore
I am a bit under the weather so if there is some editing that is lacking it will get done tomorrow morning. I also had to reboot the computer right before the start hence the bit of strange start to this Raptor Rewind with no set-up and Raptor Rewind Logo. But I was able to stay healthy enough to keep hitting keys. So I will be happy for that. Got an interview to put together tomorrow as well. It will get done but may be a little slower then I would like. But it is for a good cause getting Raptors on TSN 2 for everyone so I will get it done. I may just have to stop to blow my nose or but some ice on my head. But enough complaining from me. Raptors have a tough loss tonight and once again can't close the deal on a good team. Nothing new to report there.
Can Raptors Make It Past A Road Block In Portland?
Toronto Raptors have got back to back wins as the head north to Portland. Now I understand the Clippers and the Kings will never be confused with a top tier team in the NBA. But the fact the Raptors have been able to build on what Jay Triano is trying to do is a good thing. No matter who is in front of you the fact that you are winning games is positive re-enforcement for what the team is trying to do. Everyone was upset by the events in Oklahoma City but you have to move forward from it. The Raptors have done that. A good effort in a lose to the Spurs and two wins over Kings and Clippers. It is a start to what will be a long road back for the Raptors.
J.O Starting To Show Signs
Jermaine O'Neal had one of his best efforts as a Raptor last night. He was getting just about anything he wanted as he shot an amazing 15-19 from the field. Even though the trade that brought O'Neal here has been questioned. I think J.O himself has been a solid player for this Raptor squad when he has been healthy. He was done what he can to contribute on both ends of the floor. He may not have been as a big a rebounding force that some might have hoped. But he is bringing effort and energy to a defense that has been badly in need of it. What has been disappointing is that the players around him have not been as effective as people expected to this point. I really felt the Raptors would be better defensive wise with J.O. They have started to show signs of that under Triano but it is far from perfect.
I have been impressed with Jermaine and his attitude to this point. He has shown a real professionalism in dealing with the media and has been a model citizen from the outside looking in. I liked his latest comments that there is no more time for excuses. O'Neal said it is time to start putting those words into action on the floor. He did that last night and was key to the Raptors success. A much different challenge lies in front of him tonight. Greg Oden and Lamarcus Aldridge are a good test and challenge for O'Neal and Bosh. A true match of youth versus experience. It will really present a challenge for O'Neal who started his career with the Blazers and was not able to get much time on the floor straight out of high school. He has to be amused at looking at this team now that is all about youth and letting young players play. But it is hard to argue the talent the Blazers have with Brandon Roy, Oden, Aldridge and I could list a few more. J.O was not the problem in the trade made. The problem if you were looking for one might be that the Raptors failed to address the loss of depth it created. J.O's contract and not J.O is to blame for that. However that was always part of the attraction in taking him is that 23 million dollars that he is due to be paid next season. It is an impressive bargaining chip to have as we head towards the arms race of the NBA in 2010. Bryan Colangelo for all the abuse he is taking at the moment may end up being the smart guy we all thought he was in 2010. But people see what is happening now and are worried to angry about the short term outlook and with good reason.
What I thought the Raptors did wrong was over selling O'Neal after the trade. I can't tell you how many times I heard how he was a 6 time All-Star. But that was in the past. In the present J.O still can have All-Star like nights but to suggest or imply he was going to be an All-Star level play this year was wrong. For him to have a healthy and productive season should have been the pitch. The Toronto Maple Leafs as much as I hate to admit it did something right this year. They under sold the team so much that fans are impressed with there above lousy performance this year. But it was hard for the Raptors to under sell a player that they gave up so much for to bring here. But at the end of all of it from my perspective I am getting the Jermaine O'Neal I expected to see. The only surprise for me is the fact he has been such a stand-up guy with the media and fans. He stays focused on the task and not even this latest side show like attempt from a porn star to get attention has stopped him from sticking to the task at hand. Being such a huge fan of T.J Ford it is possible that I wanted to hate J.O in some way. But I promised that I would keep an open mind and I have done that and it has allowed me to become a fan of him.
Oh Andrea What To Do About You?
It is really a hard thing to figure out what to do about Andrea Bargnani. Please don't tell us about how we could have had Brandon Roy. Drafts are wonderful to look back on years later. But the reality is that Roy was a projected number 5 pick. You want to make an argument about Aldridge or Bargnani I will listen to that as they were projected to go near the top of the draft. I have always said you want to look at a team that should be sorry go to Minnesota. They not only traded Roy this past year they traded O.J Mayo. Maybe that is why Kevin McCale has been called into duty as coach of the T-Wolves and I would suspect has not much job security left in Minnesota.
The problem of what to do with Andrea Bargnani is a tough one. The danger is if you trade him and he has success, those same people that are singing the praises of Brandon Roy will be saying they should have kept Bargnani. That is the thing about writing a blog you can't be so easy to blow with the wind. There is a written document that is out there that can be used against you if you do. In the history of this blog I have flip flopped on Bargnani a couple of times. But I am convinced of a few things that make me think you need to trade him. Here is what they are in no particular order of importance:
- Andrea Bargnani in his head is convinced he is a power Forward(4). I see him try to play at other spots on the floor and he does at times make effort. But there is no real confidence in him to play those spots on the floor. So do you really want a first round draft choice as the back-up to your star player that plays at his best position? I think not. I also don't think you trade Bosh and keep Bargnani. Bosh has proven he is good and Bargnani has only shown he has the talent to be good. That is a major difference.
- Confidence issues will haunt Andrea forever. I remember reading and hearing about how well Andrea tested out as far as intellect and confidence. Well I am not here to get into a debate on if you can actually test those type of things. Paul Jones has a masters in sports psychology I will make sure to ask him next time we talk. But all I know is the test was flawed in the case of Andrea. He may have the smarts and basketball IQ. But the confidence was never there for very long and he just seems to be always in a state of a crisis of confidence
- Bryan Colangelo claims he takes many calls on Andrea. I say answer the phone and make a deal out of one of those calls. The reason being is what happens when the phone stops ringing. Eventually people are going to lose confidence in Andrea and his ability to be a steal or diamond in the rough. The longer you wait in my mind the worse the offers will become.
- The improvements on defense are not enough to out weigh the regression on offense. He does not shoot the ball with any kind of consistency and I am deeply concerned for a guy who is a shooter he does not seem to make enough shots. Jason Kapono takes a lot of abuse from Raptor fans but I am more confident in him making a shot or a good choice than I am Andrea.
CB4 Is Not For Sale
About the only thing that has been made clear by Colangelo is the Chris Bosh is not for sale to any buyer. Why on earth would he be. I find it totally crazy to hear people talking about trading Bosh. Some of those same people were saying he was playing like an M.V.P a month earlier. It is hard for me to imagine a trade situation in which Bosh would not be the best player in a trade. People are using terms like blowing up this team and starting over. That is not the plan and likely will not be any time soon. Bryan Colangelo has designed this roster to be able to be rebuild in 2010 and it is not going to happen until that point. He does not have to cash in his chips early to react to a losing season and cure the short term concerns of the fan base. He is not going to give up the cap space he has been building unless he feels it is a move that can address both the short and long term needs of this franchise.
In thinking of Bryan Colangelo I tend to see him in terms of poker. This season has been to this point a lot of bad hands for Colangelo. But it is a foolish poker player that tries to force his hand when he does not have the cards to win. The last thing I would call Bryan Colangelo is foolish. He may take a small risk and look for a high reward at this point but he is far from pushing all in with a weak hand and taking his chances.
Maybe some just didn't understand what the deal was with the O'Neal trade. Bryan Colangelo sold it strong as it was a move for the short term. Maybe he was bluffing us all with saying this was the most talented roster ever. But he know the big pot of this poker game that is the NBA happens in 2010. You can bet that he wants in on that pot and wants to take home as much as he can. That to me was always the end game of the O'Neal trade. If it works in the next two years great but it was not the end goal. I do suspect he expected a lot more return and better results on the way to that. But thus far it has not worked out that way.
But make no mistake in thinking that the goal at the end of the day is to keep Bosh in 2010 and add another significant player to the mix to play along side him That was always the plan and I don't think that will change no matter what happens in the time leading up to 2010. The only way that will change is if Chris Bosh declares his intention not to remain in Toronto prior to that. Despite what Jalen Rose and others may believe I do not think that event has happened at this point.
Another Chance For A Statement Win
Turning attention back to this game in Portland. This is another chance for the Raptors to get a win over a good basketball team. It is something that has been lacking on the resume this year and if they do not figure out how to accomplish that goal it is going to be tough looking forward. Denver,Orlando and Houston are all teams that are better than Toronto. You need to feel you can sneak a win ever now and then against teams that are better. The Raptors must find the confidence and ability to do this. We have seen it in flashes against several teams including the Blazers back in Toronto. They must break through and get a win like that soon. Tonight a win would go a very long way in restoring some confidence in this team. Golden State is up next and they are coming off a huge high in beating the Celtics. Apparently K.G was right in saying that anything is possible and it is. But it takes work and effort along with the belief that you can do it. The Raptors need to show they have that if they are going to break through and get a quality win over a quality opponent.
Do Your Part To Express Yourself
Tomorrow I will have an interview with someone who is putting together a protest about the TSN 2 mess that still remains unsolved. I found it interesting to chat with someone that is a true fan of basketball and cares for his fellow Raptor fans. That is something I have always tried to express in this blog. Basketball fans and Raptor fans need to stick together and support each other and speak with one voice. That does not happen very often but this is a chance to do that. December 30 will be the chance for you to do just that. We all know the Rogers/TSN2 mess. Well a protest has been put together for you to show your support. Even if you have been not impacted by this personally still this is a way to support your fellow fans. Show folks that basketball matters and you want to be respected as a basketball fan and a Raptor Fan. I will talk more about this tomorrow. But the protest is set to take place at Rogers Building which is located at 333 Bloor St in Toronto. Bright and early at 8 am but is planned to continue through the day. So if you are able to do so, go down and lend your voice to the cause of basketball. If you do go though act in a proper way and do not do anything that is going to cause trouble for you or others. Represent Raptor fans in the right way.
12/7/08
Raptor Rewind- Homecourt Defense Edition
The Raptors are back at the ACC where they actually are on a 2 game winning streak. But a lot has changed since the win over the Atlanta Hawks. Sam Mitchell will not be at the ACC in his usual seat on the bench for the Raptors. Jay Triano will be looking to improve a lot of things for the Raptors including there home record which is only 4-4. The Blazers are also only .500 on the Road this year. But the difference is the Blazers are 7-0 at home. They look to rebound after getting taken a part by the Celtics. That is something the Raptors can relate to as far as that goes. But the task for the Raptors will be tough as the Blazers are a young and talented club with an embarrassment of riches. Brandon Roy could have been a Raptor but instead he was a Blazer and if you feel bad about that, think how T-Wolves fans must feel as they traded both him and O.J Mayo to other teams on draft day of each. I will say as well that no one expected Andrea Bargnani to be the best player right away. Colangelo expected that it would take time for him to grow. Some may think that Sam Mitchell did not to a good job in that process and that could be one of the reasons he is now gone. So it is now the task of Jay Triano to get most out of Bargnani and the rest of the Raptors. That task continues today.
1st Quarter
So off we go in Toronto on a Sunday afternoon. Raptors missed on first chance after winning the opening tip. Blazers would score on their first trip. Raptors after getting it tied showed a lot of effort of a steal and the ended up cashing in on a J.O dunk for a early 4-2 lead. Anthony Parker was able to hit a jumper and the Raptors had an early 6-3 advantage and looked to have some more spirit and jump. Calderon scored on a drive and Raptors had an early 8-3 lead. Chris Bosh had a rare 3 pointer and Raptors were play defense as well and had an early 11-3 lead.
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Parker scores with a three ball and the Raptors were looking very good early up 14-3. This was a very different looking Raptor team and a Joey Graham dunk that made the score 20-8 for the Raptors this is what fans wanted. Effort and defense was the difference. This was the Raptor team that fans wanted to see. Basically if not for the 3-ball the Blazers would be in much worse shape and they trailed 27-18. The Raptors looked like a whole new team up 31-20 after the first quarter at the ACC.
2nd Quarter
A rare event the Raptor bench was actually outscoring the Blazers. amazing what a new coach can do. Raptors continued with the effort from the bench and had built a 36-20 lead. Chris Bosh returned to the game and tried his best to look like a point guard and was able to get the ball in the basket. Raptors were effective with Will Solomon running the show getting Jose some much needed rest that he has rarely seen this year. Raptors still were looking good with a 40-27 lead in the second quarter.
Bosh drives strong to the hoop and gets fouled. He seems more like the old Chris after the struggles out west. Jamario Moon had a big monster jam the Raptors were getting effort from everyone. But the Raptors defense was slipping a bit but still had a 46-36 lead. Jamario Moon got another basket and both he and Joey Graham had brought their game today. Raptors lead was back up to 12 with a 48-36 lead.
The Blazers would start to emerge, maybe it was the early start time but they looked better down the stretch of this half. The Raptors improved defense was leaking fast and furious and the Blazers had fought all the way back to down just 2 points with the score 50-48. That would be the score at the half.
3rd Quarter
Bosh gets to the line and makes two free throws to start for Raptors. Blazers answered with a score. A failed Raptor trip and a Blake 3-pointer in the corner and the Blazers had first lead since 2-0 with the score 53-52. Another 3-ball by Aldridge and the Blazers start the quarter on an 10-2 run and now lead 58-52. A Jose Calderon 3 pointer would bust up the Blazer 12-2 run. But the Blazers were back on track and continued to score. They would build the lead to 66-57 the largest of the day for them to this point.
The Blazers would continue to maintain that advantage and once again the Raptors could not mange a complete 48 minutes of effort and execution. Parker got a 3-ball and J.O a big bucket while Chris Bosh had to go back to locker room and change having blood on his shorts and jersey from a cut on his forehead. Bosh still MIA and Jose Calderon gets a 3 pointer and the Raptors had climbed back to just down 2 with the score 71-69.
We had a close game again and the teams exchanged buckets. A second straight basket for the fresh clothed Bosh had the Raptors tied at 73. But the Blazers would hit a 3-ball to reclaim the lead. Joey Graham had a big dunk and that gave him 10 points. But Raptors still were down 3 points with the score 78-75. Raptors had a final chance to cut into the lead and they would not get it down and trailed by that 78-75 score.
4th Quarter
The Raptors were in the game despite blowing a rather large lead. But the perimeter defense was leaking and key 3 pointer by the Blazers gave them a 83-78 lead early on. The Blazers would continue to push and the Raptors fell in love with the 3-ball the result was an 88-78 lead for the men from Portland. Raptors finally decide to go inside to J.O and get reward with a basket and one from J.O. Jermaine would get it inside again and this time kick it out to Jose for a 3-ball. That is how it is suppose to work inside out. The Raptors were once again back in the game and down just 88-86.
A Jason Kapono 3-ball from the corner and the Raptors had stormed back to take the lead 89-88. Greg Oden would score on the inside and it was back and forth. J.O was having a tremendous game perhaps his best as a Raptor. He scored to take the lead back and he would draw a charge on the other end of the floor. That would turn into a Jose Calderon bucket on the drive. Another basket from Jason Kapono and the Raptor lead was 5 and the crowd at the ACC was alive.
Raptors had 2:35 left and a 95-92 lead and everyone was desperate for a win and you could just feel it. A key possession out of the time out and Raptors went inside and than out but missed a 3 point shot. But J.O would draw an offensive foul on Greg Oden. But the second chance would not be taken advantage of as Raptors turned it over. Raptors would get a block from Bosh but Oden would get the ball and head to the line after that. A key board off an Oden miss on his second foul shot. The Blazers would get another key offensive board. The lead was just 2 points and Blazers called a time out.
The Blazers were able to get a nice jumper from Brandon Roy from right at the foul line. It was all tied at 95. Chris Bosh would answer Roy on the other end with a fading mid-range jumper. Time out Blazers as they were down 2 with about 27 ticks left on the clock. Blazers would miss a couple times but got the key offensive rebound and it would end with a Blake 3 pointer to take the lead by 1 with 8.7 seconds. Bosh would get a chance to win it on a drive to the hoop but he would miss it and that was the ball game.
The play called looked like it broke down but your best player had the ball and took the final shot that is all you can ask for. But that would do little to make Raptors feel better who now have lost 4 straight. the Blazer got key offensive rebounds down the stretch and that was the difference between a W and a L on this day. A tough loss for sure and It was Jermaine O'Neal's best game as a Raptor by far. But it did not result in a win. O'Neal had 24 points and 8 rebounds with 6 blocked shots. But the Raptors were a few key rebounds a way from a victory. A much better effort but the result is the same. A loss by 39 counts the same as a loss by 1. For the complete boxscore check it out below
Portland/Toronto Boxscore
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