NBA Heroes, Villains and Jobbers

The NBA is getting a WWE feel to it beyond the NWO comparisons. If there is a mega baby face in this NBA it is Kevin Durant. In a summer where many peoples reputations have taken hits. Kevin Durant's list of people singing his praises grows. He will be the leader of a Team USA that is far from at full strength. Durant will be the leader of what overall is a very young team U.S.A. They will be challenged up front, with no Bosh or Howard. So it was no surprise that Kevin Durant was the star among stars, in the U.S inter-squad game with 28. For the details on others check this out from the Associated Press.

Most thought Lebron James and Chris Bosh were jerks in how they handled their exits to Miami. In fact, the Bosh rewriting of history continues in Miami. He sure never looked as unhappy as he comes off in media coverage now. Here is a big spread on Bosh in Miami Hearld titled From Raptor to Rapture. Seriously can Miami be anymore cheesy about this? I am sure they can. After all this is the same city that held Shaq a parade when he came.The Miami party continues on till tip off of the NBA Season and beyond. While others outside of Miami may paint Bosh and James as scumbags, it is hard to top Chris Paul.

A meeting is suppose to be taking place today. In that meeting Chris Paul is expected to confirm he wants out in New Orleans. He and his agent seem to have a plan to cut and run on New Orleans. Paul has been rumoured to have his own dreams of building a big 3 in New York with Amare and Carmelo. The only problem is your not a free agent. In fact Mr. Paul is not a free agent for 2 years. But Raptor fans know all about a star player pushing his way out of town....See Vince Carter. Still this leaves an even worse taste in my mouth. Paul was one of the faces of this city, that helped give the city hope after Katrina and the devastation. The Hornets have not had the success of the Saints, winning the Super Bowl this past season. Perhaps that may be part of Paul wanting out, who knows. Safe to the the Saints will always be number 1 team in New Orleans. If Paul follows through on this, he will become an even bigger heel than James. It is one thing for Lebron to leave Cleveland, it is quite another for Paul to leave New Orleans. The city still faces challenges now with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. But Paul is no longer the smiling face that helped rebuild this community.

The Front runners in the Paul Derby seem to be The Knicks and Magic. The Lakers are also said to be on Paul's short list. Other teams in the mix include the Mavericks and Trailblazers. It will be interesting to see if New Orleans will get strong armed into trading Paul away. Many feel that Darren Collison is ready to step in and be a starter in the league. But that being said do you really want to trade you star player with a gun placed at your head? It really is a no win situation for the Hornets.

The Raptors have been quiet of late. Antonie Wright is no longer a Raptor. He signed with the Kings over the weekend. It seemed pretty clear from the start the Raptors had little to no interest in keeping him. I was never a fan of him in his short time here. He was a guy never short on words. But very short on action for me. He talked like he was some kind of leader on this team. I would suggest he was a leader in his own mind. Billed to be a defensive stopper coming in last season. He fell short of that and short at a lot of things. He is rapidly becoming a NBA journeyman, as the Kings will be his 4th team, after stops in New Jersey, Dallas and here. The only free agent the Raptors had beyond Bosh that they appeared to have interest in was Amir Johnson. Raptors went above and beyond to sign him. Patrick O'Bryant was at summer league on another team's roster this year. Can you say hello D-League? While Rasho Nesterovic is not likely to be back as well.

Welcome to the last week of July. Hard to believe isn't it? Raptors will need to make some moves before the season you have to figure. Everyone just try to stay cool while you wait. It is hot out there.

Rasho To The Rescue

Some folks were worried with no Chris Bosh would the Raptors be in trouble even though they were facing the awful New Jersey Nets. But never fear Raptor fans cause Rasho is here. He would replace Bosh in the starting line up and Andrea Bargnani would shift over to Bosh's normal spot at the 4 spot. Rasho had an amazing night of 16 points 7 rebounds and 4 assists. There was a time after the first quarter would where Rasho was on pace to have a triple double. Jarrett Jack also had a major bounce back to lead the Raptors with 18 points and he and Rasho were part of 7 players that reached double figures in a 106-89 win over the Nets.

It wouldn't be the Raptors if they did not give fans a scare. Devin Harris lead a charge that would get the Nets back to with in 6 points. He had 19 in the game and it was Brook Lopez with 22 points and was the games high scorer. The Raptors are back at it tonight with a game vs the Wizards who come in riding high off a win over Denver. Al Thornton one of the players that came in the Wizards fire sale at the deadline proved to be effective off the bench with 21 points.

Chris Bosh looks to be doubtful for basketball night in Canada as he missed the trip to New Jersey with a bad left ankle. However CB4 would still make an impact. Not on the floor but on Twitter. He tweeted #LetsGoRaptors and asked his twitter army of Raptor fans to do the same. Well they did and in huge numbers so much so that #LetsGoRaptors became a trending topic in Canada. That would not happen playing for the Knicks or the Heat. In a small way this king of demonstrates the power the Bosh has in terms of being the Franchise guy on the Raptors. He would just be the top guy in a city in the U.S. But here in Canada he not only gets Toronto but the pockets of basketball fans across this country. That is something unique that only the Raptors offer. That along with the extra 30 million that the Raptors can pay him.

So Bosh may just be in a suit helpless watching like all of us for tonight's game vs the Wizards. The Raptors will need more of what they got from New Jersey game. The Wizards are a step up the ladder from the 5 win Nets. They are not a major step up but a step none the less. Raptors without Bosh have a much smaller margin of error and need to get production from guys like Bargnani and Turkoglu who combined for 27 in the Nets game. Not great but with the complete team effort it was good enough.

So CB4 or not it is Basketball Night In Canada....Are You Ready? More importantly are the Raptors ready? I am liveblogging it for The Score so we can find out together. Link to come later today.

The Champs Are Here!!!

The history of Raptors vs Lakers is not a pretty one. There was of course the 81 point game by Kobe Bryant that gave the Raptors all the wrong kind of attention in the U.S. However Lakers always have had the Raptors number as they lead the all-time series with a 21-5 Record. Which includes a 10-3 record in Toronto. They bring with them to Toronto a league best record of 33-10 just a 10-7 record on the road. The task for the Raptors could be even tougher if Andrea Bargnani is not able to suit up. Even with him Gasol and Bynum are a tough twosome to deal with. That is not to mention Lamar Odom and Ron Artest. In fact you could argue the only clear advantage the Raptors have is at the point guard position. I will take Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon over Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar.

In reality the Raptors chances of getting a win today are likely slim at best. However can they play a game like they did against the Cavs and not lose momentum. That is a more interesting question. The task will be tough but the Lakers do not enter this game on fire or anything. They are just 6-4 in theri last 10 and bounced back from a loss in Cleveland to beat the Knicks which is not exactly an impressive feat as the Raptors trashed those same Knicks not that long ago. Kobe Bryant has fractured his right index finger but it is only an annoyance for Kobe. In all honesty whatever you think of Kobe Bryant bad or good. No one can deny the competitor this guy is and his desire to win may be unmatched in this league. Mix that with his killer instinct and you understand why he has earned the nickname "Black Mamba".

We all know the Lakers career high vs the Raptors but the Raptors high is held by Vince Carter with 34 points. Chris Bosh was able to pour in 44 points against the Bucks. However if he could score a high number against the Lakers that would open up some eyes. Bosh is having one of his best seasons stats wise. Some still point to his lack of defense. However almost ever star from Jordan to Kobe and others have had their defensive effort questioned. Basketball is one of a few sports that players have to play both ways. You will not be seeing Peyton Manning tackling anyone today unless he throws a pick and even then it is highly unlikely. Chris can be a capable defender but is it not far more important that he scores for this team. Who would pick up the slack if he did not. The fact that you can just count on Chris Bosh getting you 20 points and 10 rebounds as an almost given is something special as well. If you flopped those numbers around and say Bosh had 10 points and 20 rebounds would the Raptors have a chance to win? Not likely. If Bosh can play D on the plays that matter the most that is all I personally ask.

If there is no Bargnani expect Rasho Nesterovic to start again. Rasho despite not playing much this season held his own in the game vs the Bucks. A much tougher task today for him. If the Raptors can be in this game in the late 4th quarter that in itself will be progress and win or lose it can have a positive impact moving forward. When you play the best in this league it will expose you and let you know where you are truly at. So the Raptors face another tough challenge and a chance to measure themselves against the best in the league. That is something that a team should embrace and will see if the Raptors embrace that challenge today. THE CHAMP IS HERE....So time to step up and give him your best shot.

Join Me for all the action on The Score Live Blog of Raptors vs Lakers. I usually get rolling a little early for Raps games it is a 6pm scheduled start time but probably get it going 10 minutes prior to that.

Rasho Return A Done Deal

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star the Toronto Raptors will be getting back a familiar face in that of Rasho Nesterovic. After a year in exile in Indiana Rasho has returned to the birth place of his first child to play for the Raptors once again. Nesterovic is said to have signed for the for the Bi-Annual Exception which is basically about 1.9 million dollars. If the talk was correct, it is very likely Rasho left money on the table to return to Toronto. It was said that other NBA teams were looking to sign the veteran big man. It was also said he could have taken several offers in Europe. So this likely means the Raptors roster is just about complete. The Carlos question remains or if not the Raptors would have to sign someone to a veteran minimum contract. Which at this point I would favor given what we know about the Raptors cap and the likelihood the NBA Cap number is expected to dip.

But start the parade cause on of the nicer guys who has rolled through Toronto is back where he belongs.This Raptor Roster is looking pretty impressive on paper. Rasho struggled at times in a reserve role in his time with the Raptors. However in Indiana by the end of the year he was back in a reserve roll playing behind "Raptor Draft Pick" Roy Hibbert.

Here is a link to the story from Doug Smith(Toronto Star)- Rasho Deal Is Done

Chris Bosh also just Tweeted this- @chrisbosh Welcome back Rasho. To which The Dino Blogger total agrees.

It Costs A Lot To Look That Good

Yesterday, was a basketball junkies delight in the Toronto area. The Jays did not trade their star pitcher and The Leafs did not sign some 4th line guy that can win a hockey scrap. So that made the Raptors signing of Jarrett Jack get a lot of love. Colangelo still has a few thing left to do. It will be interesting to see what he does. I am not on board with signing Carlos Delfino for some stupid amount of money. Yes 5 million for a guy that is coming off a season with injuries in Russia is to much. The Raptors could afford to spend that much cause they have the room under the tax threshold, along with the Bird Rights to Delfino. However, Colangelo did make reference to the expected decline in the cap next year. Which would also mean a decline in the tax threshold as well. Which may mean the Raptors will not use the full space available.

Carlos Delfino for my money has grown in stature by being away for a year. Not saying the guy is a bum or anything. However is he really a vital piece this team can not live without? He was said to be that grit that was missing from the Raptors last year. However has Bryan Colangelo not already done a fine job of addressing that issue? Reggie Evans, Wright, Jack and DeRozan. That is a quarter of the Raptors dressed roster on a given night. He is a streaky shooter and a better than average defender. I would be happy to welcome him for the right price. However just because we hold his "Bird Rights" is not reason to over spend on him. If he is concerned about money he can go back to Russia and have it. I think it was fairly obvious that he did not enjoy his time in Russia.

The Raptors could still sign someone at the veteran minimum and I would be just as happy. Brent Petway who was on the summer league roster is more athletic and is a solid defender as well. He does not over the versatility of a Delfino nor the shooting skill in comparison. However we are talking about a player that would be on the back end of the rotation. If not Brent I am sure there are lots of other options you could bring in for that veteran minimum contract.

There is also the talk of Rasho Nesterovic coming back after a year in exile in Indiana. Rasho has a soft spot for the city and his first child was born here. The talk would be that Raptors could use the Bi-Annual exception to land him. That is 1.9 million more or less. In NBA terms chump change. A far cry from the large contract he had when he was here before. There is far less room to negotiate with Rasho. If he wants to come back to Toronto he can for that amount. He does like Delfino have options in Europe at likely a better pay rate.

The bottom line for me on both is sure it would be nice to have both back. It also seems pretty clear that is these are the first options for Bryan Colangelo as well. However if they do not come back it is far from the end of the world. The major work on the turnover of this team has been done. If the Raptors go elsewhere to fill out the roster it would not mean a heck of a lot. In terms of Delfino to over pay for him would have long term impact on the cap that may not make it worth the bother.

Even though I am happy with what Bryan Colangelo has done. 53 Million and 50 Million for Turkoglu and Bargnani are both risky contracts for me over the long haul. I will say, in terms of Bargnani it could look like a steal as well, it is all up to Andrea. Some say even the number for Jack is on the high side as well. I am not among those. If you have not understood how vital the point guard position is after last year, there really is nothing more that can be said to convince you. But the point is the Raptors if they stick to the MLSE credo to remain under the tax threshold they are walking a very fine line. If this team is successful people will not worry about these things for the next few seasons.

There is also the reality the Chris Bosh will need to be addressed and it seems clear that he should command somewhere close to a max deal. If he has a season that is on par or better than his career numbers. So enjoy the present but always remember that there is a future to deal with as well. No one expects the Raptors to win a title this year do they? It is about growing over seasons and building to that level. The key thing that Bryan has done in terms of re-signing Bosh or not... 4 of the 5 starters for the Raptors are locked in stone for the next 3 years at least. If Bryan Colangelo wants it to be.

Vegas Jack 15

It seems that Raptors may just in fact land their guy in Jarrett Jack. Mike Wells writes in the Indy Star this "I'd be shocked if the Pacers matched the offer because they have no intention of going over the league's $69.9 million luxury tax next season." Here is a link to the full story. So it is looking good for the Raptors according to someone that follows the Pacer beat. I personally thought the Raptors should have explored jumping into the draft and getting Jack back when he came into the league. I have no idea if the Raptors considered that back then but doesn't matter now. I am just saying that this idea made sense to me even back then.

So what is next for the summer of B.C? Well you would think once the final verdict on Jack is known the Raptors will move fast to complete the picture. Rasho Nesterovic should be a solid bet to come back home after that terrible trade to the Pacers. Perhaps a player on the summer league roster could get a look? Early returns on that front would say Smush Parker or my guy Brent Petway. I would not hold my breath even if they rock the house the rest of the way. There are 3 more Raptor games left in summer league Today on the menu is the Hedo Turkoglu Bowl as the Raptors take on the Portland Trailblazers. The Raptors are 0-2 after a 1 point loss to the Lakers and 4 point loss to the Pistons. This will be the debut for the Portland Summer League entry.

So that is a 5 pm start for those of you that paid the 15 dollars(U.S Funds) to have the right to watch Summer League. For everyone else if you look around the Internet you may just be able to find it for free. The fact the league is charging for Summer League is really bogus. They showed the Orlando Summer League for free. Although based on the commentators they had they really should have paid you to watch it. But the point is Summer League is same be it in Orlando, Vegas or Utah. It all is the same. This is just another sign of the league maybe being desperate to make a buck. However why take it out on your hardcore fan base by charging them to watch Summer League. The answer is simple because they can.

I will be back later today with some form of recap from the Hedo Turkoglu Bowl. I doubt Hedo will be in attendance in Vegas. Still this could be the first win of summer league for the Raptors. Will see if they can pull it off. Win one for Hedo!!!

T.J Ford Is Back In T.O

When we last saw T.J Ford in Toronto

That was the last time we would see T.J Ford as a Raptor. Many people have anger for T.J Ford and blame him for what went wrong last season. But a new season and still problems in Raptorland. I respectfully say to you T.J was not the problem. It is just that he was deemed to be not as good as Jose Calderon. I dispute that, and I am willing to bet T.J Ford does as well. If not for his injury in Atlanta the entire story could be very different. Ford prior to that injury, what often gets forgotten is that he was playing some of the best basketball of his NBA Career.

I am heading down to the A.C.C to welcome back T.J Ford. I will cheer when his name gets announced. I think T.J Ford put his body on the line for this team. The strength of T.J Ford to come back from 2 injuries that many felt could have ended his career should tell you all you need to know about T.J Ford. He is not some evil figure like Vince Carter. He never asked to leave Toronto. He wanted to play in Toronto the problem was he wanted to play as the starter. He felt it was his job and that he never did anything beyond getting injured in trying hard to win. Jose Calderon was able to take the injury of Ford and turn it into a huge step for him in his NBA Career. Calderon made the same feeling be known that he wanted to be the starter.

So Bryan Colangelo made a choice and Ford would end up in Indiana as a Pacer.Many point to the fact Jose is more of a team player than Ford. But T.J is a team player as well he just goes about it in a very different way. He feels he can be a team player by doing what he can on the floor to help his team win. He is not getting Gatorade for his team mates and in a comparison of who is the better guy he could never win. That is not to say T.J is not a great person as well. He is and just head down to Charlotte and find D.J Augustin he will tell you. Ford worked with Augustin and got him ready for the NBA draft which would see the fellow Texas point guard end up in Charlotte. He has had a great start to his rookie year and T.J is part of that through his help and work with D.J.

Looking at the game tonight. T.J Ford will no doubt be fired up and take this a personal challenge. The danger for Ford will be to play under control and not forget about his team. If Calderon is smart he will try to get Ford to get engaged in a battle between the two. But the key problem for Calderon will be very simple. Ford is to many the fastest point guard in the NBA and I think will have a huge advantage in a match-up with Calderon. So Jose may be in trouble like he has been against Rajon Rondo and Devin Harris recently. They were not motivated to kick his butt on any personal level. Ford will be.

In the end T.J Ford was a huge part of this team's only every division title and he did nothing but try as hard as he could to be the best player he could be in his time hear. He almost gave his basketball life for the Toronto Raptors. I respect that and respect him. Anyone that even puts T.J Ford and Vince Carter in the same sentence is dead wrong. Ford is not a guy who never gave all he had. Would he get frustrated and moody. Yeah he would. But he never quit on Toronto. Vince Carter did. That is why people boo Vince Carter. It is also why you should cheer T.J and Rasho as well. Both guys gave a good effort in the time they spent here and gave all they had. So I am going to cheer T.J when he returns and any time in the future I will do the same. You can have your say in the poll.

Speaking of your say. I want your question and comments for the Nation Speaks. It is your chance to ask questions of me or just let us know your 2 cents on any issue. It is all good to me. Just make sure it is something I can publish. PG-13 level language please. Beyond that it is all good. So seen an e-mail titled NATION SPEAKS to me at the blog's email address.

dinonationblog@sourcecable.net

That is it for me till tomorrow. No Raptor Rewind but lots of thoughts on what should be an interesting night at the A.C.C. I am going to be hosting are contest winner Brett and making sure he has a great time. Hopefully will have some photo to share from the experience for you all to check out. Last time I was at A.C.C my camera was not being good. But I figured out the problem so I will try to take some photos of the experience.