CONFIDENCE, SMILE, HAIR FLICK, KILL IT.

Dear All You Fabulous, Beautiful, Drop Dead Gorgeous, And Talented Dancers,

The Raptors Dance Pak auditions are just around the corner... technically couple days, which is totally closer than around the corner, but my goal here is not to scare you. Four years ago today, I was in the exact same position you are in. Some of you have probably already made your trip to Lululemon, have your fake eyelashes all ready, or, if you're anything like me, you're a last minute child, and will decide on the colour of your half top and shorts the morning of the audition (from experience, I don't suggest this). James had asked me to do a piece on the Dance Pak auditions from my point of view. From woman-to-woman, I'm obviously going to give you so much more. I was on the Raptors Dance Pak for three years, and spent my third year as Co-Captain with Kat.

Three years on the Dance Pak gave me some of my best memories, my closest friends, my independence, a sense of leadership, teamwork, discipline, and kept me in the best shape. The Dance Pak became my life. We rehearsed three days a week, when games started, you're looking at 4-5 days a week with the team either in rehearsal, on court, or working at appearances. So, yes, the Dance Pak was a very intensive job. But, we're dancers, dancing 4-5 days a week is like a dream come true, well it was for me at least. 

Now, let's talk the audition. Please, don't be scared. First of all the Dance Pak choreographer, Amberley Waddell, is probably one of the most talented choreographers I know. I already know you are going to LOVE the combination. If you have never auditioned for anything like this before, again, don't be scared. Amberley will teach you the combination, you will get to practice for a bit. She will then split you up in groups of 6 or smaller, and you will get to strut your stuff to the judges. Amberley is looking for confidence (that is the number one thing), personality, dance ability, presence, attitude, flare, and style. I shouldn't have to remind you of these things though, you ladies are all professionals. James and I did a little interview on more of the audition process and what it is required to be part of Dance Pak, as well as some of my experiences both being on and since being part of the Dance Pak.

I consider myself a very lucky person to have experienced what I have with MLSE. The ladies on the Dance Pak became my family. They were the people who I would tell my Saturday night stories to during our Sunday morning on-court rehearsals. Through any breakup, happy day, or terrible day, I always looked forward to work. I will never call the Dance Pak a job, because it wasn't, it was my therapy. It got me through some of the most stressful moments in my life, up to now. If you're on the fence about auditioning Saturday, let me be the one to push you. GO. If I didn't put on that pink half top and fake eyelashes that Sunday morning at 8 am, 4 years ago, I would NOT be the same person I am today. 

So, now that you have made your final decision to go, I'm going to leave you with a HUGE GOOD LUCK. I'm sending you all of my love. And remember Confidence, Smile, Hair Flick, KILL IT!

xo- CK

P.S- You should also go check out the info for the auditions on Raptors.com as well as some more tips and tricks from them on how you can do your very best on audition day. 

Calderon Has A Right To Be Upset

I may be the last person on earth you would expect to write what you are about to read. It is no secret to any long time readers of this blog or followers on twitter that I don't care much for Jose Calderon. Mostly for basketball reasons and some personal ones as well. So it may come as shock to people that I actually think he has a right to be ticked off at the Raptors. Something that Bryan Colangelo suggested he might be in his comments yesterday to the media and in our story here on the DNB. Bryan Colangelo can massage the situation all he likes, but it has been clear for awhile the Raptors would not miss Jose Calderon if they found a trade they liked. In fact they already did with the Charlotte Bobcats only to have Jordan kill the trade at the last possible moment.

Now Calderon watches from Spain as his team goes all in to try and acquire Steve Nash to replace him. After that they still make a trade for Kyle Lowry who Colangelo called the future of the position for the Toronto Raptors. He may well even be the present as Colangelo said that ultimately Dwane Casey will decide on who will be the starting point guard. It doesn't take Jose needing to be a rocket scientist to understand that is not going to be him. Casey is a defensive minded coach and to compare Calderon's play on that end of the floor to Lowry is a complete mis-match in favour of Kyle Lowry.

So if you are in Jose Calderon's shoes why would you not want to be out of Toronto at this point? Sure Jose will come back if he has to in order to collect the 10.5 Million in salary that he is due to earn this season. He would be a complete fool not to do so. Still it has been made painfully clear by this organization by their actions that they want no part of him. They talk about what a great guy Jose is and try to sing his praises but at the end of the day the Raptors have found a new relationship that excites them more. Calderon is yesterday's news to a large degree.

Fans were on this bandwagon long before the Raptors were. I remember when I started to hammer Jose in this blog how much negative feedback I got. Over time I wrote the same type of things and now it is applauded and praised by the majority. If you think Jose is going to be this team guy all season and play ball with this whole thing, I think you are fooling yourself. Calderon is always labeled as this team first guy that will do whatever it takes for the team to win. I have never bought that and saw it more as a tactic he used to ultimately be the Raptors choice when he became a free agent and directly or indirectly forced T.J Ford out of town. Now the shoe is on the other foot so to speak with the Raptors basically showing him the door.

While part of me sees this as karma and takes great glee and satisfaction in that. Despite my strong desire to see Calderon gone once and for all. I still think he has every right in the world to be frustrated with the Raptors. It may never see the light of day, but it would not surprise me if Calderon is the one demanding to be traded once and for all. It will never be a public thing because that would dismantle this image Calderon has build in his time in Toronto. Dwight Howard has less reasons to want out of Orlando than Calderon has to want out of here.

It has gotten to the point for all parties that the time has come to end this. If this season starts with Calderon here it is only going to lead to problems. You can say it is a business and Jose gets it. You can say he is a team guy and will do the right thing. I will say to you that Jose Calderon will be playing a heck of a lot harder in his Spain uniform than he ever will in a Raptor one again. Not that he will tank his way out of Toronto like Vince Carter. It is just human nature at some point to be fed up with a situation and I would say Calderon rightful so is at that point.

I won't miss him at all but I do understand why he would want to leave sooner rather than later. At the end of the day be you a Calderon fan, or on board with me in not standing him, it really seems like the right thing to do for everyone at this point. Jose could get a chance to play in a fresh environment that is far less toxic than one he is in now. The Raptors get to hand the team over to Kyle Lowry as they clearly want to do. The problem becomes with Bayless no longer around the Raptors would need to come up with one or two point guards to play behind Lowry.

It also makes sense to do this now because if Calderon were to get injured in London the Raptors are than in a real jam with no real way out of it. It is not like Raptor fans have not seen him get hurt before playing for Spain and with no Ricky Rubio with him the chances he plays heavier minutes is high. So the Raptors should come up with something to put everyone out of their misery. Calderon's career with the Raptors will always be a mixed bag with some that will point out at the team's overall lack of success with him at the point guard. While others will rave about the stats he has compiled in his time here. Whatever the case it is just unfair to have him remain at this point. He might have been able to understand a Steve Nash move by the Raptors but a Kyle Lowry move is a clear sign to Jose that Raptors are moving on and looking to start a new era at his position.

B.C Speaks For First Time Since Free Agency.

Bryan Colangelo addressed the media via telephone conference today for his first public comments on Free Agency, The Nash attempted signing, The trade for Kyle Lowry that was made official today and the offer sheet for Landry Fields. He also managed to get in talk of Jonas and the draft choices this season of Terrance Ross and Quincy Acy. Remember how the Raptors were going to make the playoffs this year? That has been tweaked to contend for a playoff spot.  While Colangelo is never one to lack confidence today was no different but that is a tweak to the expectations level that was set entering into this process. As for the future of Jose Calderon that remains very much in the air but even Colangelo admitted that Jose was "not thrilled about the trade" and likely not about the Raptors pursuit of Steve Nash although that was not stated.

Colangelo stated  "There have been multiple inquires about Jose's availability since speculation began about Lowry being acquired."  Colangelo said teams were inquiring both about trades and the possibility that Calderon could be amnestied or bought out by the Raptors. Colangelo suggested that a few trade ideas had been put forth by other teams. In terms of the new point guard coming in Colangelo classed him as a "starting caliber point guard" he left it for Casey to determine if he would start in a situation that saw both him and Calderon remain on the roster to start the season. Where things get murky for me is what the Raptors will do if Calderon in fact moves. As we told you a few days ago the Raptors had to rescind their qualifying offer for Bayless. So if Calderon is moved or amnestied that would leave Lowry as the only point guard on the roster. That is a problem. It might be something you could fill with someone from the summer league on a minimum deal. Bobby Brown is said to be getting a second look from the Raptors as an example. Safe to say no matter what happens the Raptors have some issues to address at the point guard position. Everyone in Toronto loves a good point guard controversy right? If you had been successful in landing Steve Nash this is not an issue at all. One of the many differences in Lowry compared to Nash. Still it would appear Jose Calderon is less than thrilled by the actions of his team in NBA as he prepares to represent Spain in the upcoming Olympics in London.

So what of that whole Steve Nash thing? What does Bryan have to say about that? Colangelo had this to say on the failed attempt to land Steve Nash. "Obviously our number one target in free agency was Steve Nash for a multitude of reasons."  That obviously didn't happen for Colangelo and the Raptors moved on to make a deal with Houston that Colangelo claims had died off at the draft and was revisited on July 3rd as the Raptors were waiting to hear from Steve on his decision. Colangelo still feels the team's goals have not changed despite his thoughts on Nash. "Steve Nash is a not only a special player but a special person and obviously means a lot to this country and would have for our organization. You can only control what you can control. I respect Steve a great deal for making his decision with family first and probably basketball second." Colangelo said he can't fault a guy for that. Colangelo claims, the expectations for the off-season was not just about Nash, but about adding two lottery level talents as additions to the roster. He points out if you have not heard this 100 times at least already that Jonas Valancuinas would be arguably the second pick had he been in this draft class. But still this has to be a blow for the franchise overall in terms of attracting free agents in the future? "Not at all." Colangelo would state some what strongly. He would elaborate when asked to do so. "You have to look at the circumstances that Steve put forth and take them at face value. I truly believe there were family issues and well as competitive issues, the timing of such may have not been ideal. But it was something that was considered for all the right reasons." If you believe Bryan or not the perception in the fan base has been pretty clear on this topic. Most feel Toronto has had and continues to have a problem in bringing in top name talent via free agency. This was another reason why had the Nash deal happened it would have had a impact on the Raptors in a positive way. But without it happening it only strengthens the idea that the Raptors can not land top end free agents. Colangelo contents agents were calling looking for deals for various clients. However, one has to wonder if a Raptors team with cap room is just seen as pawn in the game of free agency chess to get guys deals elsewhere at this point.

Still many feel including those that were not on board with Nash deal that Lowry who the Raptors have picked up is an excellent basketball move and Colangelo seems very happy when talking about the move he was able to make. "We're getting a terrific player, a great value and a chance to have a player grow into the future of the position for the Toronto Raptors." Colangelo would continue later in talking about Lowry, "Kyle is a bulldog, labelled a bulldog by players, coaches everybody that plays against him." Bryan feels that he will add some toughness and grit to the Raptors along with other players coming into the mix. He raves about all the statistical data and analytical statistical info.

There was also lots of talk of Landry Fields who many felt the Raptors signed to an offer sheet as part of their push to sign Steve Nash. Colangelo does admit that was part of thinking behind the move but also was a player they value on his own merits. "It was a combination of both, I will acknowledge that he was a significant or valuable piece in a potential sign and trade with Phoenix, but what we feel we have gotten in Landry Fields (Assuming Knicks don't match) a very valuable piece. For a team that is looking to add depth at really two spots as we see him a swing player between the 2 and 3 spots." Colangelo continues on to rave about Mr Fields "  He rebounds the ball well at small forward or as a big two. We think that he is a high basketball IQ , Trustworthy performer, that knows how to raise the stakes everyday in practice and knows how to raise his level every time the team steps on the floor for a game." Wow no wonder Spike Lee loves this guy. I have heard more talk of how hot his girlfriend is and the fact he had Jeremy Lin sleeping on his couch in recent times. That said Colangelo maintained a lot of Raptors evaluations were based on his rookie season in which most would agree he was pretty outstanding for the Knicks. As for the Contract? Colangelo in the course of the presser said that you ultimately are going to over pay in free agency and even more so in restricted free agency. He also noted that people seem to have an issue with any contract he signs. That said they are confident based on their evaluations he can live up to the deal in place. Someone has to be.... right?  Most feel the Raptors are in a sense giving the dollars Kyle Lowry deserves to Fields and that Fields should make the money Lowry is pegged to earn. Whatever the case may be it adds up to the same.

There was still lots more and will rap this up with some of the other things mentioned. Let's start with Summer League. Early indications are coach Casey is thrilled with what he has seen from Terrance Ross the Raptors first round pick. In general you can expect an uptempo style from the Raptors in Summer League. Bryan said that they see Jonas projected as an elite level center in the NBA ultimately. They feel he will develop faster than people might think. Those people would not be in the fan base though right as some folks already have this kid being the second coming. No doubt without Nash and the shield that he would provide all it will be very interesting to see how Jonas does. There was quiet talk the Raptors were not thrilled that he will miss Summer League as he was able to help his country along with soon to be teammate Linas Kleiza qualify for the Olympics in London. You will never hear B.C say that though as the NBA does not like that sort of thing. If you are hoping for an Andre Iguodala type trade allow Bryan Colangelo to pour some cold water on that indirectly as he feels that Raptors have addressed the small forward position and if no moves were made is content with what he has on the roster assuming Fields offer is not matched. Colangelo did make a point they were still active in looking to improve. Raptors obvious still have Calderon hanging in the wind as trade bait. What he also confirmed though is the team with out using the Amnesty provision would be capped out with the current roster and salaries that are yet to be added. Fields and Acy to name a couple.

In the end Colangelo put on a brave face and tried to convince all that Raptors were still building towards a bigger and brighter future. Some how that seems hard to see for the casual fan of this team. Can they be better? It is possible but what is also true is the Division around them has improved at a much more dramatic rate and having a super team in Brooklyn if a Dwight Howard deal were to happen would only increase that. Lots of time before the season starts but almost everyone feels there is more work to do even Colangelo I would suspect.

Raptors Return to Montreal

I am very happy the Toronto Raptors will be once again taking their talents the the province of Quebec. They will play the New York Knicks in an exhibition game on October 19th. This marks the second time the Raptors will be appearing at the Bell Centre against the Knicks. Personally having done radio in the city on Team 990 now part of TSN Radio and still weekly on CJLO on The Sports Grind it is great for the folks in Montreal. The city has a great grassroots movement for basketball that is producing some talent that is getting to both the NCAA level and now the NBA level as well. This is part of the NBA Canada Series which will also see a game between the T-Wolves and Pistons be played in Winnipeg. In order to grow the game here in Canada. All they needed to do that was have Steve Nash sign with the Raptors. I will be interested to see the attendance in Winnipeg. In any case more basketball in this country is always a good thing. I am debating if I will make the trip up to Montreal to cover this one live. Last time the Raptors were there they sold out the place and it was an awesome environment for a preseason game.

Round Ball Review Returns

It has been awhile since we heard from J.B and Joey G. But they are back and as you will see not much has changed. They talk about the Raptors off-season so far and Joey G has a suggestion for who the Raptors should go out and acquire. He also makes an announcement of sorts. It is the fun and comedy that you have come to love or hate by this point. We hope it is love though.

That is it for another episode of the Round Ball Review. The reality is with all the news of late and adding folks to the staff here the guys have been out of action for awhile. However, they will always be around as I enjoy producing them and coming up with new ideas for them. They will always be a part of what we do here at the DNB. If for no other reason than Raptor fans always need some humour to help them get by.

Gray Monday.

So the Raptors re-signed Aaron Gray over the weekend to a 2 year deal. Maybe I should have done this on the weekend but it was hard to see this as big enough to news  to interrupt the weekend for. I am happy for Gray though who truly earned this contract with his play last season. After his health concerns to start the year he became a nothing flashy no non-sense option for the Raptors at center. One wonders if this means the end of Jaamal Maglorie experiment as well. It is hard to imagine the need for him should the Roster remain intact in terms of big men. Ironic the man that guaranteed the Raptors would make the playoffs at the final game of last season may not even be on the roster. Actually it is just more reason why he never should have said it or been the guy addressing the crowd to begin with.

Still one would hope that Bryan Colangelo has a few more rabbits left in his hat at this point. If not this roster doesn't look like it can be a playoff team in the East at this point. This combined with the fact that many rumours are rumbling that Nets are closing in on a deal for Dwight Howard with the Magic. Not just for the Raptors but for the entire division that would be huge news that would no doubt alter expectations.

Talk seems to have died off about a deal between the Sixers and Raptors for Iguodala. Personally I was never a fan of the purposed deal that was out there. I think in terms of Andre Iguodala Raptor fans tend to over rate him slightly based on a couple of things. He has a history of playing very well against the Raptors. There is also the fact that Rob Babcock if he had a brain would have drafted him instead of Rafael Araujo. In comparing anyone to him they have to look better it is impossible not too.

Bryan Colangelo still needs a few moves before you can seriously start to consider this team a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. There just isn't enough to see this team taking that big step. It is not the Raptors have not improved by what he has done it is just some other teams have improved a lot more. There is no question the Magic look to be a lock to fall out of the playoffs but it seems more and more likely the Brooklyn Nets will fill in that spot.In terms of the other 7 playoff teams last season can you honestly say the Raptors are better than any of them at this point? I can't really. So that would suggest more work needs to be done. Even with signing "The Peoples MVP" Aaron Gray.

Bayless is UFA...Something Must Be Up?

Some more Raptor News that might lead to something bigger? Raptors have rescinded their qualifying offer to Jerryd Bayless. This could be just a case of with the edition of Kyle Lowry there really would be no place for him on the roster to get playing time. That would be the simple answer. It also might be the Raptors trying to clear some cap room for something. Bayless Qualifying offer was for 4,164,881. The Raptors also have a qualifying offer for Sonny Weems that as of right now is still on the table to the best of our knowledge.

Regardless of the reason why it would appear Jerryd Bayless and his time with the Raptors could be coming to an end. Bayless was always a great person in his time here and showed a great love and desire to remain part of the Raptors rebuilding process. It is not impossible he could return at a lesser salary but the Raptors would no longer hold the ability to match any offers he gets. He would be free to sign with any other team now.

There were rumours last night of a big trade involving Ed Davis and Demar DeRozan as part of a swap for Andre Iguodala but don't think this move would have anything to do with that. Calderon was also a part of that deal and when you add up the money of contracts exchanging hands it would be fairly close. Anyway guess will wait and see what this ends up meaning at the end of the day.

All of this info comes from ESPN and Mark Stein who tweeted this in last few minutes.