The Long Road Ahead.

So the Raptors need to figure out how to fix this mess. Well more to the point Bryan Colangelo does. I have an interview later today so given that I thought we would make a list of things Bryan Colangelo must do prior to next season. As with all lists there could always be others and feel free to add your thoughts if you see something missed on the list. So here is the list in no particular order.

• Determine if CB4 is in or out. If you believe Stephen A Smith and Jalen Rose he may already know. But have a conversation at the end of the year and see if this is something that can be worked out or not.
• Address the wing position and find a legit scorer and slasher to start at that position.
• Re-Evaluate this entire roster from top to bottom. It is clear this is needed based on his thoughts prior to this season
• Find a new coach for the future. Someone with a proven track record would be preferred.
• Make choices on free-agents and restricted free agents. A.P,Joey G and a few others do any of them deserve to come back?
• Based on the cap room he will have or not have make a push to be a player in free agent market this off-season with most teams waiting for 2010 it is a chance to find some talent and not be forced into overpaying to the level you might have to in 2010.
  
• Determine what style of team this is going to be. Build to that vision.
• Explore any and all trade options that may be out there.
• Improve this defense find role players that are defense first guys. Position is not as important as it is to just find guys that can defend.
  
• Pray for better days

I also wanted to make you aware that the commissioner of the NBA will be appearing with Jack and Doug on the Game Plan on the Fan 590. He is scheduled to be on at 2:20pm EST. That should be interesting to hear what Stern has to say about the state of the league in these tough economic times. Will see what he has to say. Raptors have a day to recover and get ready for the T-Wolves. If they don't win that one they are looking at a 9 game losing streak with Spurs followed by the Cavs right after the All Star Break.

Bosh Gets His All Star Verdict

Chris Bosh has been as close to a lock as you get for being an all star in the Eastern Conference for the past couple seasons. But this season given the Raptors lack of success some wondered if Bosh would be getting an invite to Phoenix, Arizona for All Star Weekend. Well wonder no longer.Chris Bosh is going to the All-Star game for the 4th time. Yahoo Sports is reporting they have the reserves list here it is:

All Star Reserves from Yahoo


One of the main stories on NBA.Com is featuring a story about Bryan Colangelo featured about the upcoming trade dead line that falls just after the All Star Game. The Raptors are figured to be big players at the deadline and in this interview Bryan Colangelo does nothing to think other wise. What are the Raptors though is a more difficult question. Is this team a buyer or a seller? They still are in the playoff mix but they had much better and bigger expectations than a 7th or 8th seed. See if you can get any clues from Bryan Colangelo in this interview:

Colangelo Still Talking Trade

Chris Bosh was not being supported by a former coach in his bid to be a 4-time All-Star. For those hoping Jeff Van Gundy would become the next head coach of the Raptors. He seemed in his interview to be fine with staying in T.V for now. He suggested it works better for his family life. However at the same time he said that he still has a desire to coach and hopes he has learned some things while being in broadcasting should he make his way back behind a bench. He spoke with Jack Armstrong and Doug McLean on the Game Plan today.

JVG was On Game Plan

They also talked to the current Raptor coach Jay Triano. They talked about the current state of the Raptors. Jay remains upbeat and focused on turning the Raptors around. Still many feel Triano is not going to be the guy heading into next season. But here is what Jay had to say for himself.

Triano On Game Plan