Raps Release Douby

A minor bit of news as the Raptors get set to head to L.A. The Raptors issued a press release this afternoon announcing that they had release shooting guard Quincy Douby. Douby had not dressed for a game this season and was first picked up by the Raps when they were long out of it March. It is not like this is a major loss and it will free up a roster sport should the Raps want to use it. The new came out as well that Hedo Turkoglo had injured his hip. Perhaps the Raps add a small forward/power forward to the roster on a 10 day. But that is just speculation on my part. This may be just a simple case of Douby was never going to see a uniform in his future let alone playing time. But regardless the Douby Era of Raps Ball is done. He averaged 4.4 points and 1 assist and averaged roughly 10 minutes of PT with the Raps down the stretch last season. He hogged the ball to an impressive point total in summer league but really did little to improve his stock obviously as evidence by this move today.

The Long Wait Begins

So Summer League is over from the Raps perspective. It is now the start of the long wait till training camp. Last season that wait had some Olympic Basketball to fill the void. Canada was trying to qualify to Olympics. We would then have the Olympics themselves. In this gap of time there will be lots of time to talk about the Raptors and the season to come. I will also do my best as always to line up guests for the Dino Nation Blog's starting 5. I am working on a number of interviews that I hope will come together. Some will be with the regular guests you have come to expect here at the Dino Nation Blog and as always I am trying hard to bring more guests into the mix.

When we have this down time it sometimes makes it easier to get guests and sometimes a bit harder. After all it is the off-season for a lot of our guests as well. Hopefully you got a chance to read my recap of yesterday's game. Holly Mackenzie filed her recap as well on The Court Surfing Blog on Score.com...Check it out.

It seems people like Holly here at the Dino Nation Blog. She is the most searched person or item on our search engine you can find on the right. You can also find a link to the blog's Facebook fan page. I have let things slip in updating it, but I am going to get back in the habit of doing so.

My weekly radio appearance on Off The Bench is now on Friday Night's from 12:15-12:45 am on CJLO. So if you are up late and home on a Friday night give me a listen here. I am always looking for chances to get on the air and do my thing. I am much more comfortable doing that kind of thing. My vocabulary in conversation tends to be better than it is in the written form.

I keep telling myself I am going to take some kind of mini-vacation from working. I always say it but who knows if I actually will do it. If I do probably might take a few days in August to chill. I am going to take the weekend and chill out unless something comes along. Best way to keep tabs on the blog is to follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog.

My 3 Stars of Raptors Summer League

3rd Star- Brent Petway- Hey I admit that I was pulling for him from the start and he did deliver. If I was being fully objective maybe Patrick O'Bryant could slot in here. But I think Brent earned his spot. Let's just hope he makes the league be in Toronto or somewhere. 14 put in work on the Raptors roster. He also was nice enough to thank both the organization for the chance and the fans for the support. Classy guy and a Wolverine what is not to love?

2nd Star- Quincy Douby- Lot's of jokes from me about the motivation of going to Memphis and what it can do to someone. But whatever the reason Quincy Douby was on a mission. Would have been nice to see him pass some more as was suggested by some. But he did score the ball well and made a clutch shot to close off summer league. He did well and deserves praise.

1st Star- Demar DeRozan- When you are a first round lottery pick you sure hope that you are sitting in this spot. Demar Derozan started off slow but once he got his feet wet he was off and running. Derozan looks to be a guy that wants to work hard and will no be content. In his post game interview yesterday he talked about watching film and looking for ways to improve on what he can. Sure there is room for that but it was a great beginning for the guy I am calling "Heir Canada". Not my nickname but saw it and love it and I am keeping it. Demar proved he is a keep as well.

Keeping it short on a Friday...Enjoy the Weekend Folks!!!

Smile...The Future Is Bright

If you have been not watching summer league you have been missing out on the birth of Heir Canada. That young man smiling in the photo is Demar Derozan after a Raptors 85-84 win. The photo is from @_Chaun(one of my followers on Twitter) who happened to snap the moment as Demar was being interviewed post game. Get to know that smile and that face Toronto because this kid has some serious game. The highlight of the day for me was an amazing put back thrown down that left me jaw on the floor. He also had a dunk that many didn't see live as the feed was down for the first half of the game. Chuck Swirsky who is Vegas tweeted that Demar is the real deal. He even gave him a "that was sick wicked and nasty" tweet. Chuck still keeps tabs on the Raps and he was impressed along with pretty much everyone in attendance. It was another 20 points for the young and talented DeRozan. But it would be Quincy Douby, who under the radar has been having a great summer league, who would hit a shot with less then 2 seconds to go.

My Man #14, Brent Petway was putting in work as well with some solid plays on D. One block set Demar Derozan up for the easy score on the break. It was a nice play. Brent thanked Raptors and the fans on Twitter and there is an outside shot he may end up in Toronto but will see what happens. He was happy to get a chance to show his skills. Something that by his tweet did not happen with the Grizzlies last year. I hope for Brent it is enough to get him in the league. I would prefer with the Raptors but just hope he gets a chance somewhere.

So that is all for summer league, will break it down more in next few days, but basically the guy smiling at the top of this stole the show. The other person smiling is Bryan Colangelo and along with him soon should be every Raptor Fan. This from the fashion file 10 jerseys in Black,Red and White are going to be all the rage in Toronto this fall. You can take that to the bank.

Boxscore- Raps 85 Bucks 84

One last thing the Bucks prior to this game were a perfect 4-0 for what it is worth.

Raps Win First Hedo Turkoglu Bowl In Vegas

The Summer League Raps were playing in what the Dino Nation Blog has claimed to be the Hedo Bowl. They would come out on top as they did in getting Hedo Turkoglu on their Roster. Demar DeRozan had 15. He looked good and not out of place a bit. Holly Mackenzie caught up with Demar prior to the tip of this one check out her 1 on 1 with HEIR CANADA!!! Why Heir Canada? It was one of the nicknames Demar tweeted for fans to decide on. He was a Vince Carter fan. Just like we all once were. But it is time to bury V.C and let Orlando worry about him. So the Heir to the Air Canada throne is here. Besides I was listening to a business report Air Canada could use the mention.

Quincy Douby lead the Raps in scoring for the 3rd game in a row. This should prove to all that if you are threatened to be traded to Memphis it can be highly motivating. We should have done that to Joey Graham 2 years ago. Oh well you live and you learn. Raptors win it 92-87. Oh and if you thought I was going to write about summer league and not mention Brent Petway...You have not been reading lately. I am really happy a lot of you have become fans of Brent. He really makes it easy to cheer for him. The dude is talented. He scored 11 and was 5-7 with a steal. Almost tore down the rim to end the half. Air Georgia is a new age version of the human highlight reel as a dunker. Which was one of his idols coming up in Georgia. For all the Rest check the boxscore.

Raps 92 Blazers 87

On the down side today also proved just why the Raptors NEED Jarrett Jack. Roko is just not consistent enough to be trusted and at least for me has not shown the type of progress I would like to see. What Jose Calderon did from year 1 to year 2 is rare and as you watch Roko stumble along you realize that.

So RAPTORS WIN RAPTORS WIN !!! I am GOING TO PIZZA HUT!!! I mean Pizza Pizza don't want to pull a Brock Lesner.

Jacked About A Loss!!!

So, who is with me, that it is funny as hell that Quincy Douby who was on verge of being traded has lead Raptors in scoring first 2 games of summer league. Memphis can be a lot of motivation and the fact you don't go there...Priceless. I remember hearing Colangelo on Toronto radio, talking glowingly about the progress Douby was making in Vegas(He works out there not now). However I took it as just talk. But maybe as Bryan said in an interview during the game, telling the truth in the best thing to do, because people think your not. He was saying that in reference to having expressed his interest in Demar DeRozan early on. Today was another step for DeRozan and he scored 20 in a 4 point loss to the Pistons. But it is clear although there is work to be done DeRozan is all that was advertised. Having a guy like Brent Petway and some others that can challenge him in practice should only help matters. Forgot to mention Douby had 21 to lead the Raps.

But what might be the biggest news of all did not happen on the basketball court. During the broadcast, it was mentioned that Jarrett Jack former Georgia Tech team-mate of Chris Bosh, may be coming to the Raptors. Now unconfirmed reports that Jack has in fact signed an offer sheet. Tricky move by B.C to feel a need and add on more piece to the puzzle to convince Chris Bosh to stay. Jack and Bosh had a close relationship in college and I suspect still are friends you would have to believe. It is just another move that might make Chris bosh pause for a second and look towards Toronto. But to suggest that Jack would be coming here just as bait to keep Bosh is not fair to him. He in his own right in a pretty solid option at the point guard and can play some 2 as he did with T.J Ford. So Jackron is coming to the Raptors? Or is it CalderJack. Whatever it is could be very good. Roko Ukic at least in my eyes has not made the amount of progress you would want to see.

Story on Jack Rumour

More From Doug Smith In Toronto Star

Raptors did fall to the Pistons by the way 91-87.

Boxscore Pistons/Raps

So despite an 0-2 Record there is still LOTS TO BE JACKED UP ABOUT. Be it Demar DeRozan, Jarrett Jack and yes my guy Brent Petway who but in another solid day of work. No jaw jacking jams but doing all the little things kind like an A.P would do. Bryan Colangelo is quickly climbing back to the lofty status of sainthood in Raptor land. Pacers could match this over but it is another brilliant and bold stroke. If anyone is unclear. Let me spell it out for you. Bryan Colangelo is doing everything on God's green earth to keep Chris Bosh. That is the plan and it seems pretty damn obvious. However if for some reason he should fail he still is adding a lot of quality parts that would make Toronto and attractive option. There is that old expression it is always darkest before the dawn. Well I may just believe that Dawn is fast approaching after what just weeks ago seemed like a very bleak and hopeless outlook for the Toronto Raptors.

UPDATE 8:25 PM

Got to show some love for the Home Team being the lovely and talented Holly MacKenzie from The Score who in on scene in Vegas. I am sure you will agree her game recap is ACES!!!

Holly MacKenzine In Court Surfing Blog

Raps Lose Close One To Open Summer League

Toronto Raptors lose a close one the L.A Lakers to open Summer League in Vegas. I have been telling you about Brent Petway. He shows you why I am so excited about him in this highlight package courtesy of NBA.COM...ROLL IT!!!



Ironically Quincy Douby,who was removed from the big 4 way trade, end up leading the Raptors in scoring with 16 points. Rookie Demar DeRozan had 10 points and 5 rebounds in his debut. Here is the rest of the numbers in the boxscore.

Lakers 85 Raptors 84- Boxscore

Also Holly Mackenzie was at the game and here is her recap of it from The Score Court Surfing Blog. She also caught up with Demar Derozan after the game check out her interview.

Raps back on the floor 4pm Toronto Time as they take on the Pistons.

B.C Doing WORK!!!

So when you went to bed last night depending on when you did. You went to bed with A.P, Hump, Quincy Douby and Shawn Marion were Raps or FA's. Well Not anymore. There are new Raptors too but let's explain where the old ones are going. A.P is the easiest as he just signed on his own with the Cavs. One of the classy players in the history of this organization best of luck to him. Now the trade that was 3 teams that became 4 teams. The Raptors have traded for Hedo Turkoglu. What? Yeah that's right Hedo comes via sign and trade. Shawn Marion goes to Dallas Via sign and trade. Quincy Douby and Jerry Stackhouse go to Memphis. Also Hump goes to Dallas as well. Raptors get back Wright and George from Dallas and yes the all important MLE is back which means so to could be Carlos Delfino. Have you got all of that? If not perhaps ESPN explains it better than me.

Marc Stein on Marion Deal - ESPN

In short Bryan Colangelo is pretty amazing. I had said that you could not truly judge a half painted picture a few days ago. Well Colangelo as truly added some masterful Michaelangelo type strokes to his Raptors canvas. The Raptors have gone from DeRozan and Douby. To Wright, Delfino, DeRozan and George. That addresses the wing spot. About the only thing he could not manage to do in unload Marcus Banks. Had he done that as well there may well have been a Bryan Colangelo parade today in Toronto.

Suddenly, Chris Bosh wakes up to having a team build around him that is pretty good and has some options at pretty much every position. Hey the roll B.C is on maybe Bosh will sign and extension as well.That is not likely to happen but the odds on Chris Bosh coming back have greatly increased in the last 48 hours. The combination of the info on the cap, The Raptors making massive change. The future of Chris Bosh has become a lot brighter to stay in Toronto.

In the end that is what matters the most. That is why all of this has happened in a lot of ways. However even if Bosh were to walk the Raptors are much better prepared for that as well. I still have concern over some of the contracts in terms of Andrea and Hedo. Having a team with some depth makes me a little less worried about that.

People had said B.C was not done. I was sure that he was not done trying. But I wondered if he could pull anything off. Well B.C did that no doubt about this. Even with all of this the Raptors still at best are the 4th team in the East. Still who was thinking that or saying that as a best case even a week ago?

I still have a wait and see approach to all of this. However the big difference is I can't wait to see instead of dreading the rest of this summer. Will this finally put an end to all of you that were thinking/hoping Chris Bosh would be traded this summer?

I am hopeful this will be enough to convince Chris Bosh to remain a Raptor. I truly hope that he can play his career as a Raptor and one day see a #4 hanging in the A.C.C. I feel like, as I am sure most Raptor fans do, that we have all watched Chris grow as a player and a man before our eyes. That is why I am a card carrying member of CB4 Nation. There are some guys that I will always root for their entire career. Bosh is on that list. I just would prefer I am doing it with him as a Raptor.

I want to close with some thoughts on Anthony Parker. He has been one of the most classy and professional people in his time with the Raptors. He finds himself in a situation where he should have an excellent chance at winning a championship. Can you think of a person more deserving of that then him? It would be a short list. So I am extremely happy for him. I also think we are all better off at getting to know someone of such high character and classy. So best of luck to A.P. Here is a list of truly nice guys from Raptors history. They all had varying degrees of talent but all were people that made me smile and hopefully you as well.

#5- Matt Bonner AkA The Red Rocket.

#4- Dell Curry

#3- Muggsy Bogues

#2- Anthony Parker

#1- Morris Peterson.

There were others that you could add to this list. If you have some you want to include or have your own list feel free to make a comment.

Yesterday I decided to do a live blog of the Andrea Bargnani Press Conference. The numbers and turn out for that was fantastic. So if you came out for that thanks a lot. It went so well that I will be doing another one for the Hedo News Conference and I am going to consider some form of a weekly Chat/Live Blog. I really love interacting with folks as you can probably notice if you follow the blog on Twitter (@dinonationblog). So if that presser happens today look for a live blog to be posted here on the site.

I suspect the majority of Raptor fans will be happy today and after last season you have earned that right to be so. Bryan Colangelo took a large step back towards the super genius that got a standing ovation when he came to town.