So it is an off day and nothing is really going on. To be honest I wasn't even going to bother writing anything today. I was watching Prime Time Sports on the Fan 590 and heard something pretty mind blowing. John Shannon who is known as hockey guy from the most part. However, he did use to run both Raptors TV and Leafs TV when they started. The topic of Steve Nash came up and he drops a bombshell that Glen Grunwald was offered and turned down this trade in summer of 2001:
To Dallas:
Vince Carter
Antonio Davis
To Toronto:
Steve Nash
Dirk Nowitzki
Now it is important to put this in context. This offer was made the Summer after the Raptors most successful season in their history. It was when Vince Carter was a three point shot in Philadelphia from sending the Raptors to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was also thought of as one of the best players in the game. In arguments with Kobe Bryant as who was the best player in the game. The leading vote getter for All-Star Weekend. Basically at the very peak of Vinsanity.
Steve Nash had not won a MVP award let alone two. Dirk was considered a good player but not a great player at that time. So if the Raptors had made this trade a lot of folks might have lost their minds from a basketball perspective. Vince Carter would have been the best player in that trade and it would not have been close. You could argue Antonio might have even been even with Dirk or not that far below.
Now we all know what happens after that. Which is what makes this story seem so horrible. Nash went on to win two MVP's, Dirk even has won one. Vince Carter never has won one. His career took a dramatic turn in the other direction before eventually being part of one of the worst trades in Raptor history. This was before Antonio wanted his kids to not learn the wonders of metric. He was to busy counting the cash he would get that summer, as did Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter would sign his extension.
You have to wonder how different the entire sport of basketball could have been had that trade happened. There is no guarantee that Nash would have done all that he did. He would have had a large microscope of media attention unlike he had ever seen in his career. Same would be true for Dirk. Still the idea of Nash being here with his whole career still in front of him is a lot more appealing than watching Jaamal Magloire try to hang on to what is left of his NBA Career.
So feel free to hate Glen Grunwald for screwing up the Raptors long before Rob Babcock even had the job. Still if you are honest about it for Grunwald to have made that trade would have took some serious balls on his part. It also would have looked like a win for Dallas at the time. We have 11 years of history that tells us it wouldn't have been the case. The thought of trading Vince at the time would have been insane. After all this was the franchise that fully endorsed and allowed him to attend his graduation in North Carolina the morning of the biggest game in franchise history. It was not like they were going to trade him for almost anyone in the league short of maybe Kobe Bryant or Shaq.
So there is a moment in Raptor History that never was. It is also a moment that could have changed this franchise forever. Basketball in this country might be totally different from how it is today. Sadly will never know what might have happened. If Steve Nash was to come now and finish his career in Toronto at some point it would not have the same impact as this potential trade could have had. Back to the rebuilding project tomorrow and reality.
Showing posts with label Dirk Nowitzki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dirk Nowitzki. Show all posts
12/31/11
Raps Tried To Win But The Mavs Did Win
It's seems pretty easy to please Raptor fans these days. Show up and don't get blown out and happiness reigns supreme on Twitter. The Raptors did show up in Dallas and they did try. Even had a lead in the 3rd quarter when their old buddy Vince Carter led another team back to beat his former club. In the end this was a battle of the Raptors wanting to win and give their new coach an unexpected victory. While there was a Dallas Mavericks team that was off to the worst start of a defending Champion in over 40 years. They needed to win and they did just that.
The new and improved Andrea Bargnani clearly came to play tonight. He was a big reason the Raptors could even claim to be in this game. While no one can deny his improvement this year my feelings on his future remain the same. It is kind of hypocritical of a lot of people to not agree. If you can say after Chris Bosh left town that you can't really win with him why should it be different with Bargnani? While Bargnani is less likely to leave the Raptors the same things that were said about Bosh and why the Raptors couldn't win with him apply. Bargnani is clearly this teams top scorer. But even now at his natural position that was once occupied by Bosh he can not provide enough to help this team win. Chris Bosh was often taken to task for the games he had big performances often came in games the Raptors lost. The same can be said for Andrea Bargnani. He was about as good as it gets for him tonight shooting 11-18 with 30 points and had 7 rebounds. There was only one assist in that though. Maybe that gets to the fundamental problem with a traditional four as your main piece. It is often said that your best player is suppose to make everyone around him better. I fail to see how Bargnani has done that today or ever.
But his improvement is a positive no matter how you choose to look at it. But to me it makes him an attractive piece to move not keep. In a stacked draft class coming up you would think a team would be willing to part with a first round pick to get a scorer like Bargnani. On a contending team he is a great second or third option. Raptors could get another solid pick and perhaps a player they could use at point guard or a legit small forward something the Raptors have failed to have since Vince Carter left. Never once have the Raptors traded a player at high point of his value. You only need to look at the Vince Carter trade and the next to nothing they got as Bosh left via free agency. Perhaps the last time the Raptors got any true value with a core player in a trade was when they moved Antonio Davis. They did alright in that deal despite losing a fan favourite in Jerome Williams as well. If the Raptors are truly rebuilding then don't go half way.
This of course would be a lot easier to do if Demar DeRozan was showing signs of taking the next step. While Bargnani has shined it has been a bit of a troubling start to Demar DeRozan's third season. There is no really dramatic improvement in his defence. While he seems to be forcing his offence and we have seen many more forced shots than we have highlight dunks. Tonight DeRozan had just 11 points with 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Shooting just 4-12 as well. James Johnson who was a big hit with Raptor fans since he arrived is starting to see his honeymoon end with fans. He did not score a point and was a -14 for a guy that is suppose to be one of you best defenders?
Another chip the Raptors have to play that is less attractive than that of Bargnani is Leandro Barbosa. He had 20 points will the rest of the Raptors bench had just 6 points. Barbosa decided to use his player option to collect his 7.2 million dollars owed for this season of service. He clearly can score and he clearly is not a guy that is ever going to be defence first. The Raptors may want to hang on to him to have his salary come off the books as it is a big piece of that 20 million or so Colangelo would have in cape space next season. But if you can get a player you like already under contract that you would control for a few seasons is that not a better option. Raptors have had their struggles being a player in free agency in the past. Colangelo's big signings have never been smashing successes. Hedo Turkoglu the most recent but there was also Jason Kapono prior to that. They still would have a decent amount of cash to spend as well. But the key is when you go to move Barbosa it is from a position of strength. If you don't get what you want you cash is your 7.2 million in cap room and call it a day.
Mavericks had 5 players in double figures three of those coming off the bench including Carter. Bargnani schooled that Dirk fellow as he not only outscored him 30-18, but even out rebounded him 7-4. But in the only stat that matters Nowitzki got the W. The Mavs get in the win column for the first time this year with a 99-86 win over the Raptors. Both these teams sit at 1-3 on the season but the difference between the two teams is massive.
I grow tired of hearing that it was a entertain loss. If this was a movie or a concert that would be great. But as much as sports becomes more and more entertainment based it still is about winning and losing. The Raptors have proven that while their effort level may be improved and there defence is with out question miles ahead of any point under Jay Triano. They held the Mavs to 44.4% shooting on this night. But at the end of the day moral victories are for losers. This whole attitude of the Raptors at least tried hard and it was more entertaining than watching paint dry concerns me. Great just friggin awesome. Look I get it and yeah there are some good things. But at the end of the day is this core group good enough? Not really sure. At the end of all of this have the Raptors actually solved any of their problems? I think they have solved at least one. Dwane Casey is a keeper it looks like to me. He is not taking any pride in the fact his team tried hard. He expects and demands more. As should all of you that are just satisfied with a team giving an effort. But can this team attract free agents? Remains to be seen. Will the ownership of this team be willing to go to that next level to make the Raptors a true contender when the time comes? Or will the be happy to have a team that is good enough to make the playoffs and do nothing really. See the Atlanta Hawks as the classic example of that. Although they have tried to spend money just maybe not always wisely.
I think what I find frustrating is people seem to just accept and buy in no matter what. While I truly admire the loyalty of fans, I am not ready to see the Raptor fan base morph into the one that cheers for the hockey team that hasn't won since 1967. In theory the Raptors are in a good position for success. But when you place that against this teams failure of the past how confident can you truly be? While I am not as over the moon about Jonas Valanciunas has some people. I think he has a good shot at being successful. However I need to see it against NBA talent under NBA rules to be convinced. Also as this season grinds along and people look to the future the amount of pressure on him will be intense. I mean it is almost now as some people see him as a Savior. Raptors still have no point guard and no real dynamic small forward. At best Jonas is a piece to your puzzle but he is not going to be able to pass the ball to himself. He also can't defend the wing position. Maybe you find that answer in the draft. But for tank nation you might want to look up the odds of worst team actually winning the lottery.
Speaking of point guards Jerryd Bayless turned his angle in this game and did not return. He did have an x-ray on the ankle that came back negative which is positive. That being said if you saw the replay of it on TSN it was a pretty nasty twist. We saw are first look at Anthony Carter as a result and got to see Forbes play some point guard. Along with a bigger dose of Jose Calderon who was having fun playing someone slower than him. A decent night for Jose with 11 points 7 dimes and a couple steals. Jose can defend people that are his lesser in terms of speed. Problem is that list grows shorter ever season. No one will cry more when Jason Kidd retires than Jose Calderon. As for Bayless his status vs Orlando is not known but safe bet he could be out. Aaron Gray remains out with a heart condition. This will take Raps fans back to the struggles of short lived Raptor Nathan Jawai. But we are told things with Gray are not as serious. He is still able to practice with the team despite being held out of game action. Obviously you hope for the best health wise. Basketball wise based on what we did see of him the Raptors are not missing much.
I guess the point I am making is that people tend to be far to accepting. Some of these people were the same ones that never thought we needed a coaching change but they now have fully sold out to POUND THE ROCK. If you have learned anything from reading this blog I hope it is that I don't just follow the crowd. I have been ahead of the curve on a lot of things. Long before you heard anyone questioning Jose Calderon I was. When people were applauding a trade for Jermaine O'Neil that was not me. I was the guy that told you Roy Hibbert was going to be good. The Raptors at the time felt he was to slow to play in their system. Well is Jamaal Magloire going to win a race against Roy Hibbert? Not likely. In terms of him I seem to be the only one that remembers how this guy consistently turned his back on this country and the national team. Only now at the end of his career when he has very little left to offer does he become a Raptor. Yet he is applauded like some hero cause he happens to be from Toronto. You want to applaud an NBA Player from Toronto? Tristan Thompson will make his only visit to the ACC on Wednesday. Applaud him. I never liked Hedo signing as well. This all may seem like bragging on my part. It is not meant to be. But it is to say and illustrate that I often have a good sense on things and have a good track record at being right. But just because I am a realist and I am not so willing to just accept everything at face value doesn't mean I want to see this team fail. I like everyone else want this team to be a success. But I don't do it with disregard or forget the long history of failure with this organization.
If the Raptors problems were simple and easy to fix there is no doubt there have been some smart people in this organization over time that could have fixed them. But it isn't simple, it is very hard. This Organization wants your patience. I say for some they have been patient for 16 years. Based on that it at the least should make you at best skeptical of the Raptors rather than to just buy into whatever they are selling to you. However you care to look at this season, it in many ways is a lost season. Some see it as a means to an end. But there is no guarantee it is a happy ending. Applauding effort and trying is ridiculous to me. That should be a given. Like I tweeted tonight. Yoda put it best....Do or do not.....there is no try.
The new and improved Andrea Bargnani clearly came to play tonight. He was a big reason the Raptors could even claim to be in this game. While no one can deny his improvement this year my feelings on his future remain the same. It is kind of hypocritical of a lot of people to not agree. If you can say after Chris Bosh left town that you can't really win with him why should it be different with Bargnani? While Bargnani is less likely to leave the Raptors the same things that were said about Bosh and why the Raptors couldn't win with him apply. Bargnani is clearly this teams top scorer. But even now at his natural position that was once occupied by Bosh he can not provide enough to help this team win. Chris Bosh was often taken to task for the games he had big performances often came in games the Raptors lost. The same can be said for Andrea Bargnani. He was about as good as it gets for him tonight shooting 11-18 with 30 points and had 7 rebounds. There was only one assist in that though. Maybe that gets to the fundamental problem with a traditional four as your main piece. It is often said that your best player is suppose to make everyone around him better. I fail to see how Bargnani has done that today or ever.
But his improvement is a positive no matter how you choose to look at it. But to me it makes him an attractive piece to move not keep. In a stacked draft class coming up you would think a team would be willing to part with a first round pick to get a scorer like Bargnani. On a contending team he is a great second or third option. Raptors could get another solid pick and perhaps a player they could use at point guard or a legit small forward something the Raptors have failed to have since Vince Carter left. Never once have the Raptors traded a player at high point of his value. You only need to look at the Vince Carter trade and the next to nothing they got as Bosh left via free agency. Perhaps the last time the Raptors got any true value with a core player in a trade was when they moved Antonio Davis. They did alright in that deal despite losing a fan favourite in Jerome Williams as well. If the Raptors are truly rebuilding then don't go half way.
This of course would be a lot easier to do if Demar DeRozan was showing signs of taking the next step. While Bargnani has shined it has been a bit of a troubling start to Demar DeRozan's third season. There is no really dramatic improvement in his defence. While he seems to be forcing his offence and we have seen many more forced shots than we have highlight dunks. Tonight DeRozan had just 11 points with 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Shooting just 4-12 as well. James Johnson who was a big hit with Raptor fans since he arrived is starting to see his honeymoon end with fans. He did not score a point and was a -14 for a guy that is suppose to be one of you best defenders?
Another chip the Raptors have to play that is less attractive than that of Bargnani is Leandro Barbosa. He had 20 points will the rest of the Raptors bench had just 6 points. Barbosa decided to use his player option to collect his 7.2 million dollars owed for this season of service. He clearly can score and he clearly is not a guy that is ever going to be defence first. The Raptors may want to hang on to him to have his salary come off the books as it is a big piece of that 20 million or so Colangelo would have in cape space next season. But if you can get a player you like already under contract that you would control for a few seasons is that not a better option. Raptors have had their struggles being a player in free agency in the past. Colangelo's big signings have never been smashing successes. Hedo Turkoglu the most recent but there was also Jason Kapono prior to that. They still would have a decent amount of cash to spend as well. But the key is when you go to move Barbosa it is from a position of strength. If you don't get what you want you cash is your 7.2 million in cap room and call it a day.
Mavericks had 5 players in double figures three of those coming off the bench including Carter. Bargnani schooled that Dirk fellow as he not only outscored him 30-18, but even out rebounded him 7-4. But in the only stat that matters Nowitzki got the W. The Mavs get in the win column for the first time this year with a 99-86 win over the Raptors. Both these teams sit at 1-3 on the season but the difference between the two teams is massive.
I grow tired of hearing that it was a entertain loss. If this was a movie or a concert that would be great. But as much as sports becomes more and more entertainment based it still is about winning and losing. The Raptors have proven that while their effort level may be improved and there defence is with out question miles ahead of any point under Jay Triano. They held the Mavs to 44.4% shooting on this night. But at the end of the day moral victories are for losers. This whole attitude of the Raptors at least tried hard and it was more entertaining than watching paint dry concerns me. Great just friggin awesome. Look I get it and yeah there are some good things. But at the end of the day is this core group good enough? Not really sure. At the end of all of this have the Raptors actually solved any of their problems? I think they have solved at least one. Dwane Casey is a keeper it looks like to me. He is not taking any pride in the fact his team tried hard. He expects and demands more. As should all of you that are just satisfied with a team giving an effort. But can this team attract free agents? Remains to be seen. Will the ownership of this team be willing to go to that next level to make the Raptors a true contender when the time comes? Or will the be happy to have a team that is good enough to make the playoffs and do nothing really. See the Atlanta Hawks as the classic example of that. Although they have tried to spend money just maybe not always wisely.
I think what I find frustrating is people seem to just accept and buy in no matter what. While I truly admire the loyalty of fans, I am not ready to see the Raptor fan base morph into the one that cheers for the hockey team that hasn't won since 1967. In theory the Raptors are in a good position for success. But when you place that against this teams failure of the past how confident can you truly be? While I am not as over the moon about Jonas Valanciunas has some people. I think he has a good shot at being successful. However I need to see it against NBA talent under NBA rules to be convinced. Also as this season grinds along and people look to the future the amount of pressure on him will be intense. I mean it is almost now as some people see him as a Savior. Raptors still have no point guard and no real dynamic small forward. At best Jonas is a piece to your puzzle but he is not going to be able to pass the ball to himself. He also can't defend the wing position. Maybe you find that answer in the draft. But for tank nation you might want to look up the odds of worst team actually winning the lottery.
Speaking of point guards Jerryd Bayless turned his angle in this game and did not return. He did have an x-ray on the ankle that came back negative which is positive. That being said if you saw the replay of it on TSN it was a pretty nasty twist. We saw are first look at Anthony Carter as a result and got to see Forbes play some point guard. Along with a bigger dose of Jose Calderon who was having fun playing someone slower than him. A decent night for Jose with 11 points 7 dimes and a couple steals. Jose can defend people that are his lesser in terms of speed. Problem is that list grows shorter ever season. No one will cry more when Jason Kidd retires than Jose Calderon. As for Bayless his status vs Orlando is not known but safe bet he could be out. Aaron Gray remains out with a heart condition. This will take Raps fans back to the struggles of short lived Raptor Nathan Jawai. But we are told things with Gray are not as serious. He is still able to practice with the team despite being held out of game action. Obviously you hope for the best health wise. Basketball wise based on what we did see of him the Raptors are not missing much.
I guess the point I am making is that people tend to be far to accepting. Some of these people were the same ones that never thought we needed a coaching change but they now have fully sold out to POUND THE ROCK. If you have learned anything from reading this blog I hope it is that I don't just follow the crowd. I have been ahead of the curve on a lot of things. Long before you heard anyone questioning Jose Calderon I was. When people were applauding a trade for Jermaine O'Neil that was not me. I was the guy that told you Roy Hibbert was going to be good. The Raptors at the time felt he was to slow to play in their system. Well is Jamaal Magloire going to win a race against Roy Hibbert? Not likely. In terms of him I seem to be the only one that remembers how this guy consistently turned his back on this country and the national team. Only now at the end of his career when he has very little left to offer does he become a Raptor. Yet he is applauded like some hero cause he happens to be from Toronto. You want to applaud an NBA Player from Toronto? Tristan Thompson will make his only visit to the ACC on Wednesday. Applaud him. I never liked Hedo signing as well. This all may seem like bragging on my part. It is not meant to be. But it is to say and illustrate that I often have a good sense on things and have a good track record at being right. But just because I am a realist and I am not so willing to just accept everything at face value doesn't mean I want to see this team fail. I like everyone else want this team to be a success. But I don't do it with disregard or forget the long history of failure with this organization.
If the Raptors problems were simple and easy to fix there is no doubt there have been some smart people in this organization over time that could have fixed them. But it isn't simple, it is very hard. This Organization wants your patience. I say for some they have been patient for 16 years. Based on that it at the least should make you at best skeptical of the Raptors rather than to just buy into whatever they are selling to you. However you care to look at this season, it in many ways is a lost season. Some see it as a means to an end. But there is no guarantee it is a happy ending. Applauding effort and trying is ridiculous to me. That should be a given. Like I tweeted tonight. Yoda put it best....Do or do not.....there is no try.
6/13/11
It Is All Over For Another Year
Well another season is done and it offered many surprises along the way. What started with a decision and a pre-season championship celebration ended with Mark Cuban's Mavs winning it all. No one could have seen that coming. Dirk Nowitzki had been known for failure more than success. He won the MVP and then his team was knocked out in the first round. He lost to Miami with Wade and Shaq after seemingly having the series under control. If anyone was going to stop the MWO and South Beach Heat few would have said it would be the under achieving German superstar. I admit I have always been one of the people that have never given the Mavs a ton of credit. They were always a team that choked in the clutch. But they are no longer that, they will forever be NBA Champions. Perhaps the most unlikely Champions in the NBA since the Pistons stunned Kobe and Shaq in the NBA Finals and won a title with Larry Brown.
Celebrate the Mavs for what they did. For the fact a number of veteran guys were able to finally win a title. Earlier in the week I heard Charles Barkley on the radio talking about why people don't like the Miami Heat. He said it was the arrogance of how easy they felt it would be to win a championship. Something that Barkley was never able to accomplish. He like other greats like Pat Ewing, Karl Malone and a list of many others spent a career chasing that elusive championship. Lebron James has been chasing a title too. After years of trying and failing with little support in Cleveland he became part of this group that decided to join forces and look for the fast track to the NBA Title. But the short cut only got them to the door step of that title. Only to see a group that they likely never expected to see celebrate on their home floor. It was suppose to be Kobe and Lakers to challenge this group not the Mavs. But the Mavs swept them away and ended Phil Jackson's career in utterly stunning fashion. They in equally stunning fashion stunned the Miami Heat.
Mark Cuban deserves great credit for taking a team that was always in second place to the Dallas Cowboys and making them relevant in Dallas. Something we can relate to in Toronto with the Raptors always being in the shadow of hockey and Maple Leafs. Cuban took this franchise from no where and ultimately has been rewarded with a championship. There is no owner in the NBA that I would be more happy for. He has been fined by the league and shot off his mouth for years with the goal of challenging this league and his team to be better. In a true act of class Cuban allowed the first ever owner of the Mavs to be given the NBA Championship. Something he has worked hard for and spent a ton of money for and yet he allows someone else to touch the trophy he has wanted for so long before him. Mark Cuban makes more money than Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined. Yet people for the most part love Cuban and hate them. The act of Cuban doing something classy like that is part of why. But the deeper reason is we see Mark Cuban as a fan like us. While Lebron James tells all of you that cheer in his demise that eventually you will have to go back to your actual lives. That he will be happy with his life and choices he has made. Mark Cuban is a guy that you believe if you met him in a bar he would likely have a beer with you and talk to you for 5 minute. The MWO are guys that hang out in the VIP area and would not be caught dead hanging with you common folks.
It was a great season in a lot of ways. It might have been the start of a changing of the guard in the NBA. Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin lead a new generation of superstars that are looking to take the torch from the Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and other superstars coming to the end of the line. In fact with the uncertain future of an NBA Lockout who is to say we have not seen the last of more than just Shaq when we are playing basketball again.
Ironically after one of the best seasons in the NBA in a long time and followed by one of the most interesting playoffs in years the NBA stands on the abyss of joining the NFL is labour hell. We will be lucky if we see another basketball game in the NBA in 2011. That is not exactly something anyone wants to hear but it could in fact be the reality.
Mavericks won a title the right way and although I really have no love for them, I do respect what they have done. At least I am honest about it. I never picked them to win any of the 4 series they did win. I am not going to be a hypocrite like so many made themselves by cheering for anyone that could stop the Miami Heat. Pumping up the Mavericks more as a way to insult the Heat. For those that are true Mavericks fans I offer sincere congratulations. For those of you just cheering for Miami to lose, I just shake my head. People mocking Chris Bosh for crying but applauding Dirk for doing the same. At the end of the day people that root against the Heat have become just as bad as the guys they hate. In fact perhaps more so.
Miami will be back and depending on how the CBA turns out they could be much stronger when they do. But the real story now is when will you get to see basketball again? Not even the MWO can stop a lockout. Only David Stern and Billy Hunter can get that done. It could be a long a cruel summer turning into a long and cold fall without basketball. It is a shame coming off such a great season of basketball.
Celebrate the Mavs for what they did. For the fact a number of veteran guys were able to finally win a title. Earlier in the week I heard Charles Barkley on the radio talking about why people don't like the Miami Heat. He said it was the arrogance of how easy they felt it would be to win a championship. Something that Barkley was never able to accomplish. He like other greats like Pat Ewing, Karl Malone and a list of many others spent a career chasing that elusive championship. Lebron James has been chasing a title too. After years of trying and failing with little support in Cleveland he became part of this group that decided to join forces and look for the fast track to the NBA Title. But the short cut only got them to the door step of that title. Only to see a group that they likely never expected to see celebrate on their home floor. It was suppose to be Kobe and Lakers to challenge this group not the Mavs. But the Mavs swept them away and ended Phil Jackson's career in utterly stunning fashion. They in equally stunning fashion stunned the Miami Heat.
Mark Cuban deserves great credit for taking a team that was always in second place to the Dallas Cowboys and making them relevant in Dallas. Something we can relate to in Toronto with the Raptors always being in the shadow of hockey and Maple Leafs. Cuban took this franchise from no where and ultimately has been rewarded with a championship. There is no owner in the NBA that I would be more happy for. He has been fined by the league and shot off his mouth for years with the goal of challenging this league and his team to be better. In a true act of class Cuban allowed the first ever owner of the Mavs to be given the NBA Championship. Something he has worked hard for and spent a ton of money for and yet he allows someone else to touch the trophy he has wanted for so long before him. Mark Cuban makes more money than Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined. Yet people for the most part love Cuban and hate them. The act of Cuban doing something classy like that is part of why. But the deeper reason is we see Mark Cuban as a fan like us. While Lebron James tells all of you that cheer in his demise that eventually you will have to go back to your actual lives. That he will be happy with his life and choices he has made. Mark Cuban is a guy that you believe if you met him in a bar he would likely have a beer with you and talk to you for 5 minute. The MWO are guys that hang out in the VIP area and would not be caught dead hanging with you common folks.
It was a great season in a lot of ways. It might have been the start of a changing of the guard in the NBA. Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin lead a new generation of superstars that are looking to take the torch from the Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and other superstars coming to the end of the line. In fact with the uncertain future of an NBA Lockout who is to say we have not seen the last of more than just Shaq when we are playing basketball again.
Ironically after one of the best seasons in the NBA in a long time and followed by one of the most interesting playoffs in years the NBA stands on the abyss of joining the NFL is labour hell. We will be lucky if we see another basketball game in the NBA in 2011. That is not exactly something anyone wants to hear but it could in fact be the reality.
Mavericks won a title the right way and although I really have no love for them, I do respect what they have done. At least I am honest about it. I never picked them to win any of the 4 series they did win. I am not going to be a hypocrite like so many made themselves by cheering for anyone that could stop the Miami Heat. Pumping up the Mavericks more as a way to insult the Heat. For those that are true Mavericks fans I offer sincere congratulations. For those of you just cheering for Miami to lose, I just shake my head. People mocking Chris Bosh for crying but applauding Dirk for doing the same. At the end of the day people that root against the Heat have become just as bad as the guys they hate. In fact perhaps more so.
Miami will be back and depending on how the CBA turns out they could be much stronger when they do. But the real story now is when will you get to see basketball again? Not even the MWO can stop a lockout. Only David Stern and Billy Hunter can get that done. It could be a long a cruel summer turning into a long and cold fall without basketball. It is a shame coming off such a great season of basketball.
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.
1/17/10
Taking on Little D On Sunday.
The Raptors escaped NYC with a win over the New York Knicks. In live blogging the game for The Score it was funny to watch fans go "Oh No here we go AGAIN!!!". However the Raptors did not have a repeat of what happened to Indiana. The positive in what they did in both games was get off to a solid start. The other good thing in both games was Andrea Bargnani who looked great in both games. I admit there was a time in which I would have considered the idea of trading Andrea Bargnani a good idea. That day is gone for me and many others I would venture. The other good thing from that game in New York was Demae DeRozan. I boldly predicted when asked by some on a live blog for an X-Factor in that game that Demar would be that X-factor. In his first game as a pro in MSG coming off the news that he had a chance to earn his way into the slam dunk contest he was better than good. One of the things in talking with Demar a few times that I walk away impressed by is his desire to be not just good but great. He got to the line 14 times and made 11 of those free throws.
This leads to talk that Jose Calderon is on the trading block. Steve Simmons tweeted this over the weekend. He is hardly making headline news by saying it as any Raptor fan that is somewhat knowledgeable knows already. However let me say that maybe the Raptors should hold the phone for a moment. The reason to trade Jose Calderon would be to bring in a legit shooting guard for this basketball team. However maybe we already have on in the guy I was just talking about in Demar DeRozan. I think I would like to see another month of development from Demar before I am throwing Jose Calderon out with the bath water. He along with Bargnani and DeRozan was great in the win over the Knicks. Calderon in the role of back-up has been better than he was in the starting role earlier in the season. The Raptors already made the grave mistake of undervaluing what a great strength it was to have 2 good to great starting point guards. So by all means take offers for Calderon but don't pull the trigger just yet. Raptors may not be as needy at the shooting guard position as we think especially if we see more performances from Demar like had Friday in New York.
Next up for the Raptors is Disco Dirk and his Mavericks. Andrea Bargnani was compared to Dirk when he was drafted and it was a laughable comparison until perhaps this year. Nowitzki is looking back to his MVP like form a few seasons ago averaging 25.3 points with 8.2 rebounds as the Mavericks are 2nd in the West at 26-13. They also have the best road record in the Western Conference with a 13-6 record away from big D. There is another game that will be going on at the same time that may make the Mavericks efforts north of the border go with out notice. Another Dallas team is on the road in Minnesota playing a football game. The Mavs despite all of the good things with the Mavs they are just 6-4 in their last 10 games. Raptors are 7-3 in their last 10 and have the red hot Bobcats breathing down their neck in the East standings. Bobcats are 8-2 in their last 10.
Beyond Dirk a guy like Josh Howard is a guy that could be factor today. He is a great defender and can create his offense from his defense. The other guy that Raptors need to be on high alert for is Jason Terry. This is a gut that can get red hot from beyond the 3 point line and kill the Raptors if they forget about him. Mavericks come in hungry after a close loss to the OKC Thunder and will be looking to get back on track with a win.
I want a Dallas team to win today it just isn't this one. Go Raptors and Go Cowboys. I am doing this game for The Score so go to the Score.com and click on the liveblog link and then the game and come enjoy it with me. I also will try and post a direct link prior to the game on Twitter account @dinonationblog . So come join the fun.
Here is your link to The Score LiveBlog of Raptors and Mavs we tip it up a little before 12:30
This leads to talk that Jose Calderon is on the trading block. Steve Simmons tweeted this over the weekend. He is hardly making headline news by saying it as any Raptor fan that is somewhat knowledgeable knows already. However let me say that maybe the Raptors should hold the phone for a moment. The reason to trade Jose Calderon would be to bring in a legit shooting guard for this basketball team. However maybe we already have on in the guy I was just talking about in Demar DeRozan. I think I would like to see another month of development from Demar before I am throwing Jose Calderon out with the bath water. He along with Bargnani and DeRozan was great in the win over the Knicks. Calderon in the role of back-up has been better than he was in the starting role earlier in the season. The Raptors already made the grave mistake of undervaluing what a great strength it was to have 2 good to great starting point guards. So by all means take offers for Calderon but don't pull the trigger just yet. Raptors may not be as needy at the shooting guard position as we think especially if we see more performances from Demar like had Friday in New York.
Next up for the Raptors is Disco Dirk and his Mavericks. Andrea Bargnani was compared to Dirk when he was drafted and it was a laughable comparison until perhaps this year. Nowitzki is looking back to his MVP like form a few seasons ago averaging 25.3 points with 8.2 rebounds as the Mavericks are 2nd in the West at 26-13. They also have the best road record in the Western Conference with a 13-6 record away from big D. There is another game that will be going on at the same time that may make the Mavericks efforts north of the border go with out notice. Another Dallas team is on the road in Minnesota playing a football game. The Mavs despite all of the good things with the Mavs they are just 6-4 in their last 10 games. Raptors are 7-3 in their last 10 and have the red hot Bobcats breathing down their neck in the East standings. Bobcats are 8-2 in their last 10.
Beyond Dirk a guy like Josh Howard is a guy that could be factor today. He is a great defender and can create his offense from his defense. The other guy that Raptors need to be on high alert for is Jason Terry. This is a gut that can get red hot from beyond the 3 point line and kill the Raptors if they forget about him. Mavericks come in hungry after a close loss to the OKC Thunder and will be looking to get back on track with a win.
I want a Dallas team to win today it just isn't this one. Go Raptors and Go Cowboys. I am doing this game for The Score so go to the Score.com and click on the liveblog link and then the game and come enjoy it with me. I also will try and post a direct link prior to the game on Twitter account @dinonationblog . So come join the fun.
Here is your link to The Score LiveBlog of Raptors and Mavs we tip it up a little before 12:30
12/17/08
Raptor Rewind- Mark Cuban In Canada Edition
I think Mark Cuban deserves a shout out if you have been able to find feeds of Raptor Broadcasts on TSN 2 this is the guy that started the idea of broadcasting on the Internet. Nathan Jawai meanwhile has been activated and in his pre-game presser Jay Triano said not to expect Jawai to play right away. He suggested a guess of a month before he would be ready for game action but still great news for the big Aussie and all his fans. So away we go ready or not.1st Quarter
Raptors got the opening basket of the ball game and Josh Howard had a fast start for the Mavs. The Mavs had a early 7-6 lead. Jose Calderon would respond with a jumper and the Raps were now up by one. Josh Howard had all 9 Maverick points, with another basket for him, and it was Howard 9 and Raptors 8. Chris Bosh would score for the home side and put them back in front. Raptors would get on a roll as J.O made a jumper and Raptors had early 15-9 lead. Joey Graham would then get in on the action with a couple of dunks. The Raptors were off to a surprising lead 18-11.
Jose Calderon would score with a jumper after a couple of missed trips for both teams. Joey Graham would add to the lead with a score in transition for the Raptors. It was 22-11 Raptors and the Mavs burned a 20 second time-out. The Mavs would score out of the time out but Raptors would get a CB4 score off a turnover. Joey Graham would continue his great night off the bench with another basket after that. The Raptors were keeping hold of a nice early lead 26-17. Anthony Parker would score off a pick set with a jumper. Roko Ukic show signs again in relief of Jose Calderon. He drove to the basket and scored for Toronto. Brandon Bass would get in the paint and score. But Roko Ukic would drive and score and get fouled as well he would make it. The Raptors with a really surprising 33-21 lead after 1 quarter.
2nd Quarter
Kris Humphries checked in late in the first for his first action in a long while. Brandon Bass would be the one who would score to start the second though. Jason Terry would get a basket for Dallas as well. He would score again and the Raptor lead had been cut in half to start the second quarter. Roko Ukic was doing well and he scored out of the Raptor time out and had an early 7 points. Anthony Parker would follow up with another Raptor score. Raptors were rebounding better and defending better to this point. Raptors would get a block by Bargnani would get a J.O dunk on the other end. Jose Juan Berea who had the shot blocked would remain back on the floor in some pain. Raptors would enjoy a 10 point lead as the Mavs called a time out to have a look at Berea.
It was 39-29 Raptors with just over 8 minutes to play in the half. Berea would remain in the game for the Mavs. Raptors had a block from J.O and then the next time up the floor Berea would turn it over. Raptors could not take advantage though and the Mavs on a third chance to score would do so. Jose Calderon would shoot up a 3 pointer and J.O would get the offensive rebound off the miss and get fouled and head to the line. He would make both and the Raptor advantage was back to double digits at 10. Jamario Moon would get a 3 pointer on a very disorganized set for the Raptors off a Bosh pass. Raptor lead was 44-33 and they continued to look good. Jason Terry would get a much needed 3 pointer on a second chance opportunity for the Mavs. J.O would get 2 points for the home side on the other end. Jamario Moon had his second three ball of the quarter and the Raptors had a 13 point lead late in the half. Raptors would have Bosh miss a leaning jumper and Andrea Bargnani would miss a 3 pointer off the second chance. Dirk Nowitzki would end up getting to the line on the other end. That would start a 6-0 run that was finished off with a Terry 3-ball. Jay Triano would call time out late in the half to rally the troops. But Jason Kapono would miss a jumper out of the time out. Andrea Bargnani would get called for going over the back is 3rd on the night. The Raptors suffer a run by the Mavs to cut a once 13 point lead down to 5 points at the half. 49-44 at the half for the Raptors.
3rd Quarter
Jason Terry had 13 for the Mavs, J.O had 12 for Toronto. The concern Chris Bosh only had 4 points shooting 2-8. Also the late run by the Mavs had to have you worry given this teams history this year. J.O would start the half getting to the line with the foul on Dampier. But at the other end Dampier would kick it out to Josh Howard for 3 and he would make it. The lead was just 4 for the Raptors. Chris Bosh was still cold as well as he missed his first two attempts of the half. Jason Kapono would cut to the hoop and was found for the easy lay-up. Josh Howard who started the first half hot was doing the same in the second as he had another basket on a rebound of his own miss. The Raptors 13 point lead had faded away and Dallas was at the foul line with a chance to take the lead. Josh Howard would make both from the line and it was 54-53 Mavericks. J.O would respond with a basket to take the lead back and Josh Howard has a quick answer and the Mavs were back in lead again.
Chris Bosh would get taken out for Andrea Bargnani and Jay Triano would have a conversation with his star. Bargnani would get his 4th foul right away. But he would remain in the game. Maverick had a chance to extend the lead but Jermaine O'Neal would draw a charge. But the Raptors still trailed 58-55. Bosh was back and looking to have a better performance. But Bosh would get called for a 3 second violation and he would later miss a dunk he just looked off and tired. Andrea Bargnani who was playing with 4 fouls would find his way to the line. He could only split a pair from the line. Mavs would score and Jose Calderon would answer with a jumper of his own and the Raptors were down just 2 points. But Jason Kidd had a basket and he was able to score. Jose Calderon would keep his streak from the line alive thanks to a defensive 3 second call on the Mavs. The Raptors were not playing well but were being allow to hang around for now. Dirk Nowitzki was not exactly tearing it up but he has getting on track with a 2-ball and followed that with a 3-pointer and he had 16 points in the game all of the sudden. Mavericks now lead 67-59. Anthony Parker would make a much needed jumper as the entire team was cold. Dirk had another basket. Jamario Moon would get a final basket for the Raptors but they were down 6 points heading into the final quarter with the score 69-63 Mavs.
4th Quarter
Anthony Parker would find his way to the line and try to lead the Raptors back. He would make both shots and get things off to a positive start. Chris Bosh would score with a baby hook shot in the paint. Raptors had made 3 defensive stops and scored twice and were down just 2 points with the score 69-67. Raptors almost had a steal but instead the ball would fall to Jason Terry would would hit a 2 pointer. Chris Bosh had another score and was starting to get back in the game a bit. But Barea would hit a very key 3 pointer for the Mavericks to give them a 5 point lead. Jason Terry would get another 3 pointer after a failed Raptor possession and the lead was all of the sudden back to 8 points for the Mavericks.
Brandon Bass would hit a jumper and make the lead 10 points for the Mavs. Jermaine O'Neal would get a much needed score plus a foul that he would make. J.O had a chance to cut the lead again but would miss a short range jumper in the lane. Raptors would get a second chance to cut it to 5 points and Andrea Bargnani would make the shot as he had checked in for Bosh. But Dirk Nowitzki who had picked it up in the second half had a basket to give him 21 points and the lead extended for Mavericks. Jamario Moon would make a big 3 pointer to cut lead to 6 points. But the Mavs would respond with a 5-0 mini run that had started as Jason Kidd hit a big 3 pointer and the Maverick lead was now 11 with time growing short at the ACC.
Bosh would check back in but it looked to be to late and not his night. He would still keep trying and was able to get to the line on a foul from Dirk Nowitzki. But he would go 0-2 and The Raptors were down 10 with 3:35 to play. The boos were loud at the ACC and the crowd was unhappy and with just cause. They had seen this movie far to many times this season. Jason Terry would hit a 3 pointer to end any doubt of a Maverick victory as the lead was now 13 points with under 2 minutes to play. Jason Kapono would hit a 3 pointer but it was far to late for the Raptors. Jose Calderon would drive and score on a lay up but this was still not going to matter as the Mavericks still had an 8 point lead with just over 30 seconds to play. The Mavericks would close it out to get a 96-86 win. The Raptors once again would tease you with a big lead only to have it melt away and have no answer.
Chris Bosh had a very tough night at the office and you have to wonder what is going on in his mind as his Raptors drop further below the .500 mark and look like a team rebuilding instead of a team looking to do damage in the playoffs. The boxscore of how it all went south for the Raptors is below.
Raps/Mavs Boxscore
Raptors will now head out on a 6 game road swing with the Christmas break in the middle. They will not return to the ACC until New Year's Eve against the Nuggets. Some time on the road away from some pretty upset fans may not be the worst thing in the world for this team right now. But that being said if they don't find answers on the road it could be a very ugly mood they return to in Toronto. Not a lot of holiday cheer in Raptorland these days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
