A Home For Hump With The Nets?

Kris Humpries joins a growing list of former Raptors we have talked with. I have always thought it is something important to do when the opportunities come along to do so. He came to the Raptors in a trade for the poster boy of the Rob Babcock Era in Rafael Araujo. The fact Colangelo was able to trade Araujo for anything beyond some athletic supporters was amazing. If you think that is harsh by all means check out the stats from his 3 year NBA Career. It only took Utah a year to give up on him, it took Raptors two. Humphries meanwhile, entered the draft early from Minnesota. He was the freshman of the year in the Big 10 and decided to jump into the draft and was taken 14th by the Utah Jazz. Life under Jerry Sloan clearly was not working. So he was off to to Toronto. He was a pleasant surprise and turned some heads in the pre-season in 06-07 his first year as a Raptor. He always seemed to have potential to be more than he was with the Raptors. But he often seemed to forget he was not number 1 option on offence at times. His numbers would suggest his career has taken steps forward at each stop along the way.

In his words he says, "I came into the league and nothing was really easy for me." Humphries continues on to say "Everything has just been kind of a process, and I improve along the way." Which he has and no more so than in his most recent stop in New Jersey. He has started more games this season for the Nets with 21 than he had in his entire NBA Career prior to that with just 8 starts (2 with Raptors). He has taken advantage of the struggles of Favors the 3rd overall pick of the Nets who you would have thought would be starting for Jersey. Favors has not started a game and is scoring 6.5 points per game and has averaged 5.5 rebounds. In comparison Humphries has 7.9 points per game with 9.1 rebounds and is shooting 53.8%, which are all career highs if he keeps it up, at his current pace.

It really seems like Humphries has found a basketball home with the Nets. Humphries said "It feels like it, but in the NBA you never know what happens. We just had a couple players traded off our team" in reference to the trade with the Lakers and Rockets. Sasha Vujacic would be making his debut with the Nets that night at the ACC. Joe Smith and Terrence Williams were off to L.A and Houston as part of the 3 team deal. Humphries added, " The NBA is just a constant cycle," which for a guy that has played on 4 teams in his 7th year in the NBA seems a logical way to think. But you hope for his sake he might have found a place where he can stay awhile.

Part of that cycle he refers to applies to coaches as well. His head coach in Toronto is now his assistant coach in New Jersey in the form of Sam Mitchell. Hump had these thoughts on being reunited with Mitchell, "Sam is a real good coach and he is part of what were doing here." He continues on to say " He always keeps it interesting." Has Sam actually mellowed at all from his days with the Raptors? Hump says "How People see him now versus than is a little different. But it is a different role." He continues on talking about the differences in Sam, "It's interesting, it is probably different for him going from being the head coach to an assistant but he is doing a great job with it." Still there might be some of the old Sam left and he has not changed entirely. When asked if there were flashes of "the old" Sam, Hump said the following, " Every once in awhile something will happen and I wait to see if he is going say something. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't, because he is an assistant now and has different responsibilities."

It sure seemed like the same Sam earlier in a scrum with the Toronto media with perhaps one large exception. Sam use to always refer to how easy the media had it in comparison to him. Some work with NBA-TV in his time away from coaching has changed his opinion. On his brief stint in the media he had this to say, " It was fun, it was different. There is a lot of work that goes into it. It is not just showing up doing it. There is a lot of research that goes into it so you actually know what you are talking about. Numbers and stuff." Mitchell continued to say "It gave me a different impression of little you guys really work." Which got a laugh from everyone. He mentioned that he liked everything except for the Friday night shifts at NBA T.V, where he would end up leaving somewhere around 3 am. See Sam Mitchell this is not so easy!!! But I truly miss Sam and I regret that I never got to cover the team in his time here. I miss my Sam Mitchell laugh of the day. Which happened almost everyday that he was coaching the Raptors.

When I asked about Kris Humphries time in Toronto and what he takes away from it? Hump looks back on it in a positive way. " We went to playoffs twice up here. Just winning games and I played with some great team mates." He continues on to say " I Really enjoyed some of the people on the staff. Obviously I think I got better as a player. It is part of my journey." It is strange to me how Toronto has such a bad wrap with folks in the U.S, but if you talk to the players that have been here it is rare they will have anything negative to say about Toronto. They can't all be lying can they? I never bothered to ask if he got NBA League Pass when he was here. I also didn't ask about the whole Kim Kardashian stuff. I don't know if I have developed any rules to doing interviews. But if there is one I try to follow, it is that I won't ask anything that I wouldn't answer myself. If someone asked me about who I am dating my answer would be none of your damn business. We are a basketball blog if you want that kind of thing go check out TMZ Sports or something. Unless it impacts on a player in a negative way, I could care less, even than I really wouldn't want to go there. But as was stated Humphries is currently having the best season of his NBA Career. If Kim Kardashain has a blessed thing to do with that I could not tell you. But if she does, good for Kris Humphries. I wanted to tell him this but chickened out. He was my mom's favourite Raptor, not for how he played, she just though he was cute and adorable. I am not sure if people banging on the glass against him would agree. Hump was part of our journey too as Raptor fans, and at least for me will stand out from the crowd.

Two J.B's and Microphone.

James Borbath and Jerryd Bayless. The J.B show in the DNB once again. Jerryd is working on his chemistry with his new team and I am working on mine with him. This was recorded Friday prior to the game with Nets. At the time we were not sure if Jose Calderon would be back. But Jerryd did have 4 starts under his belt. We talked about that. We also talked about him coming out with some very strong and direct comments he made post game after an ugly loss to the Bulls. It often is said that is tough for players to focus in at this time of year with the holidays and all. But that is not a problem for Jerryd according to him. What has been a problem since we spoke, he has been feeling under the weather. I thankfully am in good health, so he did not catch this from me. He also is having to get use to being back in his regular role backing up Jose. So here is our brief little chat.

Bayless has made fans in a hurry with that attitude of wanting to work hard and grow with this team. For those of you that believe in the whole concept of tanking and trying to get a better pick come draft time, it is guys like this that make that concept silly. Everyone wants to win and if guys don't have that attitude do you really want them on your team? Jerryd Bayless by speaking out after that Bulls game likely added to his growing fan base. You want guys that hate to lose. When a team or players become accepting of losing you have a serious problem. It seems pretty clear Bayless will never be one of those guys. It also seems clear that by speaking up, he is comfortable here, and with time might be able to grow into a leader for this young group.

He was also one of a bunch of guys that took part in my little Christmas feature I am doing. The question he answered and all the other players in this answered was this:

What was the best basketball related gift you got as a kid for Christmas?

I am not just asking players though. I am asking some of my fellow bloggers and all of you that read and listen to the DNB to share your answers as well. So leave a comment or tweet it to me @Dinonationblog. Going to try and get as many as I can into the feature which will be done Thursday this week it is looking like. So share you basketball Christmas memories with me. Only thing I ask is keep it brief and to the point. Really enjoyed talking with Jerryd, the guy he replaced in Jarrett Jack was very good with the media and that is something that is true of Bayless as well.

Some Thoughts On Raps And Lakers

I must apologize off the top. Did not get a preview of this game done. Someone called a wrong number early on Sunday morning, and next thing I know had went back to sleep, and it was almost time to work. I was unable to watch this one as I was doing a NFL game for The Score. It was a pretty amazing game with Eagles comeback win over the Giants. But it is Monday and a new week so time to turn the page and move on. First thing to do is get caught up on the Raptors. After that got to get a few interviews done that I owe you folk. Jerryd Bayless and former Raptor Kris Humphries. So going sit back and take in what you all likely saw yesterday. Offer some thoughts on what all went down with the Lakers and Raptors.

1st Quarter Thoughts

• With No Bargnani interested to see how things go for Pau Gasol against Ed Davis.
• Raps were hanging around early Klezia getting another start with no Weems.
• An early 7 for Kleiza and yet another injury has cost a player is starting spot? Think so, sorry Sonny.
• Kobe Bryant is good....but I bet you knew that already...LOL
• Demar got schooled by one his idols Kobe was there then he wasn't
• Raps for whatever reason sometimes play Lakers tough...this looked like one of those.
• Kobe is making a highlight reel in just the first quarter.
• Julian Wright getting some minutes with no Weems nice to see. Joey Dorsey to with no Bargs
• Matt Barnes was a Raptor on Twitter but a Laker in life...he checked in.
• Tied at 24....Feeling sorry I missed this one live looks like good game so far.
• Amir Johnson with a serious throw down. Bayless the dime drop.
• Amir is off to a fantastic start. Raps are too 8-0 run and Raps lead 32-24...WOW.
• Raps up 6 with No Bargs, Weems or Evans? Pretty good.

2nd Quarter thoughts

• I was doing NFL like I mentioned, It is a copycat league they say. NBA not so much why to more teams not run the Triangle Offence?
• Jack reflecting on Vince Carter joining team #4. Reminds me of the Kobe comment that had Vince and Tracy stayed he felt they would be battling Raptors for years coming out of East :(
• Lakers were off to a good start to the 2nd. No doubt Phil was not happy after 1.
• Former team mates in Portland in Blake and Bayless....think so.
• A early Solomon Alabi sighting? You don't play him vs Bulls and you do here? Happy for him though. His first significant minutes of NBA career.
• Bayhawks 4 and 5 out on floor with Davis out there too.
• Ok Luke Walton is scoring that just can't happen...COME ON NOW...Lead history tied at 37.
• Gasol with Alabi on him...This won't go well and it didn't.
• Demar DeRozan getting to the line and he GETS UP for playing the Lakers.
• Mid second and 0 fouls for Amir and he has 12 points if this could happen more often it would be great.
• Lakers were picking Raps a part on D.
• Kleiza another 3...don't watch Sonny.
• Raps O on fire and D on Ice...as a type DeRozan got a steal..still chilly D.
• QUEENSBRIDGE....Just cause I saw Artest on the floor.
• Lakers took control in that 2nd Quarter but Raps had a lot of fight and effort. Need this against teams you can hang with.

3rd Quarter Thoughts

• The education of Demar DeRozan continues as Kobe is teaching him some serious lessons.
• Takes it right back on O at Kobe and Gasol...Hoop and Harm.
• Ed Davis missed a lay up......Oh youth!!! Frustrating. Missed another chippy!!! UGH!!!
• Kobe gets hacked by Davis and still scores....Lakers up 14
• Ugly miss from 3 for Kleiza but shot clock was running down.
• Lakers were outscoring Toronto 40-18 since the first....YIKES!!!
• DeRozan getting to the line another hoop and harm. When Demar is good he gets to the line.
• Nice move by Amir for a score but to much Kobe to much Gasol Raps were still down 2 touchdowns.
• Demar should study this game tape for two reason. What he SHOULD do on Offence and what he Shouldn't do on Defence...He has 13 points in the 3rd and 17 overall.
• Nice passing play DeRozan to Dorsey behind the back to Kleiza for the easy 2.
• Raps are on a run an are now down just 1 TD.
• Joey Dorsey showing a little something something. but missed two free throws.
• Reason Raps are doing better on offence...Ball Movement...Excellent!!!
• Amir leaves with a bad back....2 young onez on the shelf with bad backs if your counting.
• Barbosa a buzzer beater and Raps were hanging around or hanging on for dear life.
• Derozan ends up with 19 in QTR that is why you don't give up on this kid. When he gets it and HE WILL....WOW

4th Quarter Thoughts

• Barbosa missed a 3 that would have been big cutting lead to 6.
• Matt Barnes shows how you foul some one....What might have been...Oh Well.
• Raps have but up a good fight but signs are there the tank might be close to E.
• Laker Bench getting it done lead by Bynum and Brown with 14 each.
• Jose has 11 and 9 perhaps Bayless motivated him when he was out...Just saying.
• Julian Wright gives Jose Dime 10 with a Transition Dunk.
• Kleiza a 3 and forget what I said about gas tank Raps were within 6.
• Tough miss Raps could have got even closer. Bynum makes them pay on the other end.
• Blake 3 and crisis averted for L.A.
• Kleiza has strung together to solid efforts as a starter.
• Forget to mention Amir is back from the back trouble.
• More of what might have been with a Barnes 3.
• Raps creep back to within 7 but I know how it ends and not much time left.

Final Score- Lakers 120 Raptors 110

Final Thoughts....Effort Good...Defence Bad...Offence Really Good considering lack of Weems and Bargnani.

Ed Davis Makes His DNB Debut

I will be the first to admit that I was not sure what to realistically expect from Ed Davis. When you consider he missed a chunk of his final college season at UNC and just prior to start of training camp he injured his knee requiring surgery. Davis would have to re-hab and fight to get back to make his NBA debut. He would have to make a stop in the D-League with the BayHawks. In just 2 games down there he averaged 10 points 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in just 17.5 minutes. We have no idea how long Davis was suppose to stay with the Bayhawks. The reason for that was the injury to Reggie Evans that Bryan Colangelo admits changed the plans for Davis. Since getting the call up from the D-League Davis has played 10 games he has averaged 5.2 points and 5.9 rebounds in an average of 18.9 minutes per game. He just had his first start and used it to record his first double double with 10 points and 10 boards exactly. So that is where we started this brief chat with his impressions of his first NBA start.

Terry Davis was not a lottery pick like his son. He didn't come from a big college program like his son as well. He signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat long before they had the superstars they do today. As you will see if you check his career stats he bounced around the NBA. Dad made a total of 632,000 dollars in his first 2 years in the NBA compared to 1.5 million and change that his son will bank in his first year in the NBA as the 13th pick in the draft. It sure seems that Ed has learned a lot from his father. Jay Triano said in a recent interview on the Fan 590 that Davis has done anything that coaches have asked him to do. He suggested that it was just a matter of the coaches making the demands of him. That Ed has not got to the point that he will do it on his own. But if he is asked to do anything he will. Davis clearly seems like a coachable type of player and has a background that offers him a realistic view of the life in the NBA.

While comparisons to Chris Bosh are not really accurate, Davis other then being a left handed guy out of the ACC does not remind me of Bosh at all. Well he is a little skinny like a Bosh was as well. However the comparison stops there. I feel he can be a better defender than Bosh ever was or will be. I also feel that he will never match what Bosh was on the offensive side of the ball. But the fact he missed so much time and has made the jump to the NBA without looking out of place speaks to his skill and in house knowledge. Not to say that he will be better than any of these guys, but Evan Turner, Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins have all had a lot rougher transitions to the NBA than Davis has had. All 3 picked higher than Davis and you could say have struggled to fit in on the NBA level. That clearly does not seem to be the case for Davis.

Ed is one of a number of guys I asked a question for a special Christmas feature I am going whip together. I could use your help as well with it. The question is simple enough. What is the best basketball related gift you received as a kid? If you got an answer for that leave it in the comments or tweet it to me @Dinonationblog. Some of the better ones I am going to use in this feature as well. We still have interviews with Jerryd Bayless and former Raptor Kris Humphries to come for you as well in the coming days.

Raptors Close The Show On The Nets.

Good news prior to this one. Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon both game time decisions would in fact suit up and start. That was good news for a Raptor team that struggled badly without both against a very good Chicago team. The Nets although improved from last year which was not hard to do. They still are a brutal road team and this one was of course at the ACC. Also not only were Andrea and Jose back but Linas Klezia was back in the starting line-up. Sonny Weems did not play due to a sore lower back.

Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani both went of to acknowledge their former coach. They are the only 2 players that remain from when Mitchell coached here. That really shows you the amount of change this franchise has been through. Game started out with the Nets and Raptors trading hoops, then some sloppy turnovers by the Raptors, but the Nets were not taking advantage of them as much as they could have up 8-4. Raptors would go on a run from there with Jose dropping a couple dimes as part of a 6-0 mini-run to take the lead 10-8. Ed Davis checked in as Amir had 2 early fouls giving Davis some early minutes. Devin Harris with the blow by and Ed Davis was not there on the help and easy lay-up and Nets were now on top 15-12. Former Raptor Kris Humphries helped out his old club going just 2-4 from line as he was fouled on back to back possessions. Raptors were in a bit of a nip and tuck battle with the Nets early on. Nets would take a 23-21 lead to the 2nd quarter.

Nets came out and scored first 4 points of the second to get a 6 point lead. Both teams were finding it a challenge to score, not because either team was playing great defence necessarily. As Sam Mitchell might say, they were missing a lot of shots. But New Jersey was getting to the line and had got the advantage back to 5 with score 35-30. A crazy sequence of volleyball like action would eventually lead to a easy Andrea Bargnani lay-up that actually took at lot of effort to get to that point. Jose Calderon would later hook up Amir for an easy 2 but Nets were still out in front. Nets after that bucket would get a small burst and up the lead up to 7. Harris missed a chip shot and Raps would find a wide open Barbosa for the uncontested lay-up in transition. Raptors were labouring to score with just 38 points with 2 minutes to play in the half and the Nets lead had grown to 8. A total blown coverage allows Demar DeRozan a clear runway to the basket and he is more than happy to take flight for the throw down. In end of it Raptors were down a half dozen at the break 48-42.

Raps came out with some pep in their step and scored the first 5 points of the half. Klezia would make it back to back 3's to tie the game at 50. An early and bad foul on Amir Johnson would send Outlaw to the line for 3 and that was 3rd foul on Amir. Outlaw made all 3 at the line and Jersey was on a 7-0 run and led 57-50. Raps were speeding up the pace and got to within 3 until Kris Humphries cut down the lane and Kaboom...Nets led 61-56. However, Hump would commit a turnover and then fouled Demar DeRozan. Raps were left down 2. Bargnani with a rare poster making slam would tie the game at 61 and get a huge pop from the crowd. Bargnani had 10 in the quarter and was looking really good at this point in the 3rd. But the Nets, on what was a 2nd night of a back to back for them, were scrappy and build back a 4 point lead 67-63. Amir Johnson's foul troubles continued and that got Joey Dorsey some PT as Amir would sit with 4 fouls. Raps were just struggling and a DeRozan attempt from 3 was not going change that. That miss would lead to a easy lay-up for THE MACHINE that is Vujacic. Nets were taking to many shots at Raptors were inviting them to take long range jumpers by playing zone and Nets were happy to accommodate them. It led to the Raptors tying the game at 69. Devin Harris a fade away jumper would nose the Nets in front 71-69 after 3.

Bargnani was looking healthy and get this the drive and score which Andrea can do, but also taking one on other end on the numbers. Bargs would score again and give Raps first lead since the 1st Quarter. It would be short lived as Farmar made 1st three pointer of night for the Nets who had been 0-8 prior to that. Farmar would hit another 3 and then a slam on a steal and Raps called the time out with score 79-73. A rebound for Kleiza out of time out gave him a double double with 14 points and 10 boards at the time. But more importantly the rebound would lead to an Andrea 3. It was part of a 7-0 run out of time out that left Raps up 1...80-79. Harris would give Nets lead back briefly but a Klezia 3 would change that and a steal led to a Barbosa bucket, Raptors on the strength of a 12-2 run had 85-81 lead. Andrea Bargnani was laying the smack down on Kris Humphries a guy that Andrea knows he can beat from old days? Whatever it was Andre has ZERO fear of Hump and was taking it to him. Raptors now had an 8 point edge with 4 and change to play. Raps looked like the team that had the energy and it was showing. Amir Johnson fouls out with 3:34 to play a tough night for him in foul trouble the whole night long.

Raptors shooting got a little chilly and Nets had pulled back to make this a 4 point game with under 3 to play. Brook Lopez was at the line and made 1 of 2 and the lead was down to 3. on the other end Demar would get himself to the line and he would also split a pair leaving us at 90-86. On defence double D looked to draw a charge but no luck and Lopez was back at the line and made both this time. A 2 point ballgame as Raps lead 90-88. Bargnani took advantage of a switch and nailed jumper over Harris. Hump a bucket on the other end and a huge rebound and it was the Nets ball again down just 2. Outlaw an airball and Sasha a miss...Bargnani the big board with under a minute to play. Time out Raptors need a basket and they get an major way from Demar DeRozan with the HUGE THROW DOWN!!! Lopez would score, another time out and Barbosa the 3 off the kick out from Bargs and TURN OUT THE LIGHTS PARTY IS OVER. Raptors were going to take a win home on a Friday night at ACC.

It was not the Young Onez so much at the International ones on this night. Bargnani (32 points 9 Rebounds) , Calderon (15 points and 14 Assists) and Klezia (18 Points and 12 Rebounds) were all outstanding. Bargnani the most of that group. He was a true game time decision as even when Jay Triano talked to media pre-game he still could not confirm if Bargnani would play. Jose did an excellent job running the offence and was not a liability on D on many occasions that I can recall. While Klezia gets the surprise start and makes the most off it. At times it wasn't pretty but the Raptors will take the win and not worry about the style points. They closed the show with a bang and that is what counts. Make the final Raptors 98 Nets 92. That makes it 6 straight vs the Nets overall and Raptors our .500 at home with 7 up and 7 down.

TGIF DNB Preview- Raps vs Nets

The biggest question for the Raptors before they even talk about the Nets is will Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani play? According to Jay Triano on the Fan 590 yesterday it is possible they might but not likely. He seemed to suggest that Calderon was more likely than Bargnani. If both don't play it could be another long night at the office for the Raptors. The Nets are struggling and are 2-11 on the Road and 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are coming in off a win over the Wizards at home. That being said the Wizards are 0-13 on the road themselves. We could see Sasha Vujacic who the Nets got in a trade that many feel is bulking them up to make a run to acquire Carmelo Anthony from Denver.

The Basics: Nets 7-19 (4-13 vs East) Raptors 9-17 (6-7 at ACC)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors were only 10 strong and it was not nearly strong enough. The Bulls bullied the Raptors all over the ACC. Carlos Boozer did anything and everything he wanted. The Raptors were without Andrea and Jose and they could have used both.

Key Match-ups: Devin Harris is coming in off scoring 29 against the Wizards last night. He made a living at the line making 14 of 17. Jerryd Bayless if Jose is not able to go will draw this tough assignment. If he can keep Harris under control that will go a long way towards a Raptor win. Brook Lopez would be matched up against Andrea Bargnani if he plays or rookie Ed Davis. If it is Davis and not Bargnani this will be a tough assignment for the rookie. But he can change shots and can battle on the glass which will both serve him well against Lopez. As for the Raptors advantages it may be at an unlikely spot. DeRozan and Weems should have the advantage over Farmar and Ross. The being said Jordan Farmar has been very good for the Nets so much so that they have been playing him at the 2 spot to get him in the starting line-up. He really took off replacing an Harris at the point when he was injured earlier in the season.

Other Things Of Note: This is the first meeting of the season between these two and Raptors have won 5 straight in this series and 2 straight at the ACC. Raptors have an advantage in all of the team stats you care to look at with the exception of free throw% but they do score almost 10 more points a game. Sam Mitchell returns to the ACC for the first time since he was fired by the Raptors. He took a job this summer as the lead assistant for Avery Johnson with the Nets. Tonight is also the first night you can purchase from Brooklyn To Toronto the Christmas album that Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong have put together. It only cost 5 bucks and the money is going to Charity. How do you get it? You need to track down Eric Smith at the ACC or after the game over by Real Sports. They will be selling copies of the CD at the Raptors 3 remaining home games before Christmas.

In Case You Missed it: I decided to have some fun and write a letter to Santa on behalf of all you Raptor Fans. I made some additions to this so even if you read it maybe you missed the additions I added when I checked my list twice.

My Game Plan: First to get my CD that I mentioned. After that looking to catch up with former Raptor Kris Humphries as well as Jerryd Bayless and who knows who else. Also might do a fun thing with a Christmas theme with anyone that I talk with tonight. Will see how it all works out. I will be in the house at the ACC for the last time this year looking to get some good stuff done.

A Letter To Santa For Raptor Fans

Dear Santa,

I wanted to write you a letter on behalf of some good boys and girls that cheer for the Raptors. Sure they boo sometimes, they may even call some players not so nice names. They sometimes put their desire for Pizza ahead of the team. But for the most part they are good people. They have been through a lot this year. They got told see ya on Twitter by a guy they loved for 7 years. If nothing else please make sure this guy is on the naughty list:

I also would like to strongly suggest that this guy is on the naughty list as well:

If you can't give him coal at least give him a razor to shave off the silly beard he has grown it is nothing like yours. While we are on the topic of who does not deserve presents make sure not to forget this guy:

He lied about being sick and tried to steal some girl's phone for taking his picture. He is just bad news Santa. Now on to some things we would like for our team. First on our list is 3 guys. They all have been good and really great to the fans. But they need some help with their game Santa. They even changed their name from the Young Gunz to the Young Onez for the kids. Well and because the NBA apparently thinks Gunz are not a politically correct toy anymore or nickname. Just ask the franchise in Washington about that.

If you could tell Amir not to foul as much and Sonny and Demar to take less jumpers that would be great to. Maybe promise them really cool gifts next year if they do. Now on to our friends from other lands, too many to have photos of.

• Andrea Bargnani- How about a trampoline to help him jumper higher and maybe get a rebound.
• Jose Calderon- We have been asking you this for long time but anything that makes him faster so he can stay in front of all those quick kids in the NBA
• Linas Klezia- Really just anything you got that can help this guy out would be great.
• Solomon Alabi- Playing Time Santa he gets none.
• Peja - Some thing nice for when he leaves us. After all his contract is going to give us lots of money next year.
• Leandro Barbosa- A nice DNB Elf told me I forgot him. He is from Brazil and I am pretty sure Steve Nash never gave Canadian Winter justice, so how about a Parka Santa to keep him warm.
  

Who else is left don't want to forget anyone like last year with Marcus Banks. Oh.... how about Ed Davis. He needs a weight room with lots of weights. He could use a few pounds unlike us Santa. Reggie Evans needs to share some of that milk people leave you to help make the bones in his foot heal faster.

There is also Julian Wright and Joey Dorsey... what do they need. PT that is what they need. They want to play just like all the other kids. Why is Triano being such a Grinch to them? It isn't fair Santa. Oh and I almost forgot one of our newest Raptors. Jerryd Bayless he seems like a nice kid. if you can help him not turnover the ball so much that would be great. We really like him aside from that.

As for Jay Triano and Bryan Colangelo. Well they need help Santa. I admit we are not always the nicest when we talk about these two. So anything you can do to help them make this team better we will take.

While for Raptors fans. We just want some Fu...Frigging Wins Santa!!!... and maybe some patience would help us all too. If you had anything to do with the win in Detroit... thanks for that. Not sure if you can make any of these things happen. But when you are a Raptor fan you have to have a lot of hope and faith. So... I have faith in you Santa to get the job done.

Oh shoot I almost forgot:

That is Candice from our Dance Pak. Kat and her and all the rest of the Dance Pak are good girls. Whatever they ask for... just give it to them Santa they have earned it. So that is about it. Hope all is well, and if you can make the Lakers beat the Heat by 20 on Christmas Day that would be great too. Have a Merry Christmas and all of us Raptors fans will try to be good....well except for February 16th....we can't promise to be good on that day.

Happy Holidays

The Dino Blogger, James Borbath

P.S- Also check out this little guy:

That is Kid Raptor he is the little one. For all the little kids like him that want basketballs and jerseys and stuff... hook them up Santa!!!We need all the basketball fans we can get up here in Canada!!!