State Of The Raptors

So you decide to sleep in and you wake up and Bryan Colangelo is on the radio taking calls from fans. In case you happen to be like me here is a link to it from the Fan 590. Colangelo has a lot of guts to come on the radio and do this given the state of the mood of fans right now. It would seem based on Colangelo's comments that he still seems committed to Triano. He even went as far as to say he has done a very good job and deserves to continue to learn. That is not something that I personally agree with but it would appear that Jay is safe based on those comments. If this team misses the playoff I have felt that it should be Jay's responsibility.

Chris Bosh and his situation is pretty much the same from what we have heard in the past. He says they have expressed to Chris that they want him to remain as the core player. If not he expects to partner with him and work on a sign and trade. He did make a point that Chris needs to take part of the responsibility for this team as well. He spoke about after All Star break there seems to be outside influences that have impacted on this team and Chris.

He referred to Antonie Wright as an enigma. He said that his season has been inconsistent. He likes what he is doing right now. He did not seem committed to Wright being back or not. suggesting there are other options out there. He continued to talk about the off-season and referenced Bosh as the big domino to the off-season plan.

He said about Demar DeRozan that he is the future for the Raptors at his position. He seems very pleased with his development and thinks based on his make up he can really improve. That being said he still thinks this team needs another athletic 2/3 or 3/4 moving forward.

He also said that the Point Guard Situation needs to be settled over they summer and did reference the T.J Ford/Calderon Situation. He said that this team needs to address that issue moving forward whether it be keeping both point guards or making a move if that is not the case.

He also addressed the Hedo topic off the top of the interview. Not really confirming the reports but basically saying that Hedo made a mistake. Saying he cost him self financially and cost his team by his actions. He endorsed how Triano handled the situation and said that Hedo feels bad about it and the team is moving forward leaving the issue behind them.

While still making it clear he would prefer a Chris Bosh being part of the future he said that regardless he is committed to improving this team. It would seem that is going to include Jay Triano despite the feeling of some that Triano may not be the right fit. He referenced what goes on behind close doors that he sees, which is all well and good, but at the end of the day at some point I feel your record is what it is. Colangelo clearly does not agree. One other thing of not for fans of Amir Johnson who also will be a free agent, Colangelo seems very happy with Amir and thinks that Johnson is happy with the role he has with the Raptors. He seemed much more positive about his return than in comparison to Wright.

As for the Raptors on the floor of late. They finally cracked through and got a win down the stretch in Charlotte. I think they were very lucky to do so. The same bad luck that cost them a win over Denver was reversed in Charlotte. Raymond Felton had a chance to tie that game and had he and Chandler been on the same page that game would have been tied then who knows. That being said the win over Charlotte was far more important for the Raptors at the end of the day. That win gave the Raptors the season series vs the Bobcats should that become a factor. Also good news last night as the Suns defeated the Bulls to give the Raptors a game and half lead for 8th. This on a day when Derrick Rose came out and guaranteed the Bulls will make the playoffs.

The Raptors have 3 games in front of them all vs lottery bound teams in the Clippers, Sixers and Warriors that are all must win games for the Raptors. After those 3 Raptors get the Cavs, Celtics and Hawks. None of those games being easy wins for them. I hear some saying the Raptors would be better off to miss the playoffs and avoid a first round sweep at the hands of the Cavs or if Raptors are fortunate the Magic. This would give the Raptors a first round draft pick and almost assure Chris Bosh exiting town. I am not willing to raise the white flag and surrender on Bosh or the playoffs. If this team is heading down the unfortunate path of having to rebuild yet again that one extra draft pick is not exactly going to turn things around right away. This may get a few people to go bonkers on me but even John Wall or Evan Turner for me are not guys that can turn around a franchise on their own . I would class this as a deep draft without a lot of good role player fits not franchise players. So having a pick in the first round would not excite me all that much.

I am not going to tell you that I think the Raptors can beat the Cavs. However if playing well and how they are capable of could that not make in a competitive series? I think so. I also think if the Raptors could have a series vs Cavs that would mean big time T.V Exposure. Lebron James will get you on prime time T.V slots. If Bosh can perform well in a series vs James would that be enough to get his juices flowing to come back to Toronto? Maybe it might. It is a last ditch shot in the dark like scenario but it could work. Maybe I am being optimistic or delusional but think if Bosh could have a good series against a team that is the favourite to win the East that could convince him to stick around.

As optimistic and intelligent as Bryan Colangelo may be I can not imagine this team being anywhere close to competitive without Bosh. There is just nothing that makes me believe that. The one thing I think Colangelo is going to have to do, Bosh or not is figure out some way to unload the Hedo, Andrea or Calderon contract. The combined sum of those players production vs the the amount of money being committed is just bad mathematics as far the NBA Cap goes. That must be corrected. I do agree with Colangelo that I am hopeful about the future for DeRozan. He is the future of this franchise if Bosh goes...it isn't Calderon, HeDO or Don't (or as I have recently referenced him the Vince Carter of Turkey) or Andrea Barganani.

But still 9 more games of a regular season and hopefully playoffs to deal with before we get to the off-season talk in full blast. I am down at Brooklyn's tonight 291 Queenston Road in Hamilton. For the Raptors and Clippers. So come on down and say hello and have some fun.

This Is Your Season Toronto Raptors

Pretty much the title of this says it all. I said about 2 months ago when looking at the standings at the time that this would be an important point in the schedule for the Raptors. Back then I did not realize just how right I would be. The Bulls beat the Nets last night who have just 9 wins on the season. So heading into the most important 2 games of the season the Raptors only sit a game and half in the playoffs. They will play the Bulls on April 11th and depending on what happens between now and then that could be the game that will decide the Raptors playoff fate. But if they would like to avoid that do or die situation they need to win these next 2 games on the road. While the Raptors face the Heat the Bulls will be playing the pathetic Pistons at the same time. A Raptor loss in Miami and Bulls win over the Pistons and Raptors are just a half game in front of the Bulls. Raptors if the do not look in their rear view at the charging Bulls will see Miami 3 games in front. That is who they play tonight. tomorrow they move on up the highway to Charlotte to take on the Bobcats. Who sit 2 and half games in front of the Raptors in 7th in the East.

Raptors with a win over Miami would take the season series. They won both contest vs the Heat at the ACC. That is the good news. Here is the bad news in the Raptors only trip to south beach they got smashed and lost to the Heat by 20 with Heat taking it 115-95. Some more bad news the Raps all time in Miami are only 8-19. Add in the fact the Heat have recently been playing some good basketball with a win over one the leagues hottest clubs in the Bucks. Heat are riding a 4 game win streak and if they are looking forward and not backwards they see the Bucks just a game in front of them for 5th place. The Bobcats are also streaking winners of 3 in a row themselves.

Raptors come in off a heart breaking loss to the Nuggets in which they let a 9 point lead slip away in the 4th quarter as a Carmelo Anthony last second shot would complete the comeback. The Raptors can not afford to get caught feeling sorry for themselves. While people continue to start saying that Bosh is a goner, the one thing that almost everyone would agree on is if Raptors miss the playoffs it is almost a guarantee. If Bosh is going to stay it will take him being a big part of this close to the season. Even the odd comparison to Vince Carter I have seen out there of late. I find that to be sad. I refuse to believe that Bosh is anything like Vince. Yes he clearly frustrated with the effort of the team around him. But he is not giving plays to the other team, he is not smiling after losses and saying oh well I am out of here in a month. He wants to win and has not given up on this season. At least that is what I feel.

Actions are bigger than words. So it will take Chris Bosh having a huge effort down the stretch of this season. He wasn't the guy sitting out a game with a stomach ache ether by the way that was the guy making 53 million dollars. If anyone has acted like Vince Carter it isn't Chris Bosh it is Hedo Turkoglu. Might just be time that he stepped up and showed why the hell we are paying him that big wad of cash. Andrea Bargnani did have a good bounce back the other night but he to must keep the ball rolling in the right direction.

Jay Triano's shuffling of the line-up for my money is an act of desperation. This love affair some folks have with Antoine Wright puzzles me. He has talked a good game but played very few. Thankfully at least in the short term Triano's decision has not seemed to impact on Demar DeRozan. DeRozan is part of the the team's future...Wright isn't. Sonny Weems getting a chance to start is nice Sonny has played his way up the Raptors food chain and passed a lot of folks along the way. He has earned everything he has got. He talks as well but more in terms of having fun and loving life. Not acting like a team leader that he isn't. As for Jay's first change to the line-up out of that same desperation. It would appear that Jose Calderon is still who we thought he was. Which is a terrible defender that despite is offensive skill can not be a starter in this league without making his team a mess on the defensive end. Jarrett Jack should still be the starter and if he had worked a bit harder on the defensive end of the floor he would be. If the Raptors fail to make the playoffs is it really not time to say this is on Jay. I mean his record as a head coach is not exactly glowing and this team's failure to defend is on him. Yes the players need to execute the system but he needs to be accountable if they don't.

Raptors have a lot more than a playoff spot to play for. There at least SHOULD be people's jobs and futures on the line here. Raptor fans have reached a level of frustration that personally I can not remember in 15 years of being a fan of this team. The mood is flat out ugly. It will ether get uglier or turn around real fast with wins over the Heat and Bobcats. But can the Raptors do it? They can if they play with the effort and fight they showed for most of the night vs Denver. Basically the room for error and second chances is done.

The Playoffs for the Toronto Raptors start today.

Raptors Self Help Required

Everything that could go right for the Raptors last night in the NBA...DID. The Heat, Bobcats and Bulls all lost last night which leaves the Raptors a game and half out of 6th and the same game and half in the playoffs ahead of the Bulls. A change to the starting line-up for tonight has some people saying about time. I see it as a desperate attempt to shake this team up. That being said Jose Calderon who will replace Jarrett Jack in the starting line-up has been arguable the best Raptor of late. Jack on the other hand has been near the bottom of the pile in recent games. If this move was being made earlier on in the season I would see it in a different light. However desperate move or not the Raptors were in need of doing something. The Raps will catch a break in Joe Johnson is not on this trip for the Hawks and will not play. The Raptors will likely be without the services of Antonie Wright for this game as he got injured in the last game of the road trip from hell.

The Hawks the last time they played the Raptors was December 11th and not long before that beat down of the Raptors on December 2nd where they gave up 146 points in Atlanta. That was the highest anyone had scored in the league this year until last night where the Suns score 152 points vs Minnesota last night. For your scoreboard watching consideration tonight the Bobcats face the Thunder (Who visit Toronto Friday) , Chicago plays the Mavericks, and Bucks vs Clippers all will be in action tonight. Miami has the night off and will face in state rivals Orlando tomorrow night.

These next 2 games feature teams that are at the best of times tough match-ups for the Raptors in highly athletic teams that can get up and down the floor. The Raptors will need to correct at the very least 4 things to have any shot to win tonight or Friday.

1. Perimeter Defense- It has been brutal and it must get better. simple as that. The Raptors have been killed consistently by giving up open looks from 3. Here is a simple concept that I have always bought into. 3>2 and always will be. Meaning if you have the ability to make the 3 point shot it is a valuable weapon but the same is true in reverse if you can't defend it. Raptors make a lot of the streak they have where they have made at least one 3 pointer. I am more curious and interested in the last time they denied a team making one.

2. Rebounding- The Raptors are always excused of being a brutal defensive team and with good reason. However sometimes they have played excellent defense only to not finish the job and allow teams to get an offensive rebound. Basically if it were me I would say it is everyone's job to get on the glass. Guard, Forward, Center from Italy....I don't care. The Raptors have said they want to run and push the pace. Well this is not exactly inventing the wheel here but you can't do that without the ball. Get after it on the glass. There is no magic formula to rebounding. It is 99% about effort.

3. Turnovers- Can't have them. From the top guy on squad all the way down the line. Turnovers against Atlanta and OKC will lead to highlight dunks in transition. Raptors must value possession. In the playoffs where the Raptors hope to be come April 14th, every possession is vital in the post season. Well newsflash for the Raptors. If you haven't figured it out yet the Playoffs for you have already started. So start playing like it and take care of the basketball.

4. No I in Team- This team was called by it's coach selfish. They all seem to be trying to do to much as individuals and it is costing them on both ends of the floor. This is by far not a new expression here. But ball movement on offense and communication and help on defense are aspects of playing good team basketball. Kobe Bryant and Lebron James have even learned this lesson that as good as an individual can be. Eventually you can only get so far. Chris Bosh in calling out his team has been criticized by some. But I think it is a combination of him being frustrated and knowing this fact. He won a gold medal on Team U.S.A on a team full of stars. Part of why that was possible is because everyone bought into playing as a team. Basketball has been called the greatest team sport ever invented by some. It can be that and when a team fully buys into a team concept it can be beautiful to watch.

That about does it for me. I am going to be doing some running around today getting ready for the launch of RAPTORS RUN THIS BAR WEDNESDAYS....WHICH STARTS TONIGHT HERE IN HAMILTON. 291 QUEENSTON ROAD....@BROOKLYN'S. If you show up you will have you chance to win 2 tickets to Raptors vs Warriors on April 4th. So happy St. Patrick's Day and come on down if you are in the Hamilton area and watch the game with me. I won't lie the Raptors have not exactly been helpful in the build up to this event but they need a win badly and if they play poorly to be in a place that serves drinks might not be a bad idea. Also great food for you to enjoy as well.

Starting 5 From Indy With Matt Devlin

These are the times when having this man's job is pretty good. The Toronto Raptors are hot and this guy gets to tell you all about it on the T.V. Matt Devlin the play by play voice of your Raptors on T.V joins me from Indy as the Raps get set to face the Pacers in the back half of a back to back coming off a 117-102 win. Matt never fails to come through when called into our starting 5. He is a regular in this feature and I am happy and proud to say that. Today we chat about the improved play of Antonie Wright. The Young guns get a lot of love. In addition thoughts on Bargnani, Bosh and the point guard situation or lack of 1 with the Raptors. No drama all love and happy times in Raptor land of late. Matt also weighs in with his thoughts on some of the heavy hitters needing to make moves? As well as what if anything your Raptors might do at the trade deadline.

Matt Devlin In Indy in The Starting 5.

DNB Production

If you did not here no Hedo tonight hence the first question about Wright starting. Thanks to Matt for sharing his time with us. He never says no and is always a great guest to have in our mix here on the Dino Nation Blog as part of our Starting 5. Raptors and Indy tonight. Thanks as always to Matt.

Also I referred to the contest that I am in on Whotheman.com and I would appreciate your support with a vote on behalf. Here is a link to my battle in the Pros vs Joes contest. Sign up and vote for me. For anyone that takes the couple minutes to support me thank you I value and appreciate it. Part of why I work so hard is because of the great fans that support this team and this blog.

Raptors Were Ballin In NYC

The Raptors started this game looking much more like the team that was ripped apart by Atlanta and Orlando early in the season. The first quarter of this basketball game was truly one of the more brutal of recent times. That makes back to back bad starts for the Toronto Raptors. On a day that Chris Bosh was named to the All-Star game and David Lee was not, it was Lee looking like the All-Star early and at the expense of Bosh on the defensive end. The Raptors in this rise to respectability had improved on one major issue from early in the season. That would be guarding the 3 point line. But in this game early on the Knicks were having shooting practice at the expense of a lack luster Raptors defense It was the New York with a 2 touchdown lead over the Raptors after one with score 34-20.

However the Raptors would begin the comeback trail after falling behind by as many as 16 points. Two of the guys leading the charge back were a surprise indeed. Antonie Wright hit a few key 3 pointers. He was only 34.3% from behind the arc on the season. Maybe that was even after last night so it might be even lower. Whatever the case Wright was a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the are and all of his shots were big ones when the Raptors needed them. The other guy part of the comeback charge owes it all to ball. Hedo Turkoglu bizarre post game interview aside in the game was the best he has been as a Raptor. When Halftime came around the Raptors were back in the basketball game trailing by 4 points.

It was a tight 3rd quarter in terms of the score line but D for most of the night was only a rumour at MSG. Raptors would out offense the Knicks to take the 3rd quarter 30-28 and head to the 4th down just 2. Bosh would also be part of the comeback party as well. Though he would have his struggles on D and hanging on to the BALL with 6 turnovers. Bosh would end up the games high scorer (For The Raptors) and get a key rebound down the stretch to help secure the win. Along with Bosh you had Jarrett Jack yet again be part of the rally and make the most important play of this win. Jack would draw a charge on Al Harrington and that would seal a 106-104 victory and the the Raptors would hop on a plane and get the heck out of NYC feeling likely lucky to get a win.

But not before Jack Armstrong would interview Hedo Turkoglu a very relevant question to Hedo's great performance in which he 26 points, 11 rebounds a couple steals and a block. His response to Jack...BALL. Yes that is it ball. So why did Hedo play better finally.....Ball. It was one of the oddest post game interviews I have evey seen and Jack Armstrong is a pro for doing his best to pull it out of the fire. But it takes 2 to tango and clear Hedo did not want to dance. Raptors needed that performance though as Andrea Bargnani struggled with just 2 points on the night. Easily one of his worst night's offensively on the year. He did keep fighting on D though and had 3 blocks and a key one late. David Lee ticked not doubt at getting snubbed from the All-Star game was tremendous with 29 points and 18 rebounds. Bosh had 27 and 15 shooting just 10-24 from the field.

Raptors have won 4 in a row and they have come from way back to win them all. In every game of this 4 game win streak that Raptors have trailed by 10 or more at some point. I am sure Jay Triano would like to do with out that. Raptor fans would likely agree with that. However I am seeing a scrappy team the likes I have not seen since Sam Mitchell left. Whatever you thought about Sam he demanded his teams play hard and fight. Well that fight and scrappy nature is back and only likely to improve with a guy like Reggie Evans chomping at the bit to return. Raps move on to back to back encounters with the Pacers.

Raptors 106 Knicks 104

Raptors Rewind- Welcome To Second Half Edition

The Raptors ironically start the second half of season begins for the Raptors the same as the first vs the Cleveland Cavs. This time on the road in the home of the Rock and Roll hall of fame....Cleveland Ohio. Shaq with just 1 basket will reach 28,000 points in his career that has spanned 4 teams and many awards both team and individually along the way. Raptors have as I mentioned this morning lost 9 straight games at the Cleveland. Both teams are 7-3 in their last 10 games and the eyes of America will be watching on NBA-TV as this is just 1 of 2 games in the NBA after a busy schedule on the MLK day holiday in the United States. Big challenge for the Raptors so let's see how they make out.

1st Quarter

Raptors win the tip but fail to score and LBJ drives to the basket scores and draws an early foul on Hedo Turkoglu. Cavs would make it 2 straight baskets and Shaq had his milestone. A second quick foul on Hedo and he did not last 2 minutes in the first quarter. Demar Derozan finally got Raps on the board with a jumper to break a 6-0 Cavs run to start the game. Bosh would find DD to make it back to back buckets for the rookie from USC. Bargnani scored and was fouled but could not make the and 1. But the run would not stop as Demar an early 6 points. Shaq and Bosh trade baskets Raps had an early 10-8 edge. Mo Williams and Cris Bosh trade 2 point efforts and the Raps after a slow beginning trading blow for blow with the Cavs.

J.J Hickson missed on an alley oop earlier but drove to the basket and scored with Bargs on him. Jack would score to restore the 2 point lead. Mo Williams would even it up at 16 all. Call off the shooting guard search as Demar DeRozan on fire with 8 early with another basket this one in the paint. Mo Williams hit a corner 3 and Wright answered with a quick 2 as he was seeing early time thanks to Hedo's quick two fouls. Raptors looking solid up 20-19. Am I crazy to think the Cavs might be the best match-up for the Raptors come April? A win tonight and maybe not.

Big Z in the game and hit a jumper to give the Cavs the lead 21-20. Lebron draws contact and gets to the line extends the lead to 3 at the line. Wright obvious upset about his F grade in the DNB midterm ratings score and is fouled and ties it up at 23. Heir Canada lives and keep the game tied after a Cleveland score to make it 25 all we are under 2 to go in an entertaining first quarter. Andrea Bargnani for 3 and it goes...Raps on top 28-25. But Lebron James would drive score draw the foul and make the and 1....After 1 and it was even at 28.

2nd Quarter

Cavs shooting 61% but only tied with the Raptors. D needs to pick it up but Raps are hanging with the Cavs. Teams trade buckets to make it 30 all. Delonte West hit a 3 off a broken play and Hedo off the bench with an answer for 3. Raptors lead 35-34. Marco Belinelli back from the flu a long 2 would make it a 3 point lead. Raps are having some issues as Mo Williams the latest to nail a 3 from corner and Cavs on top 39-37. Jose Calderon a nice jumper for 2 and Shaq puts the Cavs back on top with the 2 and was fouled but it's Shaq no and 1.

Marco Belinelli appears to be healthy as he slams one down to to give Raps a 42-41. Raptors were battling hard with the Cavs and Shaq gave Chris Bosh a love tap let's call it. CB4 answers with his jumper and Raps lead 46-45. He would get to the line later and again give Raps lead back at 48-47. Bosh is the Raptors answer with 10 in the corner and for 3 rd straight time giving the Raps the lead back. Then back to back baskets would make it a 3 point lead 52-49 Raps. Hedo gets his 3rd foul and teched up and good bye Hedo at least for rest of the half. Cavs would make the Tech and would go on to take the lead 53-52. James was getting the benefit of some calls and the Raptors were getting frustrated and now Wright would get teched up. The Cavs as result had built a 5 point advantage with score 57-52. Andrea a big 3 late has cut lead to just 2 with score 59-57. Ex-Raptor A.P answers with 3. However Wright would answer that with 3. Defense not on the menu as Cavs lead 62-60.

3rd Quarter

Raps are putting on a solid show for the folks south of the border but could they shock the folks tuning in on NBA-TV? Shaq and Jack trade buckets and were off and running in the 3rd. Bosh a score he has 18 already and Mo Williams answers with a long 2. G-Tech team up as Jack answers with a 3 ball and Raptors buzzing down just 1 with score 68-67. LBJ was dropping dimes as well as buckets his 7th dime of the night a great pass to Hickson for a dunk. Demar DeRozan show NO FEAR as he drives it at Shaq and gets whacked and head to line and drains a pair. But some vintage A.P with Parkerville Court in Cleveland now as he dials up a 3. Later though Anrea Bargnani would answer with a 3 and we were tied at 73.

Jarrett Jack is fearless as well as he also drives and get walloped by the Big Shaq Diesel. This was a heck of a battle going on. Demar DeRozan would give the Raps the lead. But Anderson Varejao would score and draw a foul to tie the game at 77 with his free throw to come after a time out. Varejao would make the and 1 and Raps a quick miss and James score. James miss and Varejao put back lead climbs to 5. Bargnani breaks up the run only to have Williams hook up James for the easy score. Jack and Parker trade baskets and Cavs lead 86-81. Amir Johnson in the game and making an impact with a block on Varejao. Raptors were is a battle trailing 86-83 to the Cavs.

Mo Williams another corner 3 as he must have a rental agreement with Parker on Parkervillie court...Hit a big 3 and Cavs have a 6 point lead. Moments later Williams would check out of game clutching his shoulder. Raptors were struggling to close out the 3rd as the lead had expanded to 8. A Lebron James turnaround 3.....NO....Whew...Raps escape quarter still down 8.

4th Quarter

Raptors will need a strong push if they want to stay in the running to win the game. Raps went the last 3:52 of the 3rd without a field goal. Marco Belinelli starting the quarter strong with 2 then later a 3 ball and Calderon would score and Raptors had cut lead to just 3.Cleveland call a time out and turnover the basketball out of time out. Hedo tries for 3 to tie and his struggles continue as he missed. Bargnani the big block and the long 2 Raptors on a 9-0 run and down just 1. A costly turnover for CB4 and Cavs score in transition to end the run.

Marco Belinelli making and impact in his return to the line up as he makes the pretty reverse lay up as he leaked out on the break. Bosh another turnover on let's just say a suspect offensive 3 second call. Raptors sitll down just 1 with score 95-94. Mo Williams back in the game and shoulder must be ok as he nails a 3. Hedo a miss and Cavs make them pay. 100-94 Cavs a Lebron James slam makes it 102-94 and Cavs answering the bell with a 7-0 run.

Raptors had been fought hard the whole night long but down the stretch Cavs looking like the Eastern Conference leaders that they are. Still over 3 minute to play but Cavs looking well in control of things. However Raps refusing to go away as they trail 104-100. Jose Calderon does to one thing well on D at times and that is drawing charges and he draws a key one down the stretch in this one. Bosh has been muted by the Cavs with just 3 points in the half and he attempted a jumper and missed it. James draws a foul and that is 5 on Andrea and James makes the free throws and the lead is 6. In the final moments Demar Derozan getting minutes worth noting. Bosh another costly turnover late and that will likely seal it.

Raptors will not find the winners circle on this night but it was a good effort overall with some glaring exceptions but overall this team hung with the best team in the East. Raptors fall 108-100 and are 21-21 but they did show they can hang with just about anyone. If you are honest with yourself did you actually think the Raptors would win tonight? The answer is likely know. But they did play a good competitive game for 4 quarters and that is something to build from. People will take Hedo and Bosh to task no doubt. However Raptors got great contributions from Bellinelli and Wright with a combined 26 points which made up for some of that. There is really not much folks can say to defend Hedo with just 3 points in a big game. He was in part brought in for his ability to perform in the clutch and in big games. As a Raptor we have seen little of that. In terms of Bosh he had a really bad second half after getting off to a great start and looked on pace to have a great night through 2.

When you take who you were cheering for out of the equation that was a very entertaining basketball game and folks on NBA TV in the U.S got to see a solid performance from Canada's NBA team.

Raps Kick Off 2010 In Beantown

The first blog of 2010 as the Raptors begin the year in Boston. Celtics are banged up and coming off a west coast trip and losses to the Warriors and Suns. While The Raptors closed 2009 winning 5 in a row. If they could steal a win in Boston they would reach the .500 mark for the first time since near the start of the season. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both question marks heading into this one. Raptors will be without Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans. Antonie Wright is expected to get the start if Hedo does not go. He will be a game time decision. Wright has been in and out of the doghouse this season. He did play well filling in for Hedo against the Bobcats. This is the front half of a pretty nasty back to back as they travel home and face the Spurs on Sunday.

It is a challenging start to the 2010 schedule for the Raptors for sure. The Celtics will be back to face the Raptors again next Sunday back at the ACC. Also on the up coming list is the Orlando Magic who have owned the Raptors this year winning all 3 contests so far this year. Jose Calderon has said he is close to being ready to return and that will make for an interesting choice for Jay Triano. He was here as an assistant during the whole T.J Ford/Calderon situation. Sam Mitchell stuck with Jose over the returning Ford. He would later flip flop and go back to Ford as the starter based on his struggles in the back-up roll. This is going to be the biggest decision for Jay Triano in his short time as head coach of the Raptors. That is something for another day though as it will be Jack and Banks that will have to deal with Rajon Rondo.

Given the history of Calderon going against Rondo that may not be such a bad thing. Rondo is a point guard that can expose Jose on the defensive end. Depending on who is in and out for the Celtics Rondo will be a bigger part of the scoring mix for Boston.

This could be a good time for the Raptors to catch the Celtics and score what would be an unlikely win when you scan the schedule. Hard to know what to expect with so many players status up in the air for this one. However the Raptors learned a hard lesson earlier in the year about taking for granted a good team when they have guys out. The Spurs crushed them with no Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Hopefully the Raptors learned from that experience. Boston is a tough place to get a win regardless of who the Celtics have healthy.

Can the Raptors keep the roll going? Will see but if the Raptors if they can make it through January and exit in about the same spot they are now things look bright. February is the best month of the Raptors schedule by a country mile. It is a point where the Raptors could make a run away from the pack and focus on positioning in the playoffs rather than just making them. But they have to be in position to do that.

Happy New Year to you all and thanks for supporting the Dino Nation Blog in 2009 and hope you will continue to do so in 2010.

Opportunity Is Knocking Will Raps Answer The Door?

When you think about the San Antonio Spurs you think Matt Bonner...well some Raps fans do, but to be serious you think Tim Duncan and you think Tony Parker. One of that dynamic twosome will be on the shelf for tonight's match up vs the Spurs. Parker suffered an injury on Friday and reports are he could be out a week and will not be in the line-up tonight for the Spurs. The Raps have been catching some breaks in this early season and have had mixed results in taking advantage of them. They faced a Magic team down 3 key players and got beat badly anyway. While they faced a Detroit team down a couple key players and got the win. Parker is a key part of what the Spurs do on the offensive end and would have given them an advantage based on his skill and speed. That being said the Spurs have added to their overall talent with the likes of Richard Jefferson and drafting Blair from Pittsburgh as well. They also have "Raptor Killer" Roger Mason Jr and a healthy Manu. George Hill will be replacing Parker in the starting line-up. The Spurs also come into this game on a rare for them 2 game losing streak and are below .500 at 2-3. So based on that alone the Raps should not take the Spurs for granted.

Not to mention the Raptors own awful performance in Dallas. It was the second half of a back to back for the Raps but that was an awful effort on the defensive end. The Spurs are a team that has a number of shooters and can take advantage of the Raptors lack of a perimeter defense. The Raptors are one of the best offensive teams in this league so far. While the Spurs traditionally have been one of the best on the defensive end of the floor. However like the Raps they are trying to get some new faces into the mix and gave up 113 and 96 points in loses to Utah and Portland.

Some Keys To the Game:

Rebounding- The Raps will need to fight and claw on the glass as the Spurs have only got better on the boards with the addition of Blair he has been averaging 7.6 boards in just 18 minutes on the floor and Duncan 11.8 but after that there is a drop off and Spurs have actually averaged on the season just 39 boards a game while giving up 42. Toronto needs to win the battle on the glass and help use defensive rebounds to launch transition offense. Also getting on the offensive glass and getting some second chances points as well.

Tempo- Raptors should look to push the pace on both ends of the floor. We have seen the Raps break out a press defense a few times this year. Might not be a bad idea tonight with no Tony Parker to handle the basketball. While on offense an easy basket via the transition is always welcomed, any easy score you can get on the Spurs is helpful. The less times you have to line up and play this team in the half court the better.

No 3's Please- The heck with the house, get those darn kids chucking rocks and breaking windows. Yes beware of Duncan on the inside but not at the expense of watching Manu, Roger Mason Jr and friends light it up from the outside. Basically if you are guarding a 3 point shooter your HELP is not required, leave it to the others on the floor to sort out. If you have ever seen the movie Top Gun, the Raptors need to stick with their wing man in the basketball sense. If Tim Duncan gets 40 and Raps lose I will say I was wrong, but pretty sure that is not happening. 3>2 and that is not changing anytime soon.

Some Key Players

Spurs: Roger Mason Jr. - He is shooting just 29.4 % from 3 point range. For whatever reason Mason has been a thorn in the Raptors side and always has had great games vs Toronto. What did we do Roger? I may never know but what I do know is this guy always brings it against the Raps

Raptors: Jose Calderon - No excuses with no Parker this is a game that Calderon must dominate and play like the Jose that some people see as a top 10 PG in the league. He has had to decent nights on this road trip he really needs to break out and have a good one tonight.

X-Factors

Spurs: DeJaun Blair- NBA scouts flat out dropped the ball on this kid. He can provide energy and effort and will be a load to deal with on the glass. He played his college ball in the rough and tumble Big East and the guy is a beast. Always need to know where he is when a shot goes up.

Raptors: Antonie Wright- He has been showing hustle and energy out on the floor and the Raps will need some of that. While many would like to see him in the starting 5...I remain happy with seeing him come off the bench and it is a role he has embraced. Manu, R.J and a few others are tough guys to guard and Wright can be a factor if he can help quiet on of them.

I just got word from The Score HQ that the Dino Blogger has once again been called to duty to cover this one for you on The Score.com and Score Mobile...this is a game on Raps T.V so if you don't have that you might want to come hang with us. Even if you do it is a great way to interact with a bunch of Raptor fans like yourself. Your own virtual Raptor Party if you will.

Raps and Spurs Live Blog Link

Also if you follow my Twitter @Dinonationblog you likely already know. However I am pleased to say tomorrow the Dino Nation Blog welcomes back Chuck Swirsky a day before his Bulls hit the T-Dot. The interview was taped today and I hope you will enjoy it. Chuck always is great to talk with and has some interesting thoughts about the Bulls, Raps and 2010. Look for links to that interview on Twitter as well as to tonight's game with Spurs and Raps. Following the Dino Nation Blog on Twitter is the best way to stay on top of what I am doing and things going on with the blog.

Dominated In Big D

How bad was it? I decided to wait till the next day to write about it. I did live blog the game for The Score though if you care to read my thoughts along with those of the audience as it happened. The Raps did actually hang with the Mavericks for about a quarter and a half. After that the defense went south and so did they. That same old problem came back again of guarding that 3 point line. The Raptors are going to wear Huskies throwback gear this season. Back in those days the NBA had no 3 point line and maybe the Raps would be better off with out it. They do have that streak of games with a 3 pointer that sits at 800 and something. But really the Raps are the definition of that old expression you live by the 3 and you die by the 3. The Raptors lost 129-101 to the Mavs was the exact opposite of the win in New Orleans.

The Raptors have won 3 games and 2 of them in impressive fashion. In their 3 losses two of them were ugly ones and the other was to the Iversonless Grizzlies. Which if you haven't heard is now the case again. In terms of the Raptors though you just find yourself unclear on what you will see night to night. I guess you can say that is a product of those 9 new faces and all of that. It is also the product of a pretty difficult schedule. It is just the Raptors seem to be winning or losing in a major way. In 6 games it would be hard to argue the Raps did not deserve to win the games they have and the same can be said for the games they lost.

A lot of folks are freaking out a bit about Demar DeRozan. The calls to send the Raps rookie to the bench have already started. Welcome to the NBA young fella. Part of the reason is the play of Antonie Wright who is taking charges and reminding me of a Morris Peterson back in the day. The fact Demar DeRozan has had his name called 6 times has not been the reason for 3 losses anymore than it has been for 3 wins. It's not about who starts the game it is about who finishes it.

Some also think Jarrett Jack should be starting and not Jose Calderon. Believe it or not I am not one of them. I have said at some point Jack could indeed do that. However he is not playing so great in his own right at the moment. Calderon has looked ok in the last couple games. Just like you don't have to play DeRozan at the end of games, there is no reason Triano can not make subs for offense and defense at the end switching them as situations dictate.

You may have noticed a couple dunks from Chris Bosh last night. They were hard to miss full of frustration and anger. Chris Bosh despite his great stats is more concerned about the 3-3 stat that is the Raptors record. This is the stat that will most determine his future. If the Raptors were 5-1 and you put that along side Bosh's stats in this early season you would get an M.V.P candidate early in this NBA season. Bosh wants to believe that this team is on a path to being a contender and having a chance at a championship. Really isn't that what all of you want as well? Chris Bosh has never got to experience winning in his hometown as a Raptor. That streak continued again last night and the Raps have not won in Dallas in the 2k. A small fact and not that meaningful for the Raptors seeing as they only play there once a year. However for Bosh I think it would only be human if it bothered him just a bit, if not a lot. Let's just hope he is around again to try next season.

Raptors will face a Spurs team that will likely be without it's point guard in Tony Parker and this could be a chance to steal a win on Monday night. However that being said the Raps will need to do a much better job guarding that 3 point line if they hope to come out on top. If you are looking here for the answer to if they can do that, I do not have an answer for you. The Raps have been more difficult to figure out in this early season than perhaps at anytime in their 15 year history. It is a crazy ride of emotions of both glee and frustration. It is being a sports fan and Raps fans got to experience the high and low in that in a span of 24 hours.

Beware An Angry Hornet

The Raptors start a 3 game road stretch and face Chris Paul and the Hornets to kick it off in New Orleans. Paul is to say the least an angry young man of late. There was talk after a loss to Boston he tried to get into the Boston locker room. This is not the smiling Chris Paul that we see on those NBA Cares ads. Raptors have Jose Calderon still playing less than acceptable defense. It could be trouble given the way Chris Paul is feeling these days. Hornets are 2-3 on the young season and in the Western Conference you have to be much better than that. Hornets come in off an OT win over Dallas who the Raptors will play tomorrow night on the 2nd half of a back to back. Paul is off to an amazing personal start averaging 30 points and 8.2 assists and has been making shots from 3 point range where he is a blazing 12-15 from behind the arc. Chris Bosh has some very nice numbers as well through 4 games with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Hornets are undefeated at home despite the 2-3 record. Raps did have some recent success in New Orleans winning on New Year's Eve a couple years back. Even though Paul has been hot from 3 point range the Hornets are shooting just 35% as a team. Still Peja and Moe P are going to look to take the 3 point shot. Inside the Hornets have All-Star David West and Ex-Bobcat Emeka Oakfor. Could be a nice match-up for Andrea Bargnani.

This may be the best chance for the Raptors to get a win on this 3 game trip. However it will be far from an easy task. You can expect to see both Jack and Wright taking turns guarding Chris Paul after we see Jose Calderon get blown by a few times. The main goal for the Raptors should be to force Paul to be a scorer. He alone will not beat the Raptors unless he can get his team involved. Raps should be able to have an advantage in the front court and that is how they can win. Bosh, Bargnani and Turkoglu can all get the better of their individual match-ups. Bosh has the most difficult of the 3 going against David West. The Raptors will need to battle on the boards though as both West and Okafor are capable of having a double double on any given night. Okafor is averaging 11.2 boards a game.

It is becoming so hard what to expect from this Raptors team from game to game. One of the things they need to do is get off to a better start. On the road they can not afford to get off to slow starts. Some will say that may mean having Demar DeRozan go to the bench in favour of Wright. I still think you roll with the rookie for now. It is not like you can't have a very fast hook for him should Demar not play well. He does offer little spurts of athleticism that you do not want to see go away. Also Wright offers a defensive spark of the bench that this team badly needs. It is just 4 games into the season I am not really in favour of making any major changes to the rotation at this point. Heck we have not even get to see Reggie Evans in the rotation yet. It is not to say that this starting line-up will last the entire season. It may not but now is not the time to shuffle the deck.

The bench will be important tonight with it being the first half of a back to back. The more they can add the better it will be for tomorrow night in Dallas. It was the bench lead by Jack and Wright that got the Raps back in the game vs the Pistons. The more the Raps can get from the bench the better off they will be. They have many challenging games in this early schedule and there will be some nights that the starters are going to have to carry the load.

So will see what happens tonight as the Raps would like to get this 3 game road trip off on the right foot. Speaking of feet Reggie Evans left foot seems to be on mend and hopefully it will not be long before we get to see his regular season debut.

Mr.Jones From Memphis, Tennessee

It has been awhile since we have had the Radio Voice of your Toronto Raptors in the Dino Nation Blog. However had a chance to track down Paul today as he gets prepared for the Raptors and Grizzlies to get it on in Memphis Tennessee. Paul always is great to talk with and has been one of the guys that has been a guest here on a regular basis. So who better to help us preview the Raptors and Grizzlies. This game can be a (Bear) trap game for the Raps stuck in between the Cavs and Magic. Let's hope the Raptors can bring the same level of effort that they did against Cleveland. A.I status was up in the air. But Paul tweeted earlier today no A.I. God will be disappointed about that as he told A.I to go to Memphis. You can follow Paul on Twitter @Paul__Jones. A.I sat out in the Memphis opener in which they lost to Detroit. Rookie Hasheem Thabeet from UConn did not score a point in his NBA debut and had just 2 rebounds. That is not good news for Grizz fans and Demar DeRozan playing at the shooting guard spot had 5 boards in his debut for the Raptors. Speaking of Demar a very funny cartoon of him in Heels on Hardwood today. Go check it out for a good chuckle. Always good for a laugh and dropping some serious basketball knowledge on us is Paul Jones so away we go with Mr. Jones.

Paul Jones In Starting 5 from Memphis

James B's Podcast

Great to talk with Paul as he mentioned we have been trying to get our schedules to fit together. I have seen Paul in person twice in between his visits on the Blog. He is always helpful in not just doing interviews here but in giving me some added knowledge which is always appreciated. It was great to talk Raptors ball with him and he will always be a welcomed guest here at the Dino Nation Blog, he is one of my favourites for sure. Paul is going to hitting the airwaves with Eric Smith an 8pm tip time from Memphis,Tennessee on the Fan 590.

The Morning After Glow

If you are a Toronto Raptor fan and did not wake up with a huge smile on your face, I got a question for you. What the heck is wrong with you? Last night was an incredible performance and really shocking for anyone that paid the least bit of attention to the pre-season. I am reminded how Sam Mitchell talked about not knowing what guys had until the lights came on for real. Well last night was the real deal and the Raptors answer the bell in a major way. The most shocking of it all was the way this team played on the defensive end of floor. Shaq last year had called out Bosh and along with calling him the Rue Paul line, he said that he made him quit. Well there was not quit to be found in Bosh or any of the Raptors last night. Last season there was always talk about playing a full 48 minutes. A dip in the 3rd quarter that saw Cleveland battle back to tie the game at 69 the Raptors gave that effort. I am only a sports fan of one team in Toronto but for those who are not they finally have a winner. The Argos, Leafs, Blue Jays and Toronto FC all have had disappointing seasons to date. This Raptor win was like a shining star in a very dark time on the T.O Sports scene.

As good as everything went last night, it all can be washed away with a loss in Memphis. The Raptors must have continued effort and not let up against the them. Memphis is a mess and Allen Iverson has yet to suit up for the team God told him to go to. Thabeet in his NBA debut did not have as good a time as Demar DeRozan. His team lost and he did not score a point in his NBA debut and only had 2 rebounds. Demar had 5 playing at shooting guard. I have been very disappointed in Thabeet's progress after being drafted second. O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay and the rest of the Grizzlies seem doomed for a very long season. The Raptors would lose everything that they gained from a win vs Cavs if they stubbed there toe and lost to Memphis.

If you were one of the people that doubted Andrea Bargnani... please join me in saying sorry. I was one of many that doubted if Andrea Bargnani could ever be great. Well if you don't consider him great yet, you have to at least admit he is on the verge of greatness. The one player that from when I was in Ottawa until now, that has looked solid to me has been Bargnani. He is adding tools to his game and was showing some of them last night. A very nice up and under move in the second half was something Andrea never had even a year ago. He now has a running mate from Italy in Marco Belinelli who actually struggled in the pre-season but had a great debut himself.

The Raptors in fact announced just today, that they are picking up the 4th year option on Belinelli's contract. Which will keep the 2 players together through 2010/11 season. Andrea of course signed his extension in the summer for 50 million. Which if you base it on last night may end up looking like a steal moving forward. It is a tandem that should be good for both players going forward. Andrea seems a lot more comfortable on and off the floor and adding Marco just adds to that.

Antonie Wright last night reminded me of Morris Peterson on the defensive end last night. He was taking charges and hitting the floor. We had all heard the praise of his defense from his former coach in Dallas and it seems that talk was genuine. When Reggie Evans gets back in the mix this team can improve more potentially. The effort we saw last night brought a smile to Reggie Evans face on the bench. He was not alone in that smile as one of the biggest concerns for most fans. Jay Triano had said a few weeks back that the defense was process and that he was not concerned with the lack of perimeter defense we had seen that was so glaring in the pre-season. Well I guess he knows what he was talking about. Although Cleveland did make some 3's to get back in that game briefly in the 3rd.

Chris Bosh had a hard night in terms of shooting. However when you get 16 rebounds and do a solid job on the defensive end that can be forgiven. Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack marriage looked to be working well. Calderon also had a terrible night shooting and even missed 2 straight free throws. However he had 10 assists and worked well with both him and Jack on the floor. In terms of Jack you saw a few glimpses of the chemistry he had and has with Chris Bosh. The two former Yellow Jackets looked solid on the floor together. The easiest way to put all the Bosh talk of 2010 to the side is for this team to win. If this team is a success that is the best selling point to keep Chris Bosh here going forward.

So the 15th season of Raptors basketball got off to a very positive start. Here is hoping that it will continue moving forward. There is still a very challenging schedule that lies ahead but a much more positive outlook for fans when they look ahead at it. The Raps did start 3-0 last season but they did not beat a team to the level of the Cavs in that stretch. This is a new team and a very different attitude and look. Have to say after the debut..I like it and I like it a lot!!!

Where Is That New Improved D?

To paraphrase the "Rock" Dwayne Johnson...What in the blue hell was that last night? I know it is just pre-season and if you allow 75 points or 124 ultimately it means the same. But still, I can't help but be disappointed from the fact the Houston Rockets played pinball with the A.C.C scoreboard. This team was suppose to be better on the defensive end. The Rockets scored 30+ in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters on route to a 124-112 win at the ACC. The best quarter of defense produced the result of giving up 28. So how do you manage to give up 124 points? Giving up a ton of 3 pointers will help, Shane Battier was 8 of 9 behind that arc and Ariza was 3 for 5, in total the Rockets were 13 of 23 for 56.5%.

Now I admit that I did not to get to see this whole nightmare from beginning to end. I was covering Bearcats and Bulls for The Score in college football. However I saw most of the first quarter and most of the second half. It was more than enough time to access that the Raptors D was not getting the job done. I know that it was a second night of a back to back. I know that Hedo is just getting up to speed. He left the game after 22 minutes to head to the locker room for treatment. All of the resting and treatment stuff makes my stomach turn when I think about that 5 year 53 million dollar contract. But hopefully it all pays off when it counts on the 28th. When you project out though the deal it just does not give you confidence. Hedo will be playing at the World Championships next summer you would have to bet as they are being hosted in Turkey. So will we have to go through this all again next season? I sure hope not.

I don't want to get to deep into thing not having seen the entire game. That being said it seem clear the issues in this one and they were same old issues. Teams make 3 pointers and the defense failing. These things have to change and change quickly, if the Raptors have ideas of being a higher seed in the playoff mix. I know it is only the pre-season but that was eye opening and awful last night. When Antonie Wright gets back in that will help but he is just one guy and is not going to have that big an impact to correct that mess from last night.

I will move on to happier things now. First happy things is I will be going to the ACC to cover the game between the Raptors and the Celtics. It has been great to start building a relationship with the Raptors. I understand what a privilege it is to cover any pro sports team. I am excited to have another opportunity. It should be a very interesting game to see how the Raptors adjust after playing the Celtics on just Wednesday.

I am also happy to be taking part in our annual Yahoo Fantasy draft. It starts at 6:30pm and good luck to all of you that are taking part in that. 20 teams strong and it should be lots of fun. Not like the Leafs playing dodgeball fun...but fun none the less.

5 Questions for a Monday

The long summer marches on but with the release of the NBA Schedule last week the light is at the end of the tunnel for basketball fans. I thought today that I would ease into the week with 5 questions that should define the Raptors season.

Question #1

Who is the Raptors starting shooting guard?

This had been a given for the last few seasons. For the majority of his time with the Raptors Anthony Parker would be the man. The hope is that Demar DeRozan will be the answer for years to come at the position. But will he be the guy this year and when? Eric Smith in a recent starting 5 says he has a gut feeling it will be from the opening tip of the 09/10 season. The other candidates are Antonie Wright and Marco Belinelli. I had always thought it would be Wright to start and eventually DeRozan would replace him moving forward. The wildcard that has been thrown into the mix is Marco Belinelli. I would tend to think he is a long shot. Not because he is not talented enough. Just because I don't think he has the defensive skill that the Raptors are hoping for out of their starting 5. But I think by the end of the season if it is not DeRozan something has gone wrong. He is the future for this team at that position and the sooner he answers that call the better in my view.

Question # 2

Can Jay Triano be successful as the head coach of the Raptors?

Almost everyone last season said that Jay Triano was given a bad hand. They explained away his bad record by saying he was not given the benefit of having a training camp. Well no excuses this year it will be all about results. The challenging start to the Raptors Schedule is going to really test if Triano truly is ready for this challenge. You can say whatever you like about what Jay did or did not do last season. However, what will define him is this first season as the head coach from start to finish. No one can question that Bryan Colangelo has not done his job in giving Triano the talent to be successful. It is very important for Jay to get off to a good start and get this season heading in the right direction. You can talk all you want about him and Bryan being on the same page and having a similar philosophy. It is about wins and losses and Jay Triano will need to get wins. If the Raptors are not a playoff team I would seriously question if Jay would make it to a second season as coach. He has the guy that had always been rumoured to be Bryan Colangelo's guy in Mark Ivaroni on the staff. Credit to Jay for being man enough to handle that. However it has to be a bit of an uneasy feeling. If Triano can direct this team to an above .500 record by the end of the calender year he will be on his way to having a successful first full season.

Question # 3

Depth at small forward a concern?

Yes the Raptors do have Hedo Turkoglu. But beyond that what do the Raptors have? You could see both DeRozan and Wright play some time behind him at the 3 spot. The Raptors could shift to a smaller look with Calderon and Jack at the guards and DeRozan or Wright playing at the 3. The Raptors do have that one open roster spot to fill and perhaps your back small forward is addressed there. Hedo did play heavy minutes for the Magic and at times he showed that he was out of gas in Orlando's playoff run. Last year I had said prior to the season the worst thing that could happen to the Raptors was an injury to Jose Calderon. This season the answer to that question may be an injury to Hedo. The Raptors have no clear answer for that right now. It may not be as bad as Roko Ukic and Will Solomon but it will be far from ideal. The same problem could arise should Hedo get himself into foul trouble. If the Raps re-sign Pops Mensah-Bonsu he is not able to play 3 spot at least has never shown the ability too. If someone says re-sign Joey Graham I may scream. We have seen that movie for 4 years and I know the plot line and so should you. But the Raptors would be wise to find someone that can play the 3 to fill that 15th roster spot.

Question # 4 "The Question"

Chris Bosh... What can we expect and how will he handle the pressure of 2010?

Chris Bosh wants a max deal, at least that is what were told. In order to get that kind of deal be it in Toronto or elsewhere he needs to add another solid season to the books. The questions of where Bosh will be playing in the 2010/11 season are going to follow him through the season. Bosh has said he is asked about it on a daily basis. If he thinks the summer has been rough, that will be a walk in the park compared to the fall and winter to come. Can Chris block all of this 2010 talk out of his mind and focus on what matters most..his game. Bosh needs to have a break out season and take his game to the next level. If Bosh is successful at this he will give himself that max deal and the Raptors will be successful. Which ironically might just be enough for Chris Bosh to want to remain a Raptor. However if the Raptors season goes wrong it could spell the end of Chris Bosh as a Raptor. This is really the ultimate question for this franchise. If you are a Chris Bosh fan you need to cross your finger tight this season. Hoping that Bosh has a great year and the Raptors do as well. If that happens, the Raptors may in fact be able to keep their star for a few more seasons to come.

Question #5

How does this team rebound and what about Bargnani?

Andrea Bargnani has a 50 million dollar contract. That is about 10 million per average rebound. Andrea will need to play much more of an inside outside game. He will be needed to improve his numbers on the glass. The Raptors do have Reggie Evans on the bench who will be like instant rebounding off the bench. But Ideally the Raptors would like to have Bargnani, Bosh and Turkoglu on the floor as much as possible together. If that is true than all 3 must make an extra effort to get on the glass. Especially the offensive glass. Some will say as they have in past seasons that Andrea Bargnani is the X-factor in how the Raptors season will go. I am not sure if I buy into that. Last season everyone would admit Bargnani was better but the Raptors were not. However, on an individual game basis when Bargnani is playing at a high level, the Raptors are a much tougher challenge for the opposition. When it comes to the rebounding it falls on this entire team. It will take a team effort to allow this team to compete on the boards. Even your players at the guard spots will need to get dirty and find a board now and then.

I do not have questions about the point guard spot. Jose now has a legit back-up that will press him to perform and should he go down injured be able to fill in and do a solid job. Jarrett Jack could be a big answer for the Raptors and not a question at all. So those are my questions what are yours? Leave a comment and say what concerns you about your new look Raptors? You can also comment on mine if you wish.