This is the time of year when lots of questions are asked. Like can I honestly endure seeing that Andrea Bargnani Primo Pasta ad anymore? I mean honestly can I? What also is up in the air is how many ping pong balls the Raptors will have. After that the all important question on who will go to the lottery and represent the Raptors? But before we answer all of those "important" questions, there is the matter of having 3 games left to play. All 3 games could have an impact on the playoffs or lottery standings. Detroit currently is a game behind the Raptors in the reverse lottery standings. If you are the type to root for ping pong balls nothing but a Raptor loss will do today. If the Raptors were to lose it would virtually clinch finishing in front of Detroit in terms of lottery balls.
The scariest thing for Tank Nation is the Raptors win today, Monday and Thursday. There are still a number of teams bunched together and the ping pong ball race might be more exciting than the Playoff Race at this point. After all who cares if the Jazz, Suns or Rockets get in only to lose to the Spurs or OKC. Does it really matter if it is the Bucks, Kincks or the Sixers facing the Bulls at the end of the day? Charlotte long ago wrapped up the most ping pong balls and will have the best shot at Anthony Davis with 25% chance of landing the expected number one pick. Bobcat fans will not be thrilled to learn that position has only grabbed the number one spot four times since 1985. Which is one of the many reasons why I question all of this tank nation business to begin with. Washington has almost locked up the number 2 position in the ping pong ball standings.
After that it gets interesting. My favourite to win the NBA Lottery, the no longer league owned, and soon to no longer be Hornets. My favourite mascot next to the Raptor is going to be no more. Hugo the Hornet will be missed. Still he was had lots to cheer about lately as Hornets have won 7 of their last 10 games and put the 3rd worst record up for grabs. They are tied with the soon to be Vancouver Kings? They know how to tank, going 1-9 in the last 10 down the stretch. What they don't know how to do in Sacramento is how to build a stadium or win basketball games. Cleveland is next on the list of losers with the 5th worst record. The Cavs are back to the mess they were before they won the lottery and drafted Lebron James who showed Cleveland what winning was like, but never could end the curse that lives in the city of Cleveland and he moved on the South Beach. They won last year ironically with the pick they acquired from the Clippers and not based on their worst record in the league. They look to do the unthinkable double like the Orlando Magic were able to pull off. The Nets sit in the 6th position as they look to say good bye to New Jersey and likely Deron Williams this off-season and hello to Brooklyn with no real stars to speak of. The Raptors check in next tied with the Golden State Warriors just a half game behind the Nets, with the big TANKAPOLOOZA game on Thursday on the horizon. The Pistons round out the list of teams in this mess all with in 3 games of each other. Any win for them is a death blow at this point.
So that makes today's game with the Raptors and Pistons significant, but also likely painful to watch. All of that said it might look highly entertaining in comparison to what lies ahead with the Nets and Raptors on Thursday. If you took a nap till Friday and just woke up to see where the Raptors did end up finishing that might not be a bad plan. Seeing as that is likely not a realistic option for me, I will watch and be confused on what exactly I should be rooting for in these last three games. I honestly don't know at this point. So, I will watch and see what happens. Next year at this time if the Raptors are in this same awkward position it will have been a disaster of a season. Expectations for the coming off-season and next season in my view have already become too high. The Raptors have done a horrible job in managing expectations. The reason they have, is because if they didn't, who would want to watch this team next season and people might actually be talking about how bad this season has been even though it is an improvement over last season. The Raptors are heading in the right direction, but the speed they will be expected to go in that direction may not match the reality. Bryan Colangelo has an entire off-season to change my mind. He likely is not going to waste anytime either. When the Raptors and Nets game is done, I expect Bryan Colangelo will be on his cellphone or blackberry with in 5 minutes looking to make some moves. The trick will be finding some partners that are in as big a hurry as he is to get to work on building his roster for next season. One thing that likely will not be on the table is the Raptors draft pick even if they do the unthinkable and actually win the last 3 games of the season.
Showing posts with label Vancouver Grizzlies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vancouver Grizzlies. Show all posts
3/2/12
Former Rivals Still Measuring Stick For Each Other
When all of this started it was the Raptors in Toronto and Grizzlies in Vancouver. In the comparison between the two, it became obvious fairly quickly which franchise was heading in right direction and which one wasn't. The most glaring and obvious early decision was the draft, in which the Raptors selected Damon Stoudamire and Grizzlies went with Bryant Reeves. Mighty Mouse went on to win the Rookie of the Year while Reeves became a bust despite lasting longer in Vancouver.
Reeves had a 6 year run with Grizzlies he never played for anyone else in his NBA Career. His best season was 97-98 where he averaged 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. His worst was his final season where he 8.3 Points and just 6 rebounds in 2000-2001. That season was the same season the Raptors came a Vince Carter shot away from the Eastern Conference Final. Reeves career ended with him averaging 12.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. In the two plus seasons that Stoudamire was with the Raptors clearly out performed Big Country. The fact he lasted 7 more seasons and played for 4 other franchises is also proof of that. Despite the fact Damon did not last as long he did bring back an asset in Alvin Williams that grew into one of the best all time players for the Raptors franchise. Reeves turned into nothing for the Grizzlies other than a big mistake.
The Grizzlies best season in Vancouver was the last season in Canada with just 23 wins. The Raptors had 23 wins in the lockout shorten season in 1998-99 and 3 other seasons had more than 23 wins. In the 6 years that they were rivals, the Raptors only had one season that they finished with a worse record than Vancouver. That was in 1997-98, the Raptors turned that disappointment into the draft day trade for Vince Carter. At the end of the day the Grizzlies failed for a lot of reasons, but the biggest reason is in their record for 6 years they called Vancouver home. That would be 101 wins and 359 losses, compare that to the Raptors in that same 6 year period who were 182-278. In those last 2 seasons, the Raptors were in the playoffs and had back to back seasons above .500. The Grizzlies in the tougher Western Conference never came close to making the playoffs in 6 years.
The fact the Grizzlies no longer exist in Vancouver based on that fact alone says the Raptors were more successful. That said, is that still the case? Do we still see the Raptors as the more successful franchise overall? Let's take a look at the last 6 years and see what we come up with? Entering into this season the Raptors were only 7 wins better than the Grizzlies over the last 6 years. That is compared to an 81 win difference in Raptors favor in the first 6 years. Now add in the current season with Grizzlies 20-15 mark and the Raptors 11-24 record and The Grizzlies are 223-304 and the Raptors are 221-306. So the Grizzlies have actually surpassed the Raptors in these past 6 years. How did we get to this point?
While the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs and gave the Thunder a run the Raptors were figuring out who should represent them at the NBA Lottery for another year. It makes you stop and think at where this franchise is heading doesn't it? Ask yourself if you would take the Grizzlies roster for the Raptors in the Eastern Conference. Chances are the Grizzlies would be even more successful than the Raptors in the last 6 years if that was the case. While the rivalry is dead the comparison of the two franchises is not.
What makes it even more sad is the fact the Raptors have a loyal and solid fan base that has endured from the start. Vancouver had they got the start the Raptors had maybe this still is a rivalry. Now Raptor fans are the ones that have had to endure with tough times. Stu Jackson was largely to blame for the Grizzlies horrible beginning. Bryan Colangelo has had his share of mistakes over the his time here. The difference is that Colangelo has proved he can produce a winner something Jackson never did. That said, the challenge to be successful is vital. While the Raptors are in a different business situation than the Grizzlies were they still need to win at the end of the day. If the Raptors are to truly get back to where they were that has to happen. Toronto has a loyal fan base that needs to be rewarded with a successful team on the floor. The fact the Grizzlies are closer to that goal should be a major wake up call to everyone that loves the Raptors.
Something to think about as you watch the Grizzlies come to town to visit the Raptors.
Reeves had a 6 year run with Grizzlies he never played for anyone else in his NBA Career. His best season was 97-98 where he averaged 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. His worst was his final season where he 8.3 Points and just 6 rebounds in 2000-2001. That season was the same season the Raptors came a Vince Carter shot away from the Eastern Conference Final. Reeves career ended with him averaging 12.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. In the two plus seasons that Stoudamire was with the Raptors clearly out performed Big Country. The fact he lasted 7 more seasons and played for 4 other franchises is also proof of that. Despite the fact Damon did not last as long he did bring back an asset in Alvin Williams that grew into one of the best all time players for the Raptors franchise. Reeves turned into nothing for the Grizzlies other than a big mistake.
The Grizzlies best season in Vancouver was the last season in Canada with just 23 wins. The Raptors had 23 wins in the lockout shorten season in 1998-99 and 3 other seasons had more than 23 wins. In the 6 years that they were rivals, the Raptors only had one season that they finished with a worse record than Vancouver. That was in 1997-98, the Raptors turned that disappointment into the draft day trade for Vince Carter. At the end of the day the Grizzlies failed for a lot of reasons, but the biggest reason is in their record for 6 years they called Vancouver home. That would be 101 wins and 359 losses, compare that to the Raptors in that same 6 year period who were 182-278. In those last 2 seasons, the Raptors were in the playoffs and had back to back seasons above .500. The Grizzlies in the tougher Western Conference never came close to making the playoffs in 6 years.
The fact the Grizzlies no longer exist in Vancouver based on that fact alone says the Raptors were more successful. That said, is that still the case? Do we still see the Raptors as the more successful franchise overall? Let's take a look at the last 6 years and see what we come up with? Entering into this season the Raptors were only 7 wins better than the Grizzlies over the last 6 years. That is compared to an 81 win difference in Raptors favor in the first 6 years. Now add in the current season with Grizzlies 20-15 mark and the Raptors 11-24 record and The Grizzlies are 223-304 and the Raptors are 221-306. So the Grizzlies have actually surpassed the Raptors in these past 6 years. How did we get to this point?
While the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs and gave the Thunder a run the Raptors were figuring out who should represent them at the NBA Lottery for another year. It makes you stop and think at where this franchise is heading doesn't it? Ask yourself if you would take the Grizzlies roster for the Raptors in the Eastern Conference. Chances are the Grizzlies would be even more successful than the Raptors in the last 6 years if that was the case. While the rivalry is dead the comparison of the two franchises is not.
What makes it even more sad is the fact the Raptors have a loyal and solid fan base that has endured from the start. Vancouver had they got the start the Raptors had maybe this still is a rivalry. Now Raptor fans are the ones that have had to endure with tough times. Stu Jackson was largely to blame for the Grizzlies horrible beginning. Bryan Colangelo has had his share of mistakes over the his time here. The difference is that Colangelo has proved he can produce a winner something Jackson never did. That said, the challenge to be successful is vital. While the Raptors are in a different business situation than the Grizzlies were they still need to win at the end of the day. If the Raptors are to truly get back to where they were that has to happen. Toronto has a loyal fan base that needs to be rewarded with a successful team on the floor. The fact the Grizzlies are closer to that goal should be a major wake up call to everyone that loves the Raptors.
Something to think about as you watch the Grizzlies come to town to visit the Raptors.
11/18/10
Raptors Answer To Stars Leaving Is Draft Canadian
I am excited today because I am going to be live blogging an NCAA Game with the Texas Longhorns in action. Texas has 2 Canadian freshmen in Cory Joesph and Tristan Thompson. Myck Kabongo is coming next season to make 3 potential NBA talents on this team all Canadian. All the first wave of a generation of kids that have always had the NBA in Canada in their lifetimes.
When you look back and think of where things went wrong in Vancouver with the Grizzlies you can come up with a lot of answers. But one thing that you will always wonder is what might have happened if they drafted Steve Nash. At the time of his draft, no one could have seen that the Santa Clara point guard would become a 2-time M.V.P, and a safe bet for the Hall of Fame someday. However, to have a hometown kid, that clearly was at worst an NBA prospect would have done Vancouver a world of good. Who knows what might have happened. You might still have a team in Vancouver. Sure that is all speculation. But it clearly would not have hurt the Grizzlies, and it is not like they had a sparkling draft history. So the risk in taking him was not that high if they could have acquired a pick.
When you look to Toronto the Raptors in their 16 years have never had a Canadian player. They do have a Canadian coach, but I am not sure that any coach in the league puts butts in seats. Jay Triano is not nearly has entertaining as a Stan Van Gundy on the sidelines. Jokes aside people come to see the players on the floor. I think for Toronto to add a Canadian or even better a Toronto native would be huge. Think how many times over the years people threw out the name Jamal Maglorie as a potential Raptor. It was proof of the appetite to have a home grown product. No idea if there was truth to it, but Raptors were said to be trying to get Joel Anthony included in a Bosh sign and trade in the summer. Only speculation of course but it would have been nice.
We have watched a number of U.S based players come to Toronto and eventually leave like Bosh, Carter and you know the list. The real answer to the problem to me is hoping for one these kids in the NCAA right now to come through and be a legit lottery pick. Be it these 3 at Texas or someone else. Steve Nash being a Raptor has always been a dream for some Raptors fans. But let's face facts, the days of Nash being in the NBA are coming to close sooner rather then later. If we can find a young Canadian star that is the dream.
Gone are the excuses of not having their friends and family being able to see them that we have heard in the past from American players. No complaining about the metric system, No worries about not getting ESPN. Someone that grew up with a dream not just to be an NBA star but a NBA star in Toronto.
So while some Raptor fans are already starting to talk about the draft. If you are going be watching the NCAA anyway, you might want to start looking for all these up and coming Canadians. There are a lot more of them down south these days. No matter what you do Canada will always be Canada. Bosh is correct about one thing. Canada is different and someone who is from here already gets that.
So while we cheer and hope for DeRozan to improve and grow into a star. If he is successful that next thing will be... will he be the next one to get good and get gone. Not great English there, but I think you get the point. It might be wise to cheer just as hard for Joesph, Thompson, Kabango and others that are from the true north strong and free, as you do for the Young Onez.
Hook'em Horn EH!!!
If the Raptors could land a Canadian Star that could be the way this franchise can finally have a star that fans could embrace without the worry in the back of their heads thinking will they stay or go. The chances a home grown Raptor star would leave become far less.
So if this got you interested or if you already were. Join me tonight for Texas vs Illinois at 9pm on The Score.com and Mobile. That is what we call cross promotion. But it is also what I believe so it works.
DNB Scavenger Hunt Clue #1 -We love all our guests but he has always been billed as our favourite guest because he is.
So find a link to one of his interviews and Mail it to Dinonationblog@gmail.com. A reminder there will be more clues and you can not have more then 1 entry. So if you are not confident in your answer wait for the next clue for a different guest. Also make sure you include the clue along with the link. More clues to come and chances to win. All entries must be in by Midnight Tuesday.
Congratulations to Lanny from Whitby our first winner of a pair of tickets for MGD's Best Seats in The House. Good Luck to those of you trying to join him and me.
2/4/10
The Starting 5- NBA Vancouver???
The days of the Naismith Cup are long gone. The Raptors and Grizzlies shared birth into the NBA and while Toronto celebrates 15 years in the NBA, you can find the Grizzlies Franchise in Memphis with not much interest despite an improved team on the court this year. I recently became aware that the Dino Nation Blog was quoted on a website. I guess at some point in the Dino Nation Blog I made mention of the joke that Memphis is as an NBA Franchise in terms of support. So where I found this was a site called VancouverNBA.org.Beyond the fact I was pretty stunned to see myself quoted with Steve Nash, David Stern and Eric Smith who has been a great help to me and the Dino Nation Blog. I was interested in this site and what it was all about. I have always thought that Stu Jackson and his terrible management is a BIG reason the Grizzlies died in Vancouver. I still say if they drafted Steve Nash the team likely still exists in Vancouver. I would learn a bunch of things including the person who started this site is not even a Vancouver resident. In fact as you will hear he has never even been to Vancouver. So Why? Well that is why you do interviews I guess to find answers to questions and get to know people. So I chatted this afternoon with Damir Celikovic is the founder and web designer of this site. I hope you will find this as interesting conversation as I did.
Do I have any idea if the Grizzlies or a team of some other name will roam in Vancouver again? No but can a site like this at least help that cause? Absolutely. The Dino Nation Blog is a site that is primarily about the Raptors. However as long time readers know, I am passionate about not just the Raptors but growing the game in this country on all levels. I want to one day see a Canadian in a Raptor Jersey. Maybe it can be a jersey with Vancouver on it. At least a site like this can keep hope alive for that happening. I credit Demir for having the passion and desire to create this site. Some may say that it is nuts to think NBA will comeback to Vancouver or even add a 2nd franchise in Canada again. However the economics are far better now to do it when they were at time the Raptors and Grizzlies entered the league in terms of the strength of the dollar. A side from that if people don't dream big they will never accomplish anything. I am proof of that. So is a white kid from B.C that went to a small school in Santa Clara and would go on to be a 2 time MVP of the NBA. Steve Nash was likely considered nuts along the way as well. Best of luck to Demir and you can track his and the sites progress on @vancouvernba on Twitter. This I believe was the first Interview Demir had done about the site and I think despite having a bit of nerves he did a great job. I am honored he allowed me to help tell his story. I wish him all the best and good luck in his efforts. So I encourage you to go check out the site and support basketball period. I think in hockey mad Canada basketball fans from coast to coast share a bond in some respects.
1/9/09
Fans, Blogging and Grizzlies...Oh My!!!
Last night's Hoops Show was all about the Raptor Fans. It was a lot of talk on the Raptor Fan Base and if it has changed and how it has changed. The guys Eric, Paul and Jack came on and talked about the feeling in the ACC was not the same. They were trying to come up with reasons as to why that was. There was mention of the economy and the growing gap between the folks in 300 level and the lower bowl. I have in my life had the funds at certain points to sit in both. It is massive difference. But I think the answer is more a lack of faith in people and I have some examples of what I am talking about.
Bryan Colangelo was once thought as the man who saved the franchise. He took the Raptors from 5 years removed from the playoffs to a first ever division title. But now fans loudly question the man they once just excepted as a genius for the most part. The faith in Bryan doing the right thing has been lost.
Jose Calderon was the people's choice for the starting point guard position on this basketball team. If they gave approval ratings for players like they do for players like is done for politicians, Jose would have had numbers like Barak Obama. But he is now got what the fans felt he deserved in the starting job at point guard. But many fans have not been as happy with the results of that. Calderon was billed as the best point guard in the east by some. He was a serious threat to make the All-Star Game in February. But it would seem clear after a start with minor injuries and a record that does not scream All Star to folks. Not to mention getting ripped on TNT by Kenny Smith who claimed Calderon was not good enough to be a starter. I don't think I would go that far. But people have become aware of the weak points of Jose and that have been made clear this season. Again it causes some to lose faith in him based on all of this.
Jermaine O'Neal was billed as a huge move that was going to make the Raptors contenders. He was refereed to time after time as a 6 time All Star. That is a fact but a misleading one. He had not been in awhile and to think he was going to be would be a mistake. He has also had his share of injuries prior to coming to Toronto. He has not had any major injuries in Toronto but has had some minor bumps along the way and has been in and out of the line-up. The guy that was billed as the answer to the Raptors problems has instead been just another question for the most part. I think he has done a good job personally. But the impact I felt he would have on the team as a whole just has not materialized. It all leads to a lack of faith in Colangelo for making the deal. It also leads to fans questioning if it is worth it. O'Neal has a massive contract and is the highest paid player on the Raptor roster. The serious fan understands that his contract is part of why he was brought here because it runs out in 2010 and offers the Raptors a huge amount of cap space in a year that could have the best free agent class ever? Chris Bosh is also one of the players that could be part of that list.
Andrea Bargnani has been taking a beating until recently for his play. Many fans were loudly calling for him to be traded. They have not been able to accept that guys like Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge were out there and had not been picked instead. But that is not looking at things rationally but fans tend not to be. Bottom line is Bargnani gets judged by that huge #1 that he was selected with and he has struggled to carry that weight. Some are growing a restored faith in him in recent days. But it is a shaky faith at best.
Even Chris Bosh was booed at the ACC this season proving that truly nobody was exempt from this lack of faith that has grown over the fan base. But as Jose Calderon became aware there is one other thing that I personally feel is the cherry on top of all of this. Calderon was not able to see the Raptors play the Wizards from his home as he recovered from his injury. He would learn that he was not able to get TSN 2. I seem to recall mentioning this issue before. Yeah that is the kick to the groin in all of this for fans. Even if you can find a way to be positive after all of the issues above. There were 25 games hanging out there that the average fan would have to scramble to find and watch. It all has lead to fans becoming upset about the Raptors as a whole. That is my take on why the buzz is gone.
More News From Radio
Jack Armstrong yesterday brought mention to the topic of trade rumors on the internet and mentioned the growing number of websites that spread these rumours. He asked about who you believe is these matters. I wanted to call in and give my take as someone who runs a site. I said to Jack that some sites will make up rumours as a way to get attention and after a few times people would start to get it and disregard it as bunk. I said that from my perspective it was all in the words you use to express things. I do my best to not misrepresent anything here. I am not going to tell you something is a fact if I do not know it is. I will not say something is going to happen if I can't confirm it. Will I say that I think some things may happen? For sure at the end of the day be it in the real or new media we all live by the reputations that we build.
Jack did make an excellent and lost point that I have said on this site before. Those rumours often can impact on players. You may say who cares if it does. But what he also said was their families. As an example Anthony Parker has children and they may love the school they go to and have friends. To hear your dad may be moving to another city would not exactly sit well for a young child. They just love there dad and have no interest in the Raptors cap or his contract. They care about their family and the world they live in as far as school family and friends. So it does impact on people.
Doug Mclean who is a growing basketball fan he says on his show with Jack. He was joking if I worked out of my basement and was in my 40's. Bob McCown on the same station referenced that same characterization of bloggers. I don't take it personally myself. I find Doug to be amusing and Bob as well. But let's set the record straight not all bloggers are huddled in basements. Blogging is slowly becoming a very professional like source of media and entertainment. I welcome the chance to prove these ideas with anyone that wants to have the conversation. Blogging has had a big impact in politics as well. We are no different from any other form of media we have the good, the bad and the ugly too. But I personally take what I do here seriously and am trying to make a living at it. I think and hope I do a good job each day. I know that I work just as hard as anyone and do my best provide something that I can be proud of and that hopefully can stand against anything else that is out there based on it's merits. I thank the many folks that have respected the work I am doing Jack is one of those people. I expressed on the show what I feel people like him add to the mix in what I am doing. For the record as well I should point out that beyond the jokes Doug Mclean agreed with the points I was making. I doubt he could make me much of a hockey fan. But I respect people in all sports and understand that I am in the minority when it comes to Hockey. I use to like Hockey but have grown less and less interested as my love for basketball and my work around it has increased. That doesn't mean if I ever had the chance to go route on the Sabres the team I cheered for when I cared with Jack Armstrong that I would not cause I would for sure.
Bryan Colangelo was once thought as the man who saved the franchise. He took the Raptors from 5 years removed from the playoffs to a first ever division title. But now fans loudly question the man they once just excepted as a genius for the most part. The faith in Bryan doing the right thing has been lost.
Jose Calderon was the people's choice for the starting point guard position on this basketball team. If they gave approval ratings for players like they do for players like is done for politicians, Jose would have had numbers like Barak Obama. But he is now got what the fans felt he deserved in the starting job at point guard. But many fans have not been as happy with the results of that. Calderon was billed as the best point guard in the east by some. He was a serious threat to make the All-Star Game in February. But it would seem clear after a start with minor injuries and a record that does not scream All Star to folks. Not to mention getting ripped on TNT by Kenny Smith who claimed Calderon was not good enough to be a starter. I don't think I would go that far. But people have become aware of the weak points of Jose and that have been made clear this season. Again it causes some to lose faith in him based on all of this.
Jermaine O'Neal was billed as a huge move that was going to make the Raptors contenders. He was refereed to time after time as a 6 time All Star. That is a fact but a misleading one. He had not been in awhile and to think he was going to be would be a mistake. He has also had his share of injuries prior to coming to Toronto. He has not had any major injuries in Toronto but has had some minor bumps along the way and has been in and out of the line-up. The guy that was billed as the answer to the Raptors problems has instead been just another question for the most part. I think he has done a good job personally. But the impact I felt he would have on the team as a whole just has not materialized. It all leads to a lack of faith in Colangelo for making the deal. It also leads to fans questioning if it is worth it. O'Neal has a massive contract and is the highest paid player on the Raptor roster. The serious fan understands that his contract is part of why he was brought here because it runs out in 2010 and offers the Raptors a huge amount of cap space in a year that could have the best free agent class ever? Chris Bosh is also one of the players that could be part of that list.
Andrea Bargnani has been taking a beating until recently for his play. Many fans were loudly calling for him to be traded. They have not been able to accept that guys like Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge were out there and had not been picked instead. But that is not looking at things rationally but fans tend not to be. Bottom line is Bargnani gets judged by that huge #1 that he was selected with and he has struggled to carry that weight. Some are growing a restored faith in him in recent days. But it is a shaky faith at best.
Even Chris Bosh was booed at the ACC this season proving that truly nobody was exempt from this lack of faith that has grown over the fan base. But as Jose Calderon became aware there is one other thing that I personally feel is the cherry on top of all of this. Calderon was not able to see the Raptors play the Wizards from his home as he recovered from his injury. He would learn that he was not able to get TSN 2. I seem to recall mentioning this issue before. Yeah that is the kick to the groin in all of this for fans. Even if you can find a way to be positive after all of the issues above. There were 25 games hanging out there that the average fan would have to scramble to find and watch. It all has lead to fans becoming upset about the Raptors as a whole. That is my take on why the buzz is gone.
More News From Radio
Jack Armstrong yesterday brought mention to the topic of trade rumors on the internet and mentioned the growing number of websites that spread these rumours. He asked about who you believe is these matters. I wanted to call in and give my take as someone who runs a site. I said to Jack that some sites will make up rumours as a way to get attention and after a few times people would start to get it and disregard it as bunk. I said that from my perspective it was all in the words you use to express things. I do my best to not misrepresent anything here. I am not going to tell you something is a fact if I do not know it is. I will not say something is going to happen if I can't confirm it. Will I say that I think some things may happen? For sure at the end of the day be it in the real or new media we all live by the reputations that we build.
Jack did make an excellent and lost point that I have said on this site before. Those rumours often can impact on players. You may say who cares if it does. But what he also said was their families. As an example Anthony Parker has children and they may love the school they go to and have friends. To hear your dad may be moving to another city would not exactly sit well for a young child. They just love there dad and have no interest in the Raptors cap or his contract. They care about their family and the world they live in as far as school family and friends. So it does impact on people.
Doug Mclean who is a growing basketball fan he says on his show with Jack. He was joking if I worked out of my basement and was in my 40's. Bob McCown on the same station referenced that same characterization of bloggers. I don't take it personally myself. I find Doug to be amusing and Bob as well. But let's set the record straight not all bloggers are huddled in basements. Blogging is slowly becoming a very professional like source of media and entertainment. I welcome the chance to prove these ideas with anyone that wants to have the conversation. Blogging has had a big impact in politics as well. We are no different from any other form of media we have the good, the bad and the ugly too. But I personally take what I do here seriously and am trying to make a living at it. I think and hope I do a good job each day. I know that I work just as hard as anyone and do my best provide something that I can be proud of and that hopefully can stand against anything else that is out there based on it's merits. I thank the many folks that have respected the work I am doing Jack is one of those people. I expressed on the show what I feel people like him add to the mix in what I am doing. For the record as well I should point out that beyond the jokes Doug Mclean agreed with the points I was making. I doubt he could make me much of a hockey fan. But I respect people in all sports and understand that I am in the minority when it comes to Hockey. I use to like Hockey but have grown less and less interested as my love for basketball and my work around it has increased. That doesn't mean if I ever had the chance to go route on the Sabres the team I cheered for when I cared with Jack Armstrong that I would not cause I would for sure.
Mayo is restoring the name O.J
The Toronto Raptors will face the guy who I have voted for all year to be the Rookie of The Year. Mayo was much talked about in high school and built a level of hype that was not to the level of a guy like Lebron James but it has high. He would not be able to jump straight to the NBA like James based on the changed rules for entering the draft. He would play a season at U.S C where he would not match the hype that he went there with heading into his freshman year. People though he was very good but just not meeting the very high expectations that had been set out for him. He would end up being drafted lower than that #1 overall pick which based on what was thought in high school was a disappointment. The Minnesota Timberwolves would draft him and trade him for Kevin Love. Grizzlies fans are happy that they did. He has been nothing but spectacular for them and he joins a team with a lot of youth and talent.
The Raptors have long given up the right to over look anyone. Memphis has a lot of young players that will or should develop into great NBA talents. Marc Gasol is a beast of a player as well and has shown that the talent in his family is beyond his brother Pau. Mike Conley, Darrell Arthur and Rudy Gay are all young talented players as well. If the Grizzlies had drafted and been managed this well I think they would still be in Vancouver. It still hurts me at what a poor job Stu Jackson did with the Vancouver Grizzlies. You want to talk about irony the one pick that Grizzlies made that may have been the worst at least based on what they did, was that of Steve Francis. He would pout his way to the stage and was traded to Houston for a package that was far from ideal. Now Francis is a Grizzlies at the later stages of his career. Go figure.
So it will not be easy as you think. But if the Raptors get a win that will be 4 of 5 and they would head into a back to back with the Celtics with a lot of momentum something that has not been there for the defending champs of late. So see you later tonight with the Raptor Rewind.
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