Playoffs Give You Hope As A Raptor Fan?

As we sit on the verge of the start of the Eastern Conference Finals do you feel a little more optimistic about the Raptors future? We end up with a final that was not an expected one as Boston slogged their way to the Eastern Conference Final. Facing the Miami Heat who would not be stopped by Chris Bosh injury or Indiana Pacers. The team everyone expected to face the Heat was the Bulls who had a injury of their own to deal with. Derrick Rose the former M.V.P might not even be back in time for next season. In fact he likely won't be. The Bulls without him were not able to handle the Sixers who are not exactly a juggernaut in terms of an opponent. Boston limped there way through a seven game series to finally finish them off. Honestly though the Sixers are offensively challenged at best. The Hawks did their typical chocking in the first round. The New York Knicks had nothing for the Miami Heat and are in need of a good off-season to scare anyone. Problem in that is Amare and Carmello are making most of the money and have still yet to find a way to be good together. Orlando fired a good coach and lousy G.M and Superman still likely wants out of town.

The point of all of this is beyond the Miami Heat is there any team in the Eastern Conference that really scares you. The Bulls if Rose is back and playing at the same level would. After that it really is wide open for the most part. The Pacers are a good team but they are far from world beaters as the Heat at less than 100% proved. Boston will be a year older and not that much better. Although they will get Jeff Green back potentially who they acquired in the Kendrick Perkins trade last season. He say out the entire season with heart condition. If you are a non playoff team in the East you should feel like you have some hope unless you are the Charlotte Bobcats.

If you are the Raptors, with a lottery pick to come and your first round pick from last season making his debut in Jonas Valancuinas, also some cap space to play with to add some more pieces you have to feel even better right? While this past season was only marginally better in terms of record for the Raptors it was a success in terms of culture change. The Raptors actually can play some defense. Casey even refers to it as playoff style defense in terms of it's effort and intensity. That might be a stretch but it still does prepare the Raptors nicely for the grind it out painful to watch at times Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Bryan Colangelo still has to make the right moves and some luck of any kind in the draft lottery on Wednesday would be welcomed. Which by the way we encourage you to join us for our Lottery Chat on Wednesday Night here on the website. If Colangelo can make a few skillful trades and make a splash in free agency who is to say the Raptors can't be a playoff team. While the Raptors are a long way from ever getting out of the Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals. A quick rise to playoffs and even the second round which currently is the franchise best is not out of the question.

Nothing you have seen in the Eastern Conference Playoffs makes you think that the Raptors can not over take most of these teams given the assets they have to play with. It is just a matter of pressing the right buttons. The Division the Raptors call home can be classed as competitive, but the Atlantic is not exactly filled with a dominant contender anymore. Boston despite their appearance in Conference Finals isn't. The Knicks have issues and are on verge of hiring a coach that is good in the regular season and horrible in the playoffs in Mike Woodson. The Sixers do not have any truly scary weapons on offense and Nets be they in New Jersey or Brooklyn remain pretty much a joke and most likely will be losing Deron Williams to Dallas or someone else. It won't be easy but the opportunity is there for the Raptors to rise again as they did when Colangelo first arrived on the team.

It has been a dark couple years since Chris Bosh took his talents to South Beach. However the future or light at the end of the tunnel could be in sight.

Bulls Pressed Beyond The Limit By The Raptors

Raptors surprisingly got some revenge on the Knicks for a loss earlier in the week. Getting revenge on the Bulls is likely a tougher task even without Derrick Rose. It would be significantly harder if Demar DeRozan wasn't playing. If he does start in this one he would tie a Raptor legend in Alvin Williams for most career consecutive starts at 131 straight games. Jerryd Bayless was also a question mark heading into this game. As it turns out DeRozan will not start and thus the record remains Alvin Williams. Gary Forbes will get his first start as Raptor coming off a great performance vs the Knicks in the 4th Quarter.

Bulls win the tip and go to Deng on a curl in the lane for an easy 2. Forbes taking the place of DeRozan drains his first shot to even this game up at 2. Bargnani had a good game last night and gets things going off to a right start with a made 3 pointer. But the Bulls would score two quick baskets to retake the lead. Bayless was also out and Forbes was in the starting line-up so that might make a long night for Jose Calderon. Terrible cross court pass is picked and Watson takes it for the easy lay-up giving the Bulls a 10-7 lead. After a couple free throws from Calderon it would be Forbes hitting a runner on the next possession to give the Raptors an 11-10 lead. The Raptors were hanging in for now with 6:48 to play in the first leading 13-12. Raptors were undermanned but hanging in with a 21-16 lead with just under 4 to play. James Johnson had 8 points to lead the charge against his former team and the Raptors led 23-18. Gary Forbes on a curl cut to the hoop takes a pass from Bargnani and finishes with 2 to play the Raptors were up 7. Bargnani was getting to the line and adding to the lead he missed a few free throws or the lead could be even bigger but as it stood it was 30-18 Raptors. Bulls almost got 5 back after a sloppy turnover late in Quarter, but the were still down 30-20 which for them had to be shocking.

Raptors shot 63.2%, were out rebounding the Bulls and holding them to under 40% shooting could it be much better after one? Bulls started the quarter on a 6-0 run and were right back in it down just 30-26 and Dwane Casey needed a time out. The beat goes on as Deng misses gets his own miss and scores. Calderon finally breaks the 8-0 run with a jumper. Linas Kleiza had been a train wreck so far in this game he fumbles away the ball and leads to a score and foul and the Bulls lead 33-32. Gary Forbes was taking advantage of his chance though with a nice jumper to make it a one point game again still in favour of the Bulls. Aaron Gray had a 2 foot shoot if that stick in between the rim and the backboard that summed up the Raptors 2nd quarter nicely. Korver a corner three would give the Bulls a 42-38 lead. The Raptors would score back to back buckets to even things up at 42. Some how the Raptors had survived the Bulls run and some of their own silly mistakes and lead this thing 49-46. James Johnson gets up for playing his old team and he made a couple free throws to keep the lead at 3 then took one on the numbers to draw a charge on Noah. After that soon after Noah would get called for another foul and get frustrated and had something to say which got him teched and he tossed the ball in the direction of the ref and got a second tech and he was gone. After all the free throws the Raptor found themselves with a 55-50 lead late in the half. That would end up being the halftime score.

Raptors open up the 2nd half with misses from Forbes and Bargnani both inside of 10 feet. On the other end Bargnani picks up a foul and Watson makes a pair at the line. Amir Johnson got a couple offensive rebounds and it lead to a bucket for him eventually. James Johnson would bury a three and get a block on the other end as the Raptors were still fighting and leading 60-54. But the Bulls would go on a 6-0 run thanks to some sloppy play by the Raptors and this game was even up at 60 and Raptors needed a time out. Give the Raptors some credit they were fighting to hang around and getting little help from Bargnani shooting 3-13 from the field. Still the Raptors had this thing tied at 66. Raptors were hanging tough with 1:30 to play and Ed Davis after on basket comes up with another slam to put the Raptors in front. Raptor were playing excellent defense and at times suspect offense but they have a lead again heading to the 4th Quarter on the Chicago Bulls 73-71.

Bad turnover leads to an early score for the Bulls on the break to tie this up at 73. Bulls looked for a Korver three he missed. He has only made three for Chicago who were 1-15 from behind the arc at this point. Johnson to Johnson, James to Amir give the Raptors the lead back. Raptors were staying on top and time was ticking away and the Raptors were actually building a lead, with 7:53 to go they lead 81-75 on a 8-2 run. You had feeling this might be the Raptors night when Kleiza chuck up a three and it fell to make it 84-77. Bulls could buy a three they were 1-18 and he makes that. Bargnani was not much better at 3-14 and back in the game. Bulls got the lead back down to the 3 on a uncontested long two from Watson making it 84-81. Watson would draw a foul after a turnover and head to the line with 4:04 to play. Finally the Bulls made a three with 3:26 to play to tie the game at 86. Bargnani would finally make a shot as well to make it 88-86 Raptors. Jose Calderon with a bucket to give him 18 and he had 8 dimes to go with that but most importantly the Raptors lead was 90-86 with 2:32 to play. Taj Gibson scored on the putback to make it a two point game. Bargnani bricks another three but the Raptors get the board and draw a non shooting foul. Raptors turnover the ball and Bulls would have a chance to tie or take the lead with 1:33 to play. Bulls would tie it and Jose Calderon wanted a foul. He would get no foul and this game was tied at 90 a piece. Amir Johnson would get a foul call and get to the line and make a pair. Raptors lead 92-90 with 1:04 to play and no audio which meant no stupid comments from Leo. The audio came back just in time to hear Matt Devlin call a C.J Watson three ball to give the Bulls a 93-92 lead. Jose Calderon with a slick Alley Oop to Amir Johnson out of the time out to give the Raps a 94-93 lead. Amir Johnson got called for a foul on Watson with 32.2 to play. Watson missed the first and made the second the game was tied at 94. Raptors had a scrambling possession and the ball goes out of bounds and it is going to be reviewed with 3.6 seconds left. Appeared to go off Gibson's knee so this should be Raptors ball. Raptor inbound on the baseline and Bargnani gets a solid look at a three which he didn't need but shoots it anyway misses it. So were off to overtime in which the Bulls have yet to take part in this season.

Bargs does get the first points of OT at the line. Boozer counters with 2 points. Amir Johnson having a solid performance down the stretch scores in a crowd in the paint. James Johnson gets a steal but blows a layup in transition the Raptors to get the rebound and Casey wants a time out with score tied at 98 with 1:59 to play in OT number 1. Jose Calderon scores out of the time out and gets the Raps to triple figures. Brewer draws a foul but it was non shooting. Boozer is fouled and that will be a shooting foul. He makes both and we are all tie at a C-Note. Bulls get a turnover but miss on Deng 3. Raptors with another turnover and Bulls call a time out with 41.6 seconds left. Boozer missed a fading jumper out of the time out. James Johnson gets a foul call and heads to the line with 15.2 left and he misses the first and makes the second. James Johnson made up for missing his free throw with a massive clean block on Deng. Forbes is fouled with 6.4 to play and he misses his first and the second as well. Time out with 6 seconds left. Watson missed a crazy fading jumper but Deng catches it and throws it in for the Bulls win. It would be reviewed but it will count and Bulls win it 102-101.

A very tough loss for the Raptors and they only have themselves to blame missing 3 of 4 free throws down the stretch. It takes away from what really was unbelievable performances by both James Johnson and Gary Forbes. So the Raptors lose a tough one and have a couple days to recover before returning home to face the Magic.

Bullseye On Two In A Row.

The Raptors get a surprising blowout win over the Knicks. That snapped a 5 game winning streak for the Knicks but to hit the daily double and beat the Bulls will not be easy. Raptors have only won back to back games twice this season. The first time started with a win over the Knicks followed by a win over the Cavs on January 2nd and 4th. The last time they did it was also in January with back to back wins over the Suns and Jazz on 24 and 25th. That is also the only time the Raptors swept a back to back this season. Add in the fact the Bulls have not played since beating the Raptors earlier in the week. They also have a spectacular 10-2 record in March and have won 6 of their last 7 games.

The good news is Demar DeRozan appears to be ok and likely will play tonight after leaving late with an injury to his left ankle. He called it a tweak and sounds like he will be fine. If he does in fact start he will tie a Raptor record with 131 consecutive starts with Alvin Williams. On a team that has been plagued with injury troubles Demar DeRozan has proven to be durable for his 3 season with the Raptors. His 30 point performance was fantastic and it re-opens a debate on if he can actually be the main guy on this team and not Andrea Bargnani. Andrea had a big night as well but to that point had been pretty average since returning from his calf injury.

Bulls are likely to go without their MVP in Derek Rose holding him out till Monday as the Bulls expect a long playoff run in their future and want Rose to be ready for that grind. It is not like the Bulls needed him as they beat the Raptors 94-82 and really only played one solid quarter that being the 4th. Safe to say you will see the Bulls play better for longer than 12 minutes tonight. If the Raptors can bring the defense they had last night this could be an ugly slug feast that the first team to 80 points wins.

DeJa Vu For Two

The Raptors will get to repeat their last two games and hope for better results. The venues will be different for both but the same two teams stand in their way. First up is a re-match with Knicks that dismantled the Raptors down the stretch in the 4th at MSG. In that game Jerryd Bayless had a coming together that left him with a left hip pointer. He tried to go vs the Bulls the next night and was unable to go. Will see what his status is for tonight. If he can't go that leaves Jeremy Lin for Jose Calderon to deal with for the most part. It is hard to imagine the Raptors can change much in just a couple days to find a way to beat the Knicks or the Bulls for that matter.

Just 19 games remain in this season and for the Raptors it is much more about the individual parts than the wins and losses at this point. A number of players future with the Raptors will be decided in part based on how things go down the stretch. Ed Davis would be at the top of that list who has struggled for the majority of his 2nd season to this point. Still to move someone on a rookie contract is highly unlikely and it is next to impossible to get fair value in return. Amir Johnson has had a rough season as well. Depending on where the Raptors go in the draft it could make his future in doubt. If the Raptors hit the lottery and got Anthony Davis from Kentucky that would almost make it certain that Davis or Johnson would likely be out. When you consider the Raptors would have Bargnani and Valanciunas who are not going anywhere. There also might be a place for Aaron Gray moving forward. The rest of the Raptor additions have been a disappointment for the most part. Magloire and Butler it is safe to say will not be back. Carter is already gone. Gary Forbes may have an opportunity to prove his worth in these last 19 games. The trade of Barbosa perhaps benefits him more than anyone else. The Raptors will also have to decide what they want to do with Jerryd Bayless. He will be a RFA and have the chance to go elsewhere. The Raptors would be able to maintain his rights by matching any offer he would see come his way.

The Raptors will be looking to evaluate many things over these last 19 games. It is safe to assume some will confuse this with tanking. That ship or tank is silly to suggest at this point the Raptors are going to finish pretty much where we predicted them to finish on their merit. It was not with tanking in mind that I wrote the Raptors would finish 20-46 and 12th in the East. We are just over a month from the end of the season and yet again the focus is about the long term future and not the immediate future. Still this team is a long way from being competitive. While many look to next season as the year things finally start to turn around. That still could be true but if you expect an instant turnaround that might be a little much to expect. Bryan Colangelo will have a lot of tough choices to make this off-season and the start of those decisions is going to happen over this next month.

Raptors Can't Camouflage A Flawed 4th Quarter

Better late than never right? I apologize just not feeling my best last couple days. That is why once the season is done will look into building a staff here for the DNB. So the Raptors busted out the camo and looked like a different team for 3 quarters. Well that might be an exaggeration the Raptors did play well and hang with the Roseless Bulls for 3 quarters. The Bulls are still very good without Rose heading into last night they were 10-4 without last year's MVP. So let's get to some game notes:

The Old Andrea Is Back: No not the one from the start of this season. The one from the last 6 years prior. His defense has at best been regressing. His offense last night was pretty much a train wreck. The only positive was he was making some solid passes and getting some assists to his stat line. He had 8 points 6 assists and 5 rebounds shooting 2-10 on the night. That is not going cut it. If we don't see improvement Raptor fans may point to his start to the season as the opportunity lost to trade him in the future. If people want to use the injury as an excuse that is fine but that then calls into question his durability. I think the highlight of the regression on defense I am talking about is when Carlos Boozer turned Andrea into a tree and fake one way and left him standing there and went for a dunk.

4th Quarter Blues: The Raptors have proven this season that they are capable to hang with even some of the best teams for a time. But when it comes to the 4th quarter and time to win the game the have had some epic failures. You can argue that in the last two games they have been perhaps the worst. John Lucas and Kyle Korver hit back to back threes and you knew it was coming as the game was tied. Once the Bulls took the lead they were like a sports car running from a bicycle. The hope would be with a greater depth of talent next year the Raptors will be able to have more complete 48 minute efforts as a result. Last night the Raptors out played the Bulls for 3 quarters but when it was winning time the Bulls showed why they have the best record in the league.

Demar DeRozan: You still have concerns about him as a defender. Still his offense is growing to be more consistent and the worries that people had at the start of this season should be less. He got off to a hot start last night with 11 points in the first quarter. He still managed to keep his scoring up through the whole 48 minutes. He finished with 23 points and shot 11-25 in the game and had 6 rebounds. It would be nice to see DeRozan be able to grab a few more boards as part of his game. At his position his advantage his is athleticism at the end of the day and that is part of taking advantage of it.

James Johnson A Year Later: It was about a year ago that the Raptors acquired James Johnson from the Bulls. He would likely still be fighting to get minutes and barely see the floor if he remained in Chicago. Slightly more used than Solomon Alabi is here with the Raptors. He has shown through his opportunity he has gotten here that he deserves to be a rotation player in the NBA. He had a nice night against his former team 16 points and 7 rebounds and shot an efficient 8-14 from the field. The Raptors likely still need a starting small forward at the end of the day. Still, Johnson as a back-up that can bring it on defense with a developing game on offense is a nice fit coming off the bench for a winning team.

In the end the Raptors despite having a 7 point lead in the early 4th quarter and but the end the Bulls ended up with a 12 point win 94-82. The Raptors also had to go most of the way without Jerryd Bayless who tried to give it a go with a left hip pointer but after just 1:29 on the floor it was clear he could not play in this one. He would watch the 2nd half in suit and like all Raptor fans sit helpless watching the Bulls come back and take over this in the 4th.

Raptors Camo Will Not Avoid Them Being The Bullseye

Raptor can wear their pajamas, camouflage or bunny suits. It is not going to change the simple fact that the Bulls are a much better team. That fact remains true even if Derrick Rose doesn't play. If he were to play the job of stopping him might me more difficult as Jerryd Bayless suffered a left hip pointer and would be questionable for this one. The Bulls can offer the Raptors some hope for the future in terms of Tom Thibodeau who was a long time assistant with a defensive background. Dwane Casey has a similar defensive background and despite the Raptors record has firmly established the defensive culture with the Raptors.

That is why the end of last night's game in New York had to not sit well with Casey where the Raptors basically just caved in. It was a poor defensive effort overall for most of the night. It seemed the Raptors had no answers and were left frustrated. Aaron Gray had a blow up and was tossed from the game. While the Raptors had a legit excuse for their performance in Charlotte the same can not be said for last night in New York.

The only question about this game will if the Raptors performance is more ugly than the uniforms they will be wearing. The Bulls are looking to hold off the Heat and finish with top record in the east for a second straight season. It is going to be interesting to see if they can. The Raptors will face the Knicks again after this followed by these same Bulls in Chicago.

Normally three keys would come next but basically prayer would be the only key for the Raptors to get a win in this one.

A Rose By Any Other Name Is Not MVP

Here is you recap of an impressive effort by the Raptors but a bigger statement from Derrick Rose on why he is your MVP of the NBA or will be.

Here is the Boxscore of this one Raps lose 113-106 and drop their 6th straight.

BULLSEYE on Raptors

James Johnson was traded to the Raptors the day before his now former team was set to hit Toronto. The Raptors have had there share of surprising this year none maybe more surprising than a 118-113 win over the Bulls. That game also marked the return of Joakim Noah to the Bulls line-up. The Bull will be home at the United Center tonight and if the carrot of first in the East was not enough motivation remembering that embarrassing loss for the Bulls will add to the motivation. It was the worst defensive performance of the season for the Bulls and it is unlikely we see a repeat performance. The Raptors have lost 5 straight after another shocking win over one of the NBA's best in the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Basics: Raptors 20-54 (1-7 on Saturdays) Bulls 55-20 (16-12 all time vs Raps in Chicago)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors had a decent effort but at home vs the Bucks but as has often been the case they faded late and the Bucks got a win to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. Bargnani and DeRozan combined for 42 while Barbosa had 18 off the bench. But it was not enough as Bucks won 104-98.

Key Match-ups: For maybe the first time in his career Jose Calderon actually help his own against Derrick Rose. But Calderon is not with the team and will not go tonight, and it will be Jerryd Bayless having to deal with most peoples choice to be MVP of the NBA. If that is not enough you have Boozer and Noah to deal with down low. It is going to be a tough task for the Raptors.

Other Things of Note: Raptors are a dreadful 2-14 in first game of back to backs as they will return home to face the Magic tomorrow. Bulls lead the all time series between these two teams 31-28 and lead the season series 2-1. Raptors since acquiring Johnson the Raptors are 5-12. Also Danielle who writes the NBA Segments in the blog has left our staff. I thank her for her contributions to the Dino Nation Blog. I will be taking over the segments moving forward along with Ryan who remains on staff.

Where is it on: Sportsnet 1 (Jays are off to 2-0 start so the post game show may still be going on from their win today over the Twins. A winning team in Toronto what a foreign concept.)

James Johnson To Raps for Miami 1st

Remember Aaron and Eric Williams from the Vince Carter trade? Well the Toronto Raptors hope that James Johnson will not be compared to them in the future. Johnson will become part of the legacy of the post Bosh trade Raptors. While the Raptors liked Johnson in his draft year I did not share their love. He has not been able to find much time in his NBA Career with the Bulls who will play the Raptors tomorrow. Not sure if Johnson will suit up for that one but it would seem possible. The Raptors are much more excited about Johnson than me, so let's read what they had to say in the official press release:

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have acquired forward James Johnson from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft pick. The Raptors received the pick from the Miami Heat this past July (Bosh sign and trade). “James Johnson is a strong, athletic and versatile small forward that we have had our eye on dating back to the 2009 NBA Draft,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. Johnson, 6-foot-9, 245 pounds was a first-round selection by the Bulls (16^th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 78 games (with 11 starts), averaging 3.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 11.3 minutes. He posted a career-best 20 points in a career-high 43 minutes at Miami on March 12, 2010. Johnson saw action in eight games recently with the Iowa Energy in the NBA D-League. He averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 blocks in 32.1 minutes. A product of Wake Forest, Johnson averaged 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 61 collegiate games with the Demon Deacons. He earned Freshman All-American honours and was runner-up for the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 2008. Johnson is expected to arrive in Toronto on Wednesday and will be available to the media prior to the game. Johnson will be in uniform for the Raptors only if all terms of the trade are completed prior to tip-off.

Johnson is a black belt in karate if he lays chops on Bargnani for not playing defence I will change my opinion of this trade. He is an over sized small forward and the Raptors would hold a team option to keep him on his rookie deal. Oh by the that Miami pick they traded away right now could land you Tristan Thompson who is ranked 29 on draft express currently if the Canadian Texas Freshman decides to enter the draft. I felt the need to mention that. This is a minor move at best but it is a good way to shuffle those deck chairs. I would assume although it is not spelled out this is the end of line for Trey Johnson to make room for the new Johnson. Rumours the Raptors have acquired Dwyane Johnson "The Rock" are 100% false.

The Starting 5 With Chuck Swirsky

Here at the Dino Nation Blog we have always made it a point to invite Chuck Swirsky back to talk with us when the Bulls are playing the Raptors. That is coming up this week on Wednesday so we ring it up to Chi-Town to talk with Chuck. It is always interesting to hear what Chuck has to say and he talks about his work as broadcaster here in Toronto and his view on his time calling Raptor Games. We talk about Vince Carter with an interesting story on how Chuck feels about V.C these days. His thoughts on Chris Bosh and his leaving the franchise and how Bosh has acted since. Along with thoughts on Demar DeRozan, his Bulls and much more. We went into a little overtime with Chuck but think it was well worth it. While I don't always agree with everything Chuck has to say. I have always respected him as a person and know that many Raptor fans still love him and miss him. So that is why I keep inviting him back to talk with us. Hope you enjoy.





Chuck is never short on opinions and offered some interesting things today. He is coming back Wednesday to Toronto as Bulls take on the Raptors. He might even get out to Real Sports Bar. He always use to say it is always a pleasure talking Raptors basketball. Well I say that is always my pleasure to talk with him. Chuck has always been kind to me dating long before the Dino Nation Blog existed. Chuck did interviews with me when I was just a college student at Mohawk College on their radio station. He and Eric Smith both did that and I have always appreciated it. While I don't always agree at times with everything they say, as people I have great respect for them. So I will always be grateful to both for what they have done for me both with the interviews they have done with me, and the help they have offered me personally and professionally.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Due to NBA All-Star Weekend, the Raptors are off for a few days and only play two games before next Friday. DeMar DeRozan will be working hard, though. He is in the Rookie Challenge playing for the Sophomore side on Friday and representing the Raptors on Saturday in the Slam Dunk Contest. He has the most support and talent around him and has a really good shot at challenging the Blake Griffin Show. Moving onto this week for the Raptors, they host Charlotte at home on Tuesday and visit the Bulls on Wednesday. Let's dive in.


Toronto Raptors @ Charlotte Bobcats - Tuesday, February 22nd

• The Raptors and Bobcats have played twice this season. Charlotte won both times: November 10th - 101-96; December 14th -97-91.
• During their last meeting, Toronto lead the first quarter by nine points (29-20) and Charlotte picked up the lead in the second - sustaining it through to the end.
• This game saw the Raptors' starters outscore Bobcats' starters 64-62. Jerryd Bayless had 17 points on the night - tops for the Raptors and Nazr Mohammed put up 18 for Charlotte.
• The key to this game seemed to be the energy off the Charlotte bench. They combined for 35 points from 4 of their players, while the Raptors' bench put up 27 from 3 of five players.
• Bobcats Inactive List: Matt Carroll, Desagana Diop and Tyrus Thomas.
• Bobcats Head Coach Paul Silas signed a 1-year contract extension Wednesday and is no longer just the interim coach. Under his leadership, the Bobcats are now within one game off the Pacers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
• Raptors need to watch: Gerald Henderson. In their last game against the Bulls, the Bobcats' bench put up 43 points, almost half of which were Henderson's (22).

Chicago Bulls @ Toronto Raptors - Wednesday, February 23rd

• The Raptors and Bulls played twice this season. Chicago took both contests: 110-93 on December 15 and 111-91 on January 4rth.
• During their last meeting, Chicago lead at the half by 18 points (59-41). Toronto rallied in the third but the effort wasn't enough.
• This is where it gets interesting. Toronto's starters that night outscored Chicago's by 10 (69-59). However, Chicago's bench was far superior and put up 52 points to Toronto's 22.
• As of Thursday, Chicago sits at 37-16 on the season and third in the Eastern Conference.
• Bulls Inactive List: Joakim Noah.
• Raptors need to watch: The obvious? Luol Deng and Derrick Rose. Deng had 24 points versus Toronto during their last meeting and versus the Bobcats Tuesday. 2011 All-Star Derrick Rose put up a double double (18points, 13 assists) against the Bobcats Tuesday. The not-so-obvious? Keith Bogans and Kyle Korver. Both were successful from three point range three times Tuesday. Do not leave these guys alone.

Thanks once again for joining me this week. As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Keep them coming by following me on Twitter (@ddegraauw) and on Facebook (Danielle de Graauw). Have a great All-Star Weekend and see you on Tuesday for more NBA news (including All-Star Weekend) in "NBAz in 7 Dayz".

"Behind Enemy Lines"

I know the Raptors' 84-76 win over Dallas was huge for morale but I wouldn't get too excited. They beat a Dallas Mavericks team missing their star player in Dirk Nowitzski and two others in Dominique Jones and Rodrique Beaubois. Now I know some wouldn't be able to pick Jones and Beaubois out of a line up but when you are missing your pivotal player plus two young guns, this means the bulk of the playing time and work falls to the rest of your team who may not be used to their roles changing or need to adjust to the added responsibility. In any case, the Raptors need to build on this and attack this week's games with gusto.




Friday, December 31st - Toronto Raptors @ Houston Rockets

• The Raptors have played the Houston Rockets one other time this season on November 19th. The score was 106-96 for the Raptors.


• The Raptors lead the first two quarters of this game and came up with 9 more than Houston did in the fourth to take the win.


• During this game DeMar DeRozen played 42 minutes and produced 15 points. This is way too long in my opinion and will prove to be detrimental in Friday's game considering the Raptors' current injuries.


• Raptors' Injuries: out and day -to- day are Andrea Bargnani (strained left calf), Peja Stojakovic (swollen left knee), Sonny Weems (back spasms), Jose Calderon (sore ankle), Jerryd Bayless (ankle injury). Amir Johnson is back in the line-up but also playing through back spasms.


• Houston's injuries: out with no real timeline for returning - Jared Jefferies, Yao Ming, Ismael Smith.


• Raptors' key to this game: No more injuries and come out blazing in the first two quarters.

Sunday, January 2nd - Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors

• These two teams have played twice this season and split the wins. November 21 - 102-101 for the Raptors and November 26 - 110-101 Boston.


• In the Raptors win, all of the Raptors' starting line-up averaged 32-39 minutes, all contributing. DeMar DeRozen had only 6 points.


• In the Raptors loss, Andrea Bargnani and Hose Calderon averaged 35 minutes each and combined for 23 points. For Boston, uncharacteristically, Rajon Rondo produced only 4 points while playing 35 minutes. However, Boston came out hard and were up by 11 going into the second quarter and the Raptors played catch-up after that.


• Boston currently sits at the top of the East at 24-6 as of Thursday.


• Boston's Inactive list: Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West.


• Key for Raptors: Forget you are playing the top team in your division and come out hard in the first half.

Tuesday, January 4rth - Toronto Raptors @ Chicago Bulls

• These two teams have played once this season so far - December 15 - Bulls took it 110-93.


• During this game, Carlos Boozer was the key for the Bulls. His production value was high by playing 25 minutes and putting up 34 points.


• For the Raptors during this game, Jarryd Bayless was highest in production with 32 minutes, 20 points.


• On the Bulls Inactive list: Johnlll Lucas, Joakim Noah.


• Key for Raptors: Believe in your conditioning and ability to go the distance with this team and no silly mistakes like turnovers during transition.

Wednesday, January 5th - Toronto Raptors @ Cleveland Cavaliers

• The Raptors and Cavs met once this year so far: October 29 - 101-81 for the Raptors.
• During this game, the Raptors lead the first three quarters in points. The bulk of the points scored for the Cavs came from the bench: Antawn Jamison with 13 and Daniel Gibson with 9; their top two.
• DeMar DeRozen had a better night versus the Cavs than the last time he met the other opponents he will meet this week: 14 points for DeRozen, 19 for Kleiza and 20 for Bargnani.
• The last time they met, both teams shared the same record: 1-1. As of Thursday, the Cavs are 8-24 and bottom of the East.
• Cavaliers' Injuries: Mo Williams (left hip flexor strain), Daniel Gibson (left thigh contusion) - both will be reassessed Friday. Joey Graham (right quad strain) is out indefinitely.
• Key for the Raptors: Don't get over confident. As of Thursday the Cavs are on a 5 game loosing streak and looking to snap it with help from their bench.

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you have all have a great New Year, be safe and I will see you Tuesday for more "NBAz in 7 Dayz".

"Behind Enemy Lines"

Raptors + Denver Nuggets + Friday = HUGE. For two reasons. One: the Toronto Raptors will be playing a team fighting for their coach and his legacy of a thousand career wins. Two: James and myself will be meeting with some very lucky fans of the DNB in box seats at the Air Canada Centre. For the DNB and for me personally at the very least, it will be the most exciting game of the year. Fans of the blog will know my allegiance lies with the purple and gold and to the Raptors every other night the Lakers aren't playing. However, knowing what Denver has gone through as a club in the last year and how they have supported Head Coach George Karl through his battle with cancer makes me throw my support behind them too. I want the Raptors to snap their 3 game loosing funk but I wouldn't mind seeing George Karl get win number one thousand since I will actually be in attendance for the game. Just being honest - as I always am with you. Besides this Friday against Denver, the Raptors will be up against Detroit, Charlotte and Chicago. Nibble on this.


Friday, December 10 - Denver Nuggets at Toronto Raptors

• This will be the first time these two teams have met this season.
• Denver starter Carmelo Anthony is day to day with an inflamed right knee. He was a late scratch against Boston so there is a chance he will play Friday night.
• Denver Head Coach George Karl is one game away from 1,000 wins as an NBA coach. Only 6 other NBA coaches have accomplished this.
• Denver's hot: Gary Forbes earned a start in place of Carmelo Anthony. Ty Lawson is leading Denver in an average of 24 points off the bench in absence of Anthony.
• Who's not: Chauncey Billups is shooting a career low 35.8% from the field through 21 games for Denver.
• Key for Raptors: whether or not Carmelo Anthony is in the line-up and if they play solid defense.

Saturday, December 11 - Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons

• This will be the first time these two teams will meet this season.
• Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey and Richard Hamilton combined for 48 points in their last game against the Hornets (19, 16 and 13 respectively).
• Detroit Injuries: Terrico White out with a broken foot. Jonas Jerebko still out with a partially ruptured achilles tendon on his right leg and will miss the next 5 months.
• Raptors need to watch Ben Wallace. He grabbed his 10, 000th rebound November 30th, 2010 and is the third active player to record this stat with 2,000+ blocks in his career.
• Key for Raptors: Realistically, the Pistons are no better than the Raptors despite the above. Play confident and force Gordon, Stuckey and Hamilton to take shots out of their comfort zone.

Tuesday, December 14 - Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Bobcats

• This will be the second time these 2 teams have met this season. The last game was a 101-96 win for Charlotte on November 10th.
• During this game, Gerard Wallace, Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw all played close to or over 40 minutes and put up double digit points for Charlotte. Andrea Bargnani was in for 38 minutes and had 25 points on the night for the Raptors.
• Gerald Wallace recorded his 17th game with double figure scoring and 8th game with 20+ points for the Bobcats. Stephen Jackson and Tyrus Thomas are also on a roll with double figure games. Stephen Jackson has averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5.7 assists since his one game suspension on December 3rd.
• Key for Raptors: need to be quicker to the basket than Charlotte and find a way to get Wallace, Jackson and Thomas out of their scoring rhythm.

Wednesday, December 15 - Chicago Bulls at Toronto Raptors

• This will be the first time these two teams have met this season.
• The Chicago Bulls have no players out with injuries at the present time.
• For Chicago: Joakim Noah ranks 2nd in NBA for rebounds per game. Derrick Rose is tied for 4th in NBA scoring, is second in the Eastern Conference.
• To date, the Chicago Bulls are 12-8 and have won their last 3 games. They will challenge the Lakers, Timberwolves and Pacers before taking on the Raptors next Wednesday.
• Key for the Raptors: play solid team basketball. No one player, not even Bargnani, will win this game for them. Be solid and consistent to shut down the ranks and record holders.

Thanks for joining me today. I am looking forward to meeting some dedicated fans of the DNB at Friday's game. See you all on Tuesday for another edition of NBAz in 7 Dayz. Have a great weekend.

Mello? Heck No

Carmelo Anthony now becomes the latest disgruntled NBA star to be rumoured to want his way out from his current franchise. The thought is that the Nuggets will not go the route of Cleveland and Toronto and watch it's franchise player walk for nothing. When we look back on this summer it may well be looked at as the summer the NBA changed. Easy to say in retrospect that Cleveland and the Raptors should have traded their star players. But how realistic is that? The Raptors at the time of the deadline were firmly in a playoff position. How do you sell that to your fan base? The Cavs were a favourite to make the NBA Finals. The other argument would have been you make a trade last summer as it is being rumoured the Nuggets are considering now.

In reality, there is no good way for this situation to work for a team losing a franchise player. It is just different levels of pain. If the Nuggets do decide to trade Carmelo does anyone think they can be better for it? Taking players back in a trade is not always the answer. Every team in the NBA is well aware that you are in a desperate situation. Has there every really been a good trade in which a superstar wanted out? I can't think of one of the top of my head.

The larger issue in all of this is that players are starting to control the game at levels we have never seen before. In the end players are individual contractors that happen to play a team game. They have only their interests at heart not the interests of franchises or the league as a whole. The whole concept of loyalty on all sides of sports is getting to the point or being rare to nonexistent.

I love the CFL and my hometown Ti-Cats. When I was a kid, it was easy for me to tell you almost every starter on the Ti-Cats Roster. Now more and more that becomes a difficult task in all sports leagues. The Raptors are a great example over the last few years with a constant turnover of the roster. It makes you go back to the whole Jerry Seinfeld comedy bit of people are actually cheering laundry. It becomes all about the logo on the jerseys and not the name on the back.

It is kind of like, the whole college sports fan experience being brought to pro sports. In the NCAA, you go into with the expectation that players will come and go. Which has only increased over the years with players leaving for the draft after even just one year in basketball. College Football is the same type of assembly line make-up. You cheer for the school be it Michigan, Florida, Texas or any other school you care to name. Sure great players roll through the program but they are only there for a short time. The pressure to win now is great in college sports in the U.S. Every season is do or die and recruiting each off-season is about getting guys to win now for that next season.

We live in a world, that is total based on instant results and instant gratification. It is said, that sports often acts as a reflection of society as a whole. Well maybe that is what is happening. No longer to many players want to stick it out and win with a team. No longer do franchises have patience with coaches if they don't win. It is always about winning now. The process of team building has been lost in terms of this instant win now mentality. The days of watching a team grow and build seem almost gone. I always use to hate people that said things were better when they were younger, but maybe it was. I remember watching the Pistons build and the Bad Boys eventually topped the Lakers. The Bulls having to get through the Knicks and Pistons, prior to their 6 championships. There was a natural progression. The Miami Heat, if they in did are successful it will not have been done that way. I don't want the NBA to have a lockout next season, that being said I don't want to watch this league be run by players, that only care about their own interests. That is only good for the them and, not necessarily for the league and definitely not for the majority of NBA fans. Will it pull in a ton of fringe fans? Yes it will, but for the hardcore fans of many franchises this has been a dark summer.

Out Of Their Hands

Given the total dejection that was clearly evident in the Raptors Locker room last night, it is going to be tough to bounce back and win tonight in Detroit. Knowing that you can win out and still that may not be enough. About the only thing Raptors have going for them in terms of the Bulls Schedule is that Boston as we sit now can jump up to 3rd in Eastern Conference standings. That is important for them as it would give them 2 things. Perhaps an easier match-up vs the Bucks who are injured and without Andrew Bogut. Although, give them credit they are current in 5th with the same record as Miami. However second and more importantly they would avoid King James and the Cavs in round 2.

In terms of the Charlotte game the outlook is not as positive as the Bobcats are pretty much locked in at 7th and will face a tough series with Southeast Division rivals Orlando. So it is safe to assume the Bobcats will rest most if not all of their significant players. In effect having the Bulls play a team that would more resemble a Charlotte Summer League team rather than the actual Bobcats roster. So basically what I am getting as is the Raptors must win tonight and vs the Knicks. Pray for a Boston win on Tuesday, and an Atlanta loss tonight so that game will still have meaning for Boston.

In other words, the Raptors need a ton of things to fall their way to have a shot at the post season. Even if not mathematically eliminated by a loss to Detroit tonight. They most certainly will be logically eliminated. In fact some may feel that they are already that and I would be hard pressed to argue that point.

Detroit is actually playing decent of late as well. Add in the fact Charlie V always seems to get up for games against the Raptors. Putting a final nail in the Raps coffin is something that I would think would motivate him. When motivated he can be very good. The Pistons come in off a loss to Charlotte by 4 but prior to that had wins over Atlanta and Miami (Both Playoff Teams) and Philadelphia. The flip side of that is the Raptors have lost 5 straight and Chris Bosh along the way, as well as Antonie Wright who I saw on crutches last night at the ACC so safe to say he isn't playing. The Raptors are a terrible 3-7 with no Bosh on the year and historically are terrible without him as well as they are in Detroit. Raptors are 7-21 all time in Detroit but did win there earlier in the year. They also have won 3 straight vs the Pistons overall. The 2 teams hooked up in a Christmas Holidays back to back that saw Toronto smack the Pistons 94-64 and beat the same Pistons 4 days later 102-95 in the only 2 meetings of the year. But Chris Bosh played in both of those games, while the Pistons in that 30 point blow-out were missing many key players.

If you are a fan of keeping hope alive you hope against hope that the Raptors can win tonight. If you are tired of the pain and just want it to end you hope they don't. I think there are a lot of folks in that camp at the moment. But regardless of where you stand or sit there is at the very least 2 games left to play and this is one of them. Raps have to get a win and that seems like a broken record at this point.

But if you want a smile...even though I don't have one in this picture. Here is a picture of myself and Kid Raptor from last night at the ACC that I posted on Twitter earlier.






Be you a grown up like me or just a kid....it never is fun to watch your team lose. Like I told kids I coached when I was younger that are a bit older than Kid Raptor. When is the last time you saw a team go out and say "YEAH!!! We Lost". It was a good way to get the kids to buy into the concept of teamwork and roles. The task for Jay Triano with grown men has been a far more challenging one. However that simple fact remains that losing no matter how old you happen to be is NEVER FUN.

This is IT!!!

Pretty much this is a close as you can get to a 1 game playoff in the NBA. The Raptors magic number is 3 to make the playoffs. They beat the Bulls today and that number becomes 1. Meaning all the Raptors would have to do is beat the Knicks or Pistons and they are in. They way this playoff race has gone the Bulls would more likely lose in one of their final 2 games to the Celtics or Bobcats. Both the Bulls and the Raptors should they not get in will have many things to look back on with regret. For the Bulls a double OT loss the Nets would have made this a far less do or die game for them today if they could have won.

I am going to be at this game at the ACC. This is probably the biggest game I have worked on in my media career in person. No disrespect to the AHL Playoffs but for me this is much bigger than that. The Red and Black attack has come early and if the fans of the Raptors want a date with the King they almost have to win today. If they don't destiny is officially and finally out of their hands. If the Bulls won out after defeating the Raptors they are in.

Given the way these teams have played down the stretch it is hard to try to figure out just what to expect especially with both teams knowing there season is online. The Bulls do have that epic playoff series to fall back on for experience. They don't have Ben Gordon's instant offense as they let him walk to Detroit. Safe to say win or lose the Bulls will be begging for his help when the Raptors hook up with the Pistons. Where Gordon the former Bull and Charlie V the former Raptors have had terrible seasons after sign big long term deals in the off-season.

That led nicely into heDO or heDON't. Masks, BALL, and under performance have been the theme of a season gone wrong for Turkoglu. That and no pictures especially when he is suppose to be injured and hanging out in Yorkville. However this is why the Raptors brought in Hedo. Games like this that mean the most. It seems like a distant memory but Turkoglu was the key piece to help Dwight Howard get to the NBA Finals. That clutch performer has rarely shown up since he crossed the border. If Hedo wants to make a big impression and make a lot of the fans that hate him, love him. Simple solution show up today and win.

Looking at some other folks that stand out for me beyond the obvious in Andrea Bargnani who has been less than stellar of late. How about Sonny Weems the new franchise player in waiting since Bosh has been out. Easily the biggest game of his NBA career. In fact let's be honest prior to Toronto he didn't have much of one. That is not a knock on Sonny as much as just he never has been given the chance he has here in Toronto. Others include his Young Gun brothers Amir and Demar. For Amir the mission is pretty simple don't get into foul trouble. Actually for Amir that is not that simple. Then you have Demar, taking on his college team mate and only one guy from USC is going through. Taj Gibson like Demar has had a nice rookie season for the Bulls. The difference is the expectation level when you get picked in the lottery and when you don't.

Finally Jarrett Jack has just become the face of all of this frustration as he tries to hold on to hope of making the playoffs for the first time. I am hoping for a smiling Jack in the post game in the Locker Room. No one on this team has earned the right more than him to smile.

So that is all my thoughts heading into the BIGGEST DAY of the Raptors season one way or the other. Follow me on Twitter @Dinonationblog and I will be giving you some updates from the arena. It is time to back this show up and hit the road. Next Stop the T-DOT!!!

Starting 5 Welcomes Chuck Swirsky

Chuck Swirsky spent a decade both working and pulling for the Toronto Raptors. Now with the Bulls he is in the odd position of likely having his new team needing to knock off his old team to make the playoffs. I asked Chuck about his feelings on that. In addition we talked about the comments of Derrick Rose and his guarantee that the Bulls would make the post season. He talks about how the season has gone for the Bulls and the mood of Bulls fans about all of this. He also talks about Chris Bosh and how he is surprised how some fans have been talking about Bosh on the internet. Along with what he expects the environment to be like for his return to Toronto on Sunday. We even get into a little conversation about the passion of President Obama for Chicago sports team including that Bulls. Pretty sure Chuck is the only guest we have had that has met the President. In Chuck's time in Toronto he gave 100% every single day he collected a check. He is one of the nicest people as a person that you could meet. That being said I hope he gets to have an early vacation from his NBA duties and gets more time to spend with his family. It is always great spending time talking with Chuck and he is always willing to come talk with us here.

Chuck Swirsky

DNB Productions

It is always great to re-connect with Chuck and have him as a guest. If you didn't know he is on Twitter @Swirsk054. He is always on there and as I said Chuck Swirsky was one of the people that is a perfect fit for Twitter. like he use to say it is always a pleasure talking Raptors basketball. Well for me it is always a pleasure talking basketball with him.

This Is Your Season Toronto Raptors

Pretty much the title of this says it all. I said about 2 months ago when looking at the standings at the time that this would be an important point in the schedule for the Raptors. Back then I did not realize just how right I would be. The Bulls beat the Nets last night who have just 9 wins on the season. So heading into the most important 2 games of the season the Raptors only sit a game and half in the playoffs. They will play the Bulls on April 11th and depending on what happens between now and then that could be the game that will decide the Raptors playoff fate. But if they would like to avoid that do or die situation they need to win these next 2 games on the road. While the Raptors face the Heat the Bulls will be playing the pathetic Pistons at the same time. A Raptor loss in Miami and Bulls win over the Pistons and Raptors are just a half game in front of the Bulls. Raptors if the do not look in their rear view at the charging Bulls will see Miami 3 games in front. That is who they play tonight. tomorrow they move on up the highway to Charlotte to take on the Bobcats. Who sit 2 and half games in front of the Raptors in 7th in the East.

Raptors with a win over Miami would take the season series. They won both contest vs the Heat at the ACC. That is the good news. Here is the bad news in the Raptors only trip to south beach they got smashed and lost to the Heat by 20 with Heat taking it 115-95. Some more bad news the Raps all time in Miami are only 8-19. Add in the fact the Heat have recently been playing some good basketball with a win over one the leagues hottest clubs in the Bucks. Heat are riding a 4 game win streak and if they are looking forward and not backwards they see the Bucks just a game in front of them for 5th place. The Bobcats are also streaking winners of 3 in a row themselves.

Raptors come in off a heart breaking loss to the Nuggets in which they let a 9 point lead slip away in the 4th quarter as a Carmelo Anthony last second shot would complete the comeback. The Raptors can not afford to get caught feeling sorry for themselves. While people continue to start saying that Bosh is a goner, the one thing that almost everyone would agree on is if Raptors miss the playoffs it is almost a guarantee. If Bosh is going to stay it will take him being a big part of this close to the season. Even the odd comparison to Vince Carter I have seen out there of late. I find that to be sad. I refuse to believe that Bosh is anything like Vince. Yes he clearly frustrated with the effort of the team around him. But he is not giving plays to the other team, he is not smiling after losses and saying oh well I am out of here in a month. He wants to win and has not given up on this season. At least that is what I feel.

Actions are bigger than words. So it will take Chris Bosh having a huge effort down the stretch of this season. He wasn't the guy sitting out a game with a stomach ache ether by the way that was the guy making 53 million dollars. If anyone has acted like Vince Carter it isn't Chris Bosh it is Hedo Turkoglu. Might just be time that he stepped up and showed why the hell we are paying him that big wad of cash. Andrea Bargnani did have a good bounce back the other night but he to must keep the ball rolling in the right direction.

Jay Triano's shuffling of the line-up for my money is an act of desperation. This love affair some folks have with Antoine Wright puzzles me. He has talked a good game but played very few. Thankfully at least in the short term Triano's decision has not seemed to impact on Demar DeRozan. DeRozan is part of the the team's future...Wright isn't. Sonny Weems getting a chance to start is nice Sonny has played his way up the Raptors food chain and passed a lot of folks along the way. He has earned everything he has got. He talks as well but more in terms of having fun and loving life. Not acting like a team leader that he isn't. As for Jay's first change to the line-up out of that same desperation. It would appear that Jose Calderon is still who we thought he was. Which is a terrible defender that despite is offensive skill can not be a starter in this league without making his team a mess on the defensive end. Jarrett Jack should still be the starter and if he had worked a bit harder on the defensive end of the floor he would be. If the Raptors fail to make the playoffs is it really not time to say this is on Jay. I mean his record as a head coach is not exactly glowing and this team's failure to defend is on him. Yes the players need to execute the system but he needs to be accountable if they don't.

Raptors have a lot more than a playoff spot to play for. There at least SHOULD be people's jobs and futures on the line here. Raptor fans have reached a level of frustration that personally I can not remember in 15 years of being a fan of this team. The mood is flat out ugly. It will ether get uglier or turn around real fast with wins over the Heat and Bobcats. But can the Raptors do it? They can if they play with the effort and fight they showed for most of the night vs Denver. Basically the room for error and second chances is done.

The Playoffs for the Toronto Raptors start today.

"Jiggly Bits" - Danielle de Graauw

Olympics...what Olympics? As if that statement would get you very far these days. It's hard to talk NBA to the average person with all this excitement going on much less read about it in the paper - other than the NBA stats on the back page. Our athletes deserve all the accolades that four years and sometimes a lifetime of training will bring. Go Canada Go! Now that I have that out of my system, let's get down to business.



NBA Rookie of the Year - And the winner is...Tyreke Evans.

So I hope you all took my advice to think outside the box after last week's NBA trade deadline. Lots more to think about right? So here's what went down in a nutshell: Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez are now Knicks; the Rockets went shopping and came back with Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Hilton Armstrong and a first round pick; the Kings crowned Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Huges. Oh and Tyeke Evans got Rookie of the Year. Woohoo! I know, I know - you'd think my first pick would be Derrick Rose because I have been extolling his virtues as of late but in all seriousness, Tyreke has the whole package and his move with Dejuan Blair and the Rookie All Star MVP trophy really solidified it for me - a class act all the way. I think it would be in the NBA's best interest to attach Tyreke's image to the award, too - sending a message that this is the type of young player they want to attract. Plus with the trades Sacramento has made, the ball will be in his hands more often, hence more opportunities to shine. We can't forget about BBJ (Bucks' Brandon Jennings) but the only way he'd knock Tyreke off the rookie podium is if he starts racking up the points in Milwaukee, thus moving the Bucks up in the East. So really, the NBA Rookie of the Year award is for Tyreke to loose - he really deserves it in my opinion.

Don't mess with a "Bull" in transition

So all this talk about trades, transitions and titles really boil down to this: you call have all the skill and pizazz in the world but if you don't have a good supporting cast around you, you won't be invited to the final show. Now insert the Chicago Bulls just for fun to illustrate. All I have been reading about the Bulls lately is they are in a transition year. Ok, that's fair. So then does this mean that Coach Vinny Del Negro is in transition too? If I were Bulls' management, I would be saying this with my inside voice since they have tickets and merchandise to unload. But think about it - the Bulls make some trades and free up some spending money ($20 million) and Chicago fans have every right to get excited. This doesn't mean that a playoff spot will mean anything more than a time for Rose and the rest to develop and gain experience. I think their goal now should be to work hard and build themselves up to seem more attractive to a big ticket player or at least someone than can help them get over the transition hump.

Speaking of big ticket, do you want to know what I read about Chris Bosh and why he should leave the Raptors? Take into account this journalist is writing for an american publication. So Sam Smith of the Bulls.com says a good reason for Chris Bosh to leave the Raptors is he's in Canada without ESPN. Seriously? This is the best you've got? Do we think Bosh would leave to help someone else win? He's a player who needs a team and a city behind him and that's what he has here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mr. Smith. We stand behind our players and anytime you want to come north of the border to take in a game, you will see why.

This is why the trade deadline makes the offseason so interesting. Look at the free agency history in the NBA. Lebron James is really only approaching his prime years and can be compared to Michael Jordan. MJ was a free agent in 1996 but he wasn't expected to leave Chicago - like Lebron. In 2004, Kobe Bryant was also a free agent but quickly proved L.A. was where he needed to be. I've heard people talk about Lebron going to Chicago but he wouldn't be able to wear the number 23 so please, let's stop perpetuating that rumour.

I'm a new Denver Nuggets Fan

I think the best story coming out of all this wheeling and dealing, lies in Denver. God Bless George Karl for trying to battle the play-offs and cancer at the same time. Five years ago, he had prostate surgery and has been good ever since. Then doctors found a malignant lump in his throat six weeks ago and Karl keeps it to himself - only management knew. Imagine being in this position. You are in contract negotiations with your bosses and suddenly it doesn't matter how many millions you are making. So management supports a one-year contract extension for Karl and the rest of the Denver Nuggets family -the players- are told. I like how the NBA, friends and foes alike, have rallied around him. And how Denver Nuggets management got behind him. If I were him, I think the most difficult thing dealing with all this would be all the questions and pushes for updates on his condition in press conferences and daily dealings with the media. I don't know if I could deal with that and may have kept my mouth shut entirely. Or maybe not. I think the love and support of family and teammates will move mountains for Karl in the next few weeks. It's times like these that make you appreciate what's around you - my heart goes out to George and the rest of the Karl family - close and extended.