Raptors Go On A Boozer At ACC

It was Andrea Bargnani Bobble Head Night with no Andrea Bargnani. Late word the Andrea Bargnani would not play do to an issue with his left knee. Add this to the mystery foot injury of Jose Calderon that has caused him to miss the last 3 games make it 4 games. Along with Reggie Evans still recovering from his foot surgery and Peja has knee swelling that may well not end till his contract expires. The Raptors instead of having 14 bodies to choose from, Raps were down 2 from what they can dress with just 10 healthy bodies. While Rose and Noah who were said to be game time decisions both decided to play. Add in the fact the Raptors played last night while the Bulls watch from their hotel rooms in Toronto. Chicago coming into Toronto on a big win streak looking to win their 7th in a row and the Raptors coming off a terrible effort in North Carolina. The deck was sure stacked against the Raptors starting a 4 game Pre-Christmas home stand.

I ended up doing this game for The Score so if you would like a blow by blow account at it happened please go check out that Live Blog post facto. I for the terms of the blog will just offer some post game thoughts on this one.

First and foremost I am not going to beat up on the Raptors for tonight. Clearly they were up against it, and a loss like the one in Charlotte angers me far more than anything that happen at the ACC on this evening. Even a full healthy Raptors squad were going to be hard pressed to beat a Bulls team that has been red hot. To rip apart the Raptors would be far from fair in my opinion.

The under manned Raptor but up a game fight at least in the first quarter. That being said they had no answer for Carlos Boozer and that would be an on going theme throughout the evening. Amir Johnson would get 2 quick fouls in this one and that left Ed Davis and Joey Dorsey to fend for themselves with an already under manned front court. I have to say that Ed Davis has really surprised me so far. I never expected him to be this good with all the time he has missed in the last year of his basketball career. Half a college season, all of training camp and all of the pre-season. He sticks to what he is good at and tries to do that well. His first NBA start produced at double double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Jerryd Bayless has been picking up his scoring with out Jose Calderon but he was committing turnovers and not making the number of assists you would expect from your starting point guard. Leandro Barbosa has been doing a good job of adding points coming off the pine. He and Bayless have been playing well together.

The Raptors have never had much success against the Utah Jazz and the Bulls have added 3 players from that Jazz squad in Boozer, Korver and Brewer. All three of them contributed to varying degrees to this win tonight for the Bulls. Boozer just could not be stopped in basically 3 quarters of work he had 34 points 12 rebounds and 2 steals and block. Raptors just had no one that could check him all night long.

Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan continued to struggle they were a combined 7-22 from field with just 19 points. They also have been struggling on the other end of the floor. While many are calling for their heads, to me it will only be a last resort to see them removed from the starting line-up. While Barbosa likely deserves to start in front of DeRozan he is perhaps the only spark the Raptors have coming of the bench in terms of scoring. Linas Klezia has done nothing to show he is any better than Weems at this point. While I share the frustration of Weems and DeRozan they are suppose to be part of your future and you have to let them grow and develop. If this was not a rebuilding year I would have a different opinion. However, the Raptors have always been saying this is a development year and if that is the case you need to let that happen. I am more confident they will figure things out on the offence and have a greater concern with their defence at this point.

Among the small positives in this one was Joey Dorsey seeing more time and cashing in with 12 points 13 rebounds and a couple blocks. The one thing that I failed to understand was given this game was basically done after 3 quarters is why we did not see Solomon Alabi with the game pretty much decided. If you are not going to play him on a night like this one, when exactly would you do it. Alabi spent some time in the D-League and did ok in his time there. It puzzles me why he never saw 1 second of floor time.

The Raptors made this score closer than what it really was as the Bulls were up 29 and played reserves in the 4th and they did not do well. It ended up a 110-93 victory for the Bulls. Raptors will hope to get healthy for Friday as they will be taking on the Nets. If they do not get healthy they will still be challenged to get a win vs New Jersey. Raptors are really at a point where they could fall of the map unless they turn things around and are able to get a couple wins before Christmas.

"Behind Enemy Lines"

This week will be an interesting one for the Toronto Raptors. It's getting down to crunch time - Christmas is just around the corner and whether they celebrate the holiday or not, the Raptors are praying for a few presents in the form of wins. Call me crazy but the Raptors have the potential to walk away from the upcoming week with a 3-0 record. Yes, even against the Lakers. Keep reading to find out why.

Friday, December 17th - New Jersey Nets @ Toronto Raptors

• This will be the first time these two teams have met this season. The Raptors won all four contests versus the Nets last season.
• New Jersey acquired Sasha Vujacic from the Los Angeles Lakers and 2 first round draft picks in a three-way deal with the Lakers and Houston. Vujacic was with the Lakers his entire career (7 years) before the trade and has appeared in 11 Lakers games this season averaging 1.8 points in less than 5 minutes per game. Unless New Jersey gives him a different role, the Raptors don't have to be stressed about Vujacic.
• Anthony Morrow is out for New Jersey for 2-3 weeks with a strained right hamstring.
• Key for Raptors: Watch for Jordan Farmar to start alongside Devin Harris in the backcourt. Farmar has been averaging 25 minutes and 10 points in his last three games.

Sunday, December 19th - Los Angeles Lakers @ Toronto Raptors

• This will be the second time these two teams have met this season. Although the Lakers won 108-103 during their last meeting, it was only by five points and the Raptors scored 38 points to L.A.'s 22 in the second quarter.
• L.A. acquired Joe Smith in a 3-way trade with New Jersey and Houston. He brings experience to the team since he has played 15 years in the league. However, he has only played in 4 games this season for New Jersey with insignificant impact.
• Andrew Bynum and Derrick Caracter are back in the line-up for the Lakers.
• Raptors need to watch Kobe Bryant and his decoy role playing. Against Indiana Wednesday night, Kobe scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to beat the Pacers 109-94.
• Key for the Raptors: The Lakers are winning games but they have to work for it and not all are coming easy. They have faced fourth quarter deficits in 7 of the 9 games they played before meeting the Pacers Wednesday. If they can come out strong in the first half and find a way to stop Kobe and his late-play antics, maybe just maybe this game could go in the Raptors' favour. Maybe.

Wednesday, December 22nd - Detroit Pistons @ Toronto Raptors

• This will be the second time these two teams have met this season. On Saturday, December 11th, Detroit botched a 25 point lead and handed Toronto the game (120-116 Toronto).
• Terrico White (broken right foot) and Jonas Jerebko (partially ruptured right Achilles tendon) are out for Detroit.
• Raptors need to keep an eye on rookie Greg Munroe. He has had 2 opportunities to start for Detroit and is looking to prove himself.
• The Key for the Raptors: Detroit has been showing signs of improvement but have a long way to go. They have been putting up 20 point-plus leads but then unable to close some of those games. The Raptors need to capitalize on this misfortune and rebound, rebound, rebound.

Thank-you for joining me today. More "NBAz in 7 Dayz" will continue on Tuesday. Enjoy your weekend.

Boozer And Bulls Waiting For Raptors

Carlos Boozer was the Bulls fall back plan in 2010 Free Agency. A broken hand prior to the season was likely not what they had in mind. Carlos is 8 games into his Bulls Career he is below all his career averages with 15.5 points (17.2 career) 8.0 rebounds (10.1 career) FG % 49.5% (54% career) among them . That being said he is coming in off a impressive 22 points and 18 rebounds vs the Pacers. He is now starting to gel a bit with his new team and Derrick Rose and him can make a lethal 1-2 punch. While Boozer's numbers are down, Rose is on the rise with increased points, rebounds and assists this season. He has never had to many issues with the Raptors as well in his short career. If Jose Calderon comes back tonight he may be in for a very long evening. The Raptors had a poor effort and now on a back to back face a better Bulls team that was sitting in Toronto waiting for them. Even with a great effort Raptors are in tough tonight.

The Basics: Chicago 15-8 (5-6 on the road) Toronto 9-16 (3-7 in Last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors showed little effort energy and hustle and went down far to easily to the Bobcats last night. Turnovers were again an issue and so was the defence. Andrea Bargnani was MIA for the most part and were not talking Miami. Very few positives in a game that the Raptors should have won. Much like their first encounter with the Bobcats at the ACC.

Key Match Ups: If it is Calderon or Bayless it really doesn't matter because Rose is a handful for anyone. How the Raptors handle this match-up will ultimately decide their fate in this one. If they over help on Rose it could lead to lots of open looks and cause issues. Amir Johnson and Carlos Boozer will be one to watch as well. If Boozer can get Amir in foul trouble it could mean a real education for Ed Davis in this one. Noah and Bargnani will be an interesting one to watch as well. Can Bargnani bounce back, and get any rebounds going against a beast on the glass in Noah.

Other Things Of Note: Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver and a few others have the skill to drain 3's and perimeter defence has not exactly been a strength for the Raptors recently. The Raptors start a 4 game Pre-Christmas homestand with games against the Nets, Lakers and Pistons after this one tonight. Also Eric Smith and Jack Armstrong are going to be doing a Christmas Album so if you can track down Eric at one of those games the cost is 5 bucks and proceeds are going to charity. I am getting mine Friday. According to Chuck Swirsky (Remember Him??) via Twitter he says Rose is a game time decision and Noah has a banged up hand.

Where is it on: TSN 2 for this one, Always on Radio on Fan 590.

Update 11:20am- Looks like Rose and Noah will play tonight according to The Chicago Tribune

Bobkittens Sharpen Their Claws On Raptors.

Will the Raptors get off to a better start? The first half in the the last 2 games has been a horrible to say the least. The Bobcats made the playoffs for the first time last year. The road back to the playoffs is not a easy one especially when you starting point guard left for the Knicks and you traded your center to Dallas. Bobcats are a half game behind the Raptors. Bobcats stole one from the Raptors could the Raptors return the favour? It was time to find out.

1st Quarter

Shot blocked and easy score by Gerald Wallace was not exactly the ideal start. DeRozan getting to the line was nice but he missed both. The Bobcats started on a 6-0 run after getting chewed out by Michael Jordan you could expect this kind of effort coming from them. Raptors were not looking good once again on the defensive end of the floor and were in a 12-6 hole early. Taking to many 3's and settling for stuff on offence. Ed Davis getting some early burn in his return to Carolina and he got a block leading to DeRozan basket in transition and Raps were back in it with score 12-10. Raps had a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the evening 13-12. Raps continued to roll though, with a 16-2 run and Weems hit a 3 on the feed from Demar, after that Bayless a pull up J and nails it and Raptors lead was 20-14. Time out did not stop the Raps as Bayless a lovely drop off for the Ed Davis slam. Demar DeRozan was attacking the hoop rebounding his own miss and put it back up and in...Raps were on a 22-2 run. Bobcats made a push back but Andrea Bargnani would nail a 3 at the buzzer to close the quarter and the Raptors lead was 29-20 after 1.

2nd Quarter

Just 2 turnovers in the first quarter a marked improvement from the other night in Detroit for Toronto. Bobcats got off to a good start and cut down the Raptors advantage early. There was not a lot pretty about the second quarter but the Raptors were up 36-29 with Amir Johnson going to the line for 2. He made 1 out of 2 so make the lead 8 for Toronto. Next possession Raptors would get another foul and put the Raptors in the bonus. Add a tech on Stephen Jackson as well. Raptors were in the bonus the rest of the way with 7:21 to play. Bargs only made 1 of 3 at the line. Raptors would extend the lead out to 11 with a Bayless 3-ball making it 41-30 Raptors. A bad turnover for DeRozan led to a score and 1 for Charlotte and they close to 46-39. Weems bucket and followed by an Augustin 3 pointer and the lead down to 6 a time out Toronto up 48-42. Andrea on offensive end and Davis picks up his 3rd. More a concern for Andrea obviously. Raptors good job of not turning over the ball had gone away. Raps were on the ropes but a Barbosa 3 pointer would get the lead back to a converted touchdown 51-44 with under 2 to play. Raps get a key offensive rebound on DeRozan miss and Bayless hooked him up for a redo and sticks it. Raptors did not play a good quarter but still had a 6 point lead 53-47 Raptors

3rd Quarter.

Raptors had a slow start to the 3rd and Bobcats had closed to within 1 on strength of a 7-0 run by the Charlotte. A DeRozan turnover makes it a 9-0 run and Bobcats lead 58-57. Raptors and Bobcats would play a good game of lead ping pong after a late called Triano time out. Raptors led at the next time out 63-62. This was an ugly quarter for the Raptors and Andrea Bargnani's defence was at the top of that ugly list. Raps had fallen behind 68-67 with under 2 minutes to play. On the positive side of the ledger Amir Johnson was leading Raptors in minutes which means he is not in foul trouble. Demar DeRozan woke up the 3rd with a dunk that was just flat out sick. Raptors built a 3 point lead 72-69 with under a minute to go. But the Raps would let the slide and it was 72-72 after 3. A game not that different from the first one between these two in terms of the scoreline being close.

4th Quarter.

A Barbosa 3 pointer answered a Bobcats score to start the quarter. Back to back blocks on Barbosa and Davis allows the Bobcats to keep a one point advantage. Bargs turnover and that leads to Livingston bucket in the paint and Bobcats after a Jackson basket led 81-78 and a good time out from Jay this time. This was an ugly game and at points I have wondered if either team wanted to win this one tied at 83 with 4:30ish to play in this one. Bargs after sitting most of the 4th finally was back in after getting a time out for stinking from Triano. Bargs ties it up at 87 but Gerald Wallace had the answer to make it 89-87. DeRozan answered that and Raps tied it again at 89 and finally both teams looked like they wanted to win. Tyrus Thomas freshly returned to Bobcat line-up hits the jumper. Raps missed on their possession and Bobcats do not and had a 93-89 lead with 44 seconds left. Bargnani gets an offensive rebound a rare event only to throw the ball away. This game was a wrap and that summed up the Raptors and Bargnani's night very nicely in one sequence. Raptors lose 97-91 in North Carolina.

The Raptors only took away all of the good from their lucky come from behind win and took away nothing from the fact they were down 25 in that game. Overall effort was poor and the Raptors in the end got what they deserved based on their overall effort in this one. This makes 2 games vs the Bobcats that the Raptors should have had W's and end up with L's. When is that Jack Armstrong Christmas Album coming out I need something to lift my spirits.

Raptors Travel To Face Bobkittens

The Bobcats are having their own problems with consistency and getting wins as well. Larry Brown even admits his team has taken a step backwards in Charlotte Observer. Raptors will still not have Jose Calderon in the line-up against the team that didn't want him in the summer. Calderon hopes to suit up against Chicago tomorrow back in Toronto at the ACC. Turning back to Bobcats, there was even talk that Michael Jordan recently addressed the team. Whatever was said at halftime of the Raptors/Pistons game might have helped Jordan out. The Raptors had their largest comeback ever. That being said I am pretty confident in saying the Raptors will be looking to get off to a much better start.

The Basics: Toronto 9-15 (3-8 on Road) Charlotte 8-15 (3-7 in Last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: Raptors pulled off an early Christmas Miracle coming back from 25 down to beat the Pistons. The largest comeback in franchise history. Raptors for the 2nd straight game gave up 70+ points in the first half. Jerryd Bayless had 31 points lead the rally as the Raptors had at one point a 32 point turnaround.

Key Match-Ups: Jerryd Bayless vs D.J Augustin. Bayless is getting a chance to show is stuff as a starter but really is not playing with a ton of pressure on him. Being a point guard for Larry Brown is stressful regardless of anything. But D.J Augustin it may be even more so as Raymond Felton left and it was no secret the Bobcats were shopping for a replacement. But in the end they found no one and it elevated Augustin to the starting spot. Should be a fun match-up. Also Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will give all that Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan can handle and perhaps a bit more. While Andrea Bargnani vs Mohammed should be a huge advantage for the Raptors.

Other Things of Note: Raptors trail the season 1-0 losing a game they should have won in Toronto back in November. Bobcats had balanced scoring in that one with 6 players in double figures in the win. Tyrus Thomas is expected to be returning to the Bobcats line-up and will add some punch to their bench. If you think Demar DeRozan is struggling that is nothing compared to Gerald Henderson. There was talk in the Charlotte camp that they are considering sending him to the D-League. Prior to the season a lot of folks thought Henderson could have a breakout year with the Bobcats but it has been the exact opposite of that.

Where Is It On: 7pm Tip Time on TSN.

"NBAz in 7 Dayz"

Barak Obama. Now there's a name which commands attention. Not just because he is the President of the United States but because his actions are worthy of our attention. Instead of meeting at the White House this year, the 2010 NBA Championship Los Angeles Lakers met at a local Boys and Girls Club in Washington in casual attire. It is tradition for NBA Championship teams to be welcomed at the White House to receive formal congratulations from the President. Kobe Bryant and President Obama exchanged a few quips and good-natured ribbing since the President is a Chicago Bulls fan through and through. But this is how you garner respect and are taken seriously. Something Russian billionaire and New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov needs to understand. Let's discuss this, Bynum's return, Carmelo Anthony and his coy-boy routine and the Hornets staying in New Orleans...maybe.

He just doesn't get it

Get this. Mikhail Prokhorov, billionaire and owner of the New Jersey Nets is introducing a new line of hybrid cars called - wait for it - "Yo" which he hopes to begin selling in 2012. Why is he behind the manufacturing of these new vehicles? He wants to "overcome existing stereotypes..that Russia cannot make normal cars". Really? With a name like "Yo"? Jimmy Kimmel and comedians across the land just got an early Christmas gift. Apparently, the name is written in Russian by the letter E with two dots over it but it is still reads and sounds like "Yo". In case you are interested in being in the "Yo", the cars will be sold in three models: sedan sporty and small truck and will go for about $10,000. Cheap dough for a Yo.

Hornets in New Orleans? Maybe, Maybe not.

"A potential Louisiana-based ownership group for the New Orleans Hornets is taking shape". All this means is someone with money in Louisiana has their interest peaked in the Hornets. As we all know in the world of business and contracts, nothing is set in stone until you sign on the dotted line and hand over the cash. Governor Bobby Jondal and Mayor Mitch Landrieu have both said they are optimistic and confident Louisiana will be able to keep their NBA franchise and say they are not worried about other potential buyers who may move the team at this point. NBA Commissioner David Stern has maintained the goal is to secure a buyer who will keep the team in Louisiana but he remains open to the possibility of moving the team. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and a group of billionaire investors are rumoured to be interested in buying the Hornets and moving them to Seattle. A potential new owner Morris Bart, a locally based lawyer, says he is willing to front 10% of the asking price and claims outgoing minority owner Gary Chouest told him he is willing to throw in more than %50. So there are equally concerted efforts on both sides of the 'should I stay or should I go' debate in Louisiana. Even though I am not 100% confident the Hornets have a permanent home in New Orleans, the emotional argument for the team makes a strong case. James Carville a celebrity and political strategist based in Louisiana, discounts himself as a potential owner but says he didn't want the city's progress since Hurricane Katrina be over stepped by the loss of a major sports franchise. True. But it may not be enough.

Bynum chooses Soccer over Basketball

No matter how you slice it or how hard you try to put a positive spin on it, Andrew Bynum chose soccer over basketball this summer. Plain and simple. This summer, Andrew Bynum put off having knee surgery because he wanted to vacation first and watch some World Cup soccer. Everyone is entitled to some rest and relaxation but now his off-season decision is affecting his team. Pau Gasol, who took over for Bynum, has averaged 40 minutes in 11 of the 22 games Bynum has been out. Ron Artest has been taking on other roles on the court too, since along with Odum, they are picking up the void felt by Theo Ratliff and Derrick Caracter who are also out with injury. Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson has said in the past Bynum's decision to watch soccer over playing for the Lakers as soon as possible couldn't have any real impact on the team's quest for a three-peat. Now the evidence is in plain view and we know this is not true. When the Lakers were in Washington receiving their official White House congratulations for winning the 2010 NBA Championship, Bynum said he will most definitely being playing Tuesday against the Washington Wizards and making his season debue. Pau Gasol hugged him most probably as if to say 'finally'. Let's hope Bynum is up to the task.

Sitting on the fence in 'Melo'ville

Let me spell it out for you - in my opinion. Carmelo Anthony wants out of Denver but is contractually obligated to Denver until the end of this season. Carmelo Anthony also does not want the backlash LeBron James received for leaving Cleveland if he decides to leave. Carmelo Anthony claims he is only keeping his options open but when he is not definitive in his answers to the media and openly enjoyed the attention he got in New York over the weekend (his supposed destination of choice), what are Denver fans supposed to think? As you know, Carmelo Anthony has been the subject of trade speculation since turning down a three-year, 65 million dollar extension with the Nuggets to 'keep his options open'. When asked if he wants to stay in a Denver uniform, he says "This community has embraced me like I was one of their own. So, of course. I just really want to focus on basketball right now--let the business take care of business when that time comes". Even though he hasn't ruled out staying with Denver for the long term, this does not sound like someone who wants to commit to anything. Carmelo Anthony has made it clear how important the contract extension is considering the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire next summer and the NBA wants major salary cuts in the next deal. Realistically though, he can become a free agent next summer. Then Denver would be smart to trade him before the deadline in February so they don't loose him to another team and have nothing to show for it. Denver Nugget Head Coach George Karl says he stays away from all this Internet action/reaction "Melo, as long as he's a Nugget, I am going to coach him and be happy with him". Ok. Let's go with that - for now. We might be singing a different tune come February.

Thanks for joining me today. Be sure to see me here on the DNB this Thursday for more "Behind Enemy Lines".

Some Thoughts On The Future For Raptors.

How will the Raptors respond after that early Christmas miracle in Detroit. As much as you have to be impressed by the Raptors comeback in Detroit. It still is a major concern how this team got down to the Pistons by 25 points in the first place. The Raptors sit 2 games out of the playoffs but they also sit only 4 games out of last place in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have had wins over Orlando, Boston and OKC who will all be playoff teams. But they have lost to teams like the Wizards, Bobcats and Kings that clearly won't. Perhaps more than in any year in recent memory you truly never know what your going get with the Raptors. Is it going to be the Andrea Bargnani that poured in 41 points and made his team better or the guy that disappears for large stretches of games that could catch a cold easier than he could a rebound. Will we get the Sonny and Demar that attack the rim and make slams and get to the line? Or do we get the Sonny and Demar that get jumper happy like Vince Carter and Chris Bosh have done in the past. There is just nothing that is consistent about this team from the individual parts of the team to the overall collective effort.

Isn't this what we should expect though? This was always going to be a young team and as such consistency is always the last thing to come for young players. The fact the East has been bad enough that the playoffs are not a far off dream at this point does not change what the Raptors are. While we all may get frustrated by the inconsistency it is not like it shouldn't have been expected. The one thing that we should be a concerned about is how this team is playing defence. The Raptors have to figure out how to be a decent defence. Whatever the offence produces really isn't the issue at this point. I think the Raptors have proven that on most nights they can score even without Chris Bosh. The thing that ultimately has to be addressed is how this team plays defence.

Things have not changed with Bosh out of the picture in a lot of ways. This team still feeds off it's offence and does not show enough pride in it's defence. You are not going to have to many nights where you can show up in the 4th quarter and decide to play defence and win. This team has to think defence first. If the Raptors just become the same team with the same identity it had with Chris Bosh is not going to get this team anywhere. Defence has to be something that is a priority for everyone and the Raptors need to change the culture of how they approach games. Don't worry about if fans get a slice of pizza at the end of the night. Worry about keeping teams under that hundred point mark. I am sure stats would back this up that when the Raptors hold teams under 100 points their chances of winning increase greatly.

Also it is important to realize that the plan for this team is all about life in the NBA after the new CBA. Bryan Colangelo has rightful identified an opportunity for the Raptors to become a player in the new CBA world of the NBA. If just one thing happens in the new CBA it could be a huge difference to the NBA landscape in terms of free agency. The elimination of the MLE (Mid Level Exception) would make the Raptors and Toronto a much bigger player in free agency. If teams over the cap are not given that exception it takes a number of teams out of the mix. The Raptors if they choose to hang on to Peja and keep their Bosh trade exception in the bank they are going to have a great deal of cash to spend. What the Raptors need to do with that money is to find a guy or a couple of guys to come in and do what Kevin Garnett does for Boston. No not drop F-Bombs and talk smack. But some guys that will become the conscious of this team defensively. That is what is missing for this team. They can score the basketball but they need a leader on this team that will demand respect and demand effort defensively. It is much easier to be soldier and fall in line than it is to be the guy that steps up time after time. There are guys in this locker room that understand that this team will go no where unless they improve on defence. However the Raptors need someone that can be that fiery leader to bang the drum everyday to make sure that it happens.

As for the rest of this season the Raptors need to change their mindset and get the young core thinking defence first. If the Raptors play defence they can feed off that and get even better on offence potentially by creating turnovers. The worst thing that can happen to the Raptors is that the same culture of offence first and defence second that was part of the Bosh era does not change. Bosh leaving offered only one really good thing. It was the chance to change the culture and approach of this Raptors team. The Raptors need to create an identity for this basketball team.

More of the same and recreating a team with the same general philosophy is not going to get the job done. It isn't just about making the playoffs it is about advancing in them once you get there.

I was busy on the weekend as I was a guest on the NBA Breakdown on Sunday night. They also had Toronto Rapper Kardinal Offishall on the program as well worth a listen for sure. Also I made my weekly radio appearance on The Franchise radio show on Team 990 in Montreal talking NBA and Raps. Of course the weekend started hosting our MGD contest winners at the ACC here is some of our winners and me with Jack Armstrong.