Raptors Surprise Folks With Entertaining Effort In Miami

So let's be honest no one really expected the Raptors to win today. That being said they sure gave an effort to try and make you believe they could. It started out looking like the game many expected. The Raptors would score first but then the Heat would rail off 8 straight points. But the Raptors fought back and took the lead. This would be a theme that would continue through out the day. The Heat proved they were the better team with what was at best a B- effort for them. That might even be kind. Who had an A+ effort, and it started from the first quarter, was Demar DeRozan and it continued to the very end of the game tipping a long pass in the late stages off Dwyane Wade. At first it looked like it was going to be a long day. DeRozan was matched up with Lebron James on defence. Lebron scored easily on first few trips matched up with him. But Demar was attacking with purpose today. He had 11 points in the first Quarter and had an unbelievable jam in the 2nd, as he drove down the heart of the lane past 4 Heat players. He had, when it was all said and done 25 points on 8-16, 9-11 at the line and had 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a couple steals. In the end Lebron James was better than that with 30 points going 10-17 and had 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Those stat lines kind of mirrored the game as whole.

The Heat each time they would start to look to pull away the Raptors would find a way to fight back. The Raptors were just down 53-48 at the half time break. In some ways they were playing a far better game than there demolition of the Wizards on Friday night at home. But the Heat are not the Wizards. Things really took a turn for the worse when James Johnson turned his ankle. The Raptors best defender was forced to take a seat and it seemed like the Raptors had a good 32 minutes but the blowout was on. The Heat's lead started to grow and grow, while the Raptors offence for the first time in the game had skids at the worst time. Johnson would comeback later in the game. His status tomorrow in Washington will be important news for the Raptors. So as you probably started to make your plans for the Super Bowl the Raptors once again had a run in them. They would get as close as 3 points down in the late stages. But the Heat were just to much and to good for the Raptors to complete the miracle upset. Miami takes this one by just 6 points winning 95-89.

What was interesting was for most of this game it was an up and down the floor affair that was very entertaining. But it sure didn't seem like a style that was going to be one the Raptors could hang in the game with. But hang they did and if you believe in moral victories the Raptors got one today. But more importantly will be what they do with back to back solid performances. A re-match with a Wizards a team that was resting today kicking back on Super Bowl Sunday, should prove to be not so easy. It is safe to say the Wizards will be looking to get some pay back for a terrible performance by them in Toronto on Friday. It is vital for Demar DeRozan that we see something similar from him tomorrow. This was in my view his best performance of the season. But the NBA is a what have you done for me lately business. So it will be all about what he can do for an encore. Jerryd Bayless and Linas Kleiza were of help today as both had 17 points. If you want to look at an example of what we can't see from Demar look at Amir Johnson today. After a breakout performance he was not much of a factor today with 2 points and just 6 rebounds.

Another thing that stuck me was how little Chris Bosh stuck out for me in this game. He struggled going 3-13 with 12 points and 8 rebounds. But it wasn't just that. I just never cared to notice him. There has never been a game when Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady has played against the Raptors home or away that I was not fully aware of them at all times. Bosh today blended into the scenery. I am not sure what that says about him or me, there is just not that fire and anger in terms of Bosh. On March 30th in Toronto that might change for folks. But I am not really sure if Bosh will ever be on that level for folks in Toronto. Time will tell for a lot of things. But in the here and now looking at just this game you had to be pleased with the Raptors effort against one of the best teams in the NBA, if not the best.

DNB 2011-12 Season Predictions

So it has reached that time of the year where I must become a educated guesser on what will happen in this NBA Season. So if you are ready we will begin with the guess work.

Your Playoff Teams in the East:

1. Miami

2.Chicago

3. New York

4. Atlanta

5.Boston

6. Indiana

7. Philadelphia

8. New Jersey

Obviously a Dwight Howard move to New Jersey could mess up the order of this quite a bit. But think these are the 8 teams you see in the playoffs the order I could see changing based on moves and injuries could make it tough on teams the biggest of those could be Boston.

As for the Raptors they will not be in the Playoffs yet again but no one is expecting them to be. The big question for most is will they be the 15th team in the East and likely 30th in the NBA. That answer is no. Detroit will be worse than the Raptors. Think the Wizards will be as well. Also the Bobcats will not be up to snuff. So that would leave the Raptors finishing 12th with more wins than expected at 20-46. I think the Raptors will hang around in enough games to steal a few here and there. They also have the advantage of some young players that will be able to handle the grind of this crushing schedule.

Now on to the West:

1. OKC

2. Dallas

3. Portland

4. L.A Clippers

5.L.A Lakers

6. Denver

7. San Antonio

8. Memphis

The West is a lot tougher to figure out. I am convinced that OKC is the class of this conference now. Dallas got worse, Lakers got worse and the Thunder stayed the same for the most part but have a Kendrick Perkins that looks in fantastic shape and a year of experience at playing as an elite team. The Clippers are the real wild card with Chris Paul. Think 4th is a conservative approach as to where they will end up.

What Raptor Fans really care about is your Lottery Top 5

1. Detroit

2. Washington

3. Charlotte

4.Utah

5. Toronto

Now on we go to the Awards:

Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Paul

Dwight Howard has owned this award for years but with the issues of getting out of Orlando and how long that takes think it will be a Destraction and a less focused Howard. Chris Paul will rack up a ton of steals and get the Clippers running. I thought about going with Dwayne Wade or Lebron James but decided to go with Chris Paul and I am sure David Stern will be on hand to give him his award. Tyson Chandler in New York would have been a more conventional pick to make.

Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving

I wanted to say Tristan Thompson but that would be my Canadian Pride talking. You may say that picking Irving is going the easy route but it is not a lock the number one pick always gets the award. Irving has the opportunity and the ability to cash in and win the award. He is starting from day one and has little challenge for minutes in Cleveland.

Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks

The first time I picked him people thought I was nuts. He ended up winning the award. This time my pick will be viewed in a lot different light. Eric Spoelstra will not get the credit for the Heat dominating. While same will be true for Vinny Del Negro with the Clippers. Want a long shot? Frank Vogel will have a nice group with Pacers and they should be much improved.

6th Man of the Year- Taj Gibson

Boozer has been losing favour in Chicago and in a season that has injury issues at the forefront given the schedule it is not looking good for Boozer given his history. All this says to be big things for Taj Gibson. Think that is a good a guess as any. Want a total shot in the dark. Norris Cole the rookie in Miami. They love him and getting to play with the Big 3 in Miami can only help him wrack up some impressive numbers off the pine backing up Chalmers.

M.V.P- Lebron James

People have started to hate him a little less and he has had a extended off-season to get upset how we were all mean to him and his friends. So Game On. Kevin Durant, Rose the defending M.V.P will be in the conversation. Chris Paul could also get a serious look if he is able to make the Clippers the better team in L.A

So what is left to do? Oh right who is going to win it all? Last year I picked this and it almost happened so this year I will pick it again with the same two teams and a different winner.

The OKC Thunder will defeat the Miami Heat in 6 games.

Your Finals MVP : Kevin Durant.

You can bet that I will brag about everything I get right and hope that you all forget everything I get wrong but those are my educated guesses for this season. If you want to share yours feel free to leave them in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @Dinonationblog.

A Message From The Dino Blogger

Happy Bosh Armageddon Day

This is not going be your normal DNB Preview. No one cares about records in this game. No one cares about anything other than this game. I have talked about Chris Bosh and what he did and didn't do pretty much the entire week. But basically this is his judgment day. People who think Bosh will be welcomed back to Toronto might be as delusional about this as Bosh himself.

This is not about the choice he made it is not about the 7 years he spent with this franchise. He did give all he had in his 7 years here. People who question that were honestly not paying attention. But what he also did was find a way to exit Toronto in perhaps a worse way then Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. There was no social media back in those days. Chris Bosh is widely credited for being one of the first players to embrace the social media era and use it to market himself. It is very ironic that same social media is how he buried himself. Tonight he will understand just how badly he did. Chris Bosh took his 7 year legacy and flushed it down the toilet 1 tweet and 1 interview at a time. If he doesn't believe that or if you don't believe that just watch tonight.

Bryan Colangelo failed in two ways. 1st he did not build a team around Chris Bosh to win in Toronto for the long term. Second he never should have called Bosh's effort into question. Even if he knows it was the truth he should have stayed quiet.

MLSE has failed as well. Bosh made one valid point in the very early days of all this. Bosh said the Raptors never were a tax team in his time here. You can not honestly say that you are committed to winning and spending money if you never went beyond that tax threshold. Also MLSE has failed in terms of television. Chris Bosh made point about Raptors not being on national t.v in the states. But how about here in Canada. The fact this game is on TSN 2 is an utter disgrace. It really is. This is your biggest game of the year and it has been shoved on a B network. Shame on them for allowing this to happen.

For the young Raptors team this is a night that will be very important. This is a big game environment and they need to step up. This is a big night for the futures of Andrea Bargnani and Demar DeRozan. How they perform will go a long way on what we can learn about how they play in big games. For everyone on this roster this will be defining game for how fan perceive them. If they do not go full out or show Bosh any kind of love they will bury themselves with many in this fan base.

For a team that has no playoff chances in any real terms. This is a one game playoff for this team and it is a game that means far more to the fan base than it does for the players. They need to realize that and step up to the plate.

For people that say they will cheer Chris Bosh. Go ahead if you like but how he has disrespected this city and acted like an idiot all summer. He didn't show any thought for his legacy for his legacy in how he left so why should you.

As for here in the DNB. We have are (UN) Welcome Back Bosh Bash at St. Louis Wings. Prizes and fun all night long as I will be liveblogging the game For The Score from the party. Also here on the Dino Nation Blog we are going to set up a Raptors Speakers Corner here on the site from the Party. So tune in all night and see what fans are saying from our party. Will have the Ustream feed up for the entire game if all goes well.

But if you are at the ACC, at our Party, At home or anywhere else enjoy this game because after this one is the hangover of what is a very disappointing season. Win, Lose or anything else that happens tonight that reality will not change.

K.D's Bosh Comments Video

I mentioned the Kevin Durant Comments in the blog this morning but here is the video of those comments in regards to Chris Bosh:





no retort from Chris and if he is smart...which can be debated of late...there won't be.

DNB Top Ten: Big Threes

Last week we took a look at the top ten point guards in the league and in this weeks installment, we'll be looking at the top Big Three's in the league. So here's the top ten 3 player combo's in the league.

1. Pierce, Garnett, Allen and Rondo, Celtics ( 62.6 PPG, 23 RPG, 22 APG)

Kind of had to cheat on this one because the Boston Big 3 just won't be the same without Rondo. When these guys are on the court together good things always happen on the defensive end, which usually results in great plays on the offensive end. With players like Shaq, Big Baby and Nate Robinson surrounding them and with the return of Kendrick Perkins in a few weeks, this trio is poised to lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals once again. That's if they can stay healthy.

2. Wade, Bosh and Lebron, Heat (69.3 PPG, 21.8 RPG, 13.3 APG)

After getting off to a very mediocre start in which many questioned whether they can co-exist and many trade rumors involving Bosh started, the South Beach trio has responded and shown just how good they can be, by going 15-1 in the month of December and winning 21 of 22 games. It looked like they were going to continue that trend into January. Not to mention that this trio currently has the highest +/- amongst 3-man combos with +290. Though they may lack the bench production and depth as the original Big 3 in Boston, each of these guys can take over a game at any point and led their team to victory, unless Lebron tweets about "karma" again.

3. Kobe, Gasol and Odom, Lakers (59.1 PPG, 25.3 RPG, 11.5 APG)

These guys have helped the Lakers win two consecutive NBA titles and it's been mostly due to these guys. With probably the best closer in the league in Kobe, a threat in the middle in Gasol, and an all-around big man who can handle the ball and spread the defense in Odom the Lakers, are gearing up for another shot at the NBA Finals and a chance to complete the 3-peat and the franchise's 17th title.

4. Parker, Manu and Ginobli, Spurs (50.1 PPG, 16.8 RPG, 14.6 APG)

The most experienced of the Big 3.s on this list. These guys have won three NBA titles together and currently looking for their 5th title in franchise history all of which have come after the 1999 season. With the best record in the league right now at, 35-6, the Spurs are looking in great shape to complete that goal and bring the championship parade back to San Antonio for the 4th time since 2003.

5. Rose, Boozer and Noah, Bulls (58.8 PPG, 26.5 RPG, 12.9 APG)

With the acquisition of Boozer last offseason, the Bulls have propelled themselves to title contenders status. With Rose running the offense and Boozer and Noah patrolling the paint, the Bulls will be a force to be reckoned with come playoffs time. Though the trio has only played 9 games together this season due to injuries to both Boozer and Noah, we haven't gotten a full glimpse of what they can do yet, but when that happens opposing teams should beware.

6. Durant, Westbrook and Green, Thunder (65.9 PPG, 16.8 RPG, 13.4 APG)

One of the best up and coming trios currently in the league. Coming off a great season last year, in which they put up quite a fight against the Lakers in the first round, these three are looking to lead the Thunder to a top 4 seed and get them past the first round. These guys may only be together for a few more months though, as the Thunder have yet to offer Jeff Green a contract extension, and may let him go as a free agent. Either way this is a trio worth watching even if it is for a few more months.

7. Kidd, Dirk and Terry, Mavericks (47 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 15.4 APG)

These three have been apart of many successful seasons with the Mavs, but have yet to win and NBA championship. The Mavs had a shot in 2006, without Kidd, but ended up losing to D-Wade and the Miami Heat in the Finals. With all three in their 30's and entering the final seasons of their careers, the window for them to win that title is slowly closing. If there was ever three players who can lead the Mavs to their first franchise title, it's the two Jason's and the German, but with that window closing will they be able to accomplish that or once again see another team walking away with the prize.

8. Williams, Millsap, Jefferson, Jazz (56.4 PPG, 20.4, 13.4 APG)

With Jerry Sloan's coaching the Jazz are once again poised for another 50 win season and a deep post-season run. After acquiring Jefferson, they now have a presence in the post alongside Millsap, who can scored, defend and grab rebounds. Add that to D-Will's ability to make plays and shoot the ball and you have a great inside-out game. Toss in Millsap's hustle, rebounding and clutch shooting and you have a dangerous trio. Not sure if they'll be able to win the title this season, but with these no still in their mid-20's and entering the prime of their careers, the Jazz may just win a title within the next 5 years.

9. Turkoglu, Howard, and Nelson, Magic (46.4 PPG, 20.8 RPG, 14.1 APG)

After about a season and a half apart, the Orlando trio has been reassembled once more and looking to make some noise in the Eastern conference. The last time these three were together they made in the the NBA Finals, though Jameer wasn't 100%, where they would ultimately lose to the Lakers. Now with a healthy Jameer, and a not so crappy Hedo along with the insode force that is Dwight Howard, the Magic are poised for a deep playoff run, but would the Celtics or Heat put an end to that run.

10. Stoudemire, Felton and Gallinari, Knicks (59.5 PPG, 17.3 RPG, 13.4 APG)

At this point last season the Knicks were already looking at who they'll select in the draft, but it's a totally different story this year. With the additions of Amare and Felton the Knicks have made themselves a playoff team once more. With Amare's relentlessly attacking the rim, Gallo hitting threes and Felton making plays the Knicks have become and exciting team to watch. Though they are a long shot away form being a title contender, mostly due to their lack of defense, they would remain a force in the East for years to come with their Big 3 and it's supporting cast.

Up and Coming:

Griffin, Gordon, and Davis, Clippers (57.2 PPG, 18.5 RPG, 15 APG)

After year's of being viewed as "That Other LA team" the Clippers are out to make themselves known with their trio of Baron Davis, Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon. With wins against the Heat, Spurs, Thunder, Bulls and Lakers ( all of which have Big 3's that appeared on this list) this season the Clippers have shown that they have a really bright future ahead of them and maybe their days of being an automatic lottery team may be over in the near future. Not sure how long Baron will remain there, but he can provide that veteran experience needed in clutch game situations.

That concludes another edition of the DNB Top Ten, if you feel like anyone was left out of shouldn't have been included, feel free to leave a comment below or in the DNB chat. Stay tuned for next weeks installment.

Raptors vs Heat- DNB Game Notes

I had to work and am watching the Raptors and the Heat via a replay so instead of the standard recap just thought we would do it in game notes. I am writing this intro prior to the game. What I am expecting to see is a big performance from Bosh. For a couple reasons. First from Bosh's prospective this is the organization that he gave seven years to that called him a quitter.Second I think that his fellow super friends will want to help Bosh have a big night. If Bosh has all the pride he talks a lot about this is a game that it has to appear on the floor. Will see what happens Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans are likely going to be very physical with him to try to prevent that.

1st Quarter

• Heat get a 7-0 run to start and Bargnani can't beat Big Z twice. Raps 0-4 to start. This could be a long night. Early Triano Time-out.
• Demar gets to the line... that is good out coming out of the time out. Weems a score. I have been saying it since pre-season play Sonny and Demar together.
• Terrible spacing from the Raps but Weems right up the gut for easy score that has been one of knocks on Miami lack of paint presence.
• Wade and Lebron off to good starts and it is 15-6 all Heat early.
• Amir takes it at Bosh and draws the foul.
• Raptors Butter James Knife = Easy Lebron score down the lane.
• Bosh gets an early exit less than 6 minutes in he subs out for Haslem.
• Heat 9/15 Raptors 2/10 <
• Jones getting open looks from 3.
• Speaking of 3's Money Weems makes another 3 after the big one last night. Johnson a quick 2 fouls and with Reggie Evans out with the flu not good.
• Back to back possessions ending in steals.
• Raptors shooting is just awful. That being said they are only down 26-19. make it 5 Weems starting and has 10.
• Jame Jones a big 3 to close the Quarter. Heat lead 34-25
• Weems played the full 12 minutes or close to it.

2nd Quarter

• 59.1 % Heat and Raptors 38.1% ---Not Good
• Julian Wright a nice spin move made Bosh look silly but couldn't finish.
• 1 think Raps are doing is rebound offensive board leads to a 3. Heat 0 offensive rebounds.
• Note to Raptors James Jones can make 3's might want to guard him shooting 48% on the season 39-28 Heat.
• Nice shot by Bosh...not confirmed by Grandma liked that 1. Next possession Bosh misses on a jumper.
• Uno Dose etc as Miami went under a screen showing Jose no respect and he made them pay with the 3.
• More love for Jose as he pushes the ball hitting Weems leading to the foul. Raps trail 41-34.
• Bargnani a turnover and he is 0-7 with 6 rebounds...More then Bosh but he has been brutal rebounds aside.
• Amir in foul trouble..yeah we have become use to that.
• Bosh schools Andersen scores and 1.
• Bargs final hits and it is a 3.
• Bargs hit the side of the backboard it come back to him and he scores.. Kevin Love look out Bargnani has 7 rebounds...LOL...Kidding.
• Bargs heating up 3 of his last 4 but Raps still down 50-41.
• Sonny is Money again hits the jumper but the other way Wade take DeRozan to school 56-45.
• Wade again take Double D to the hole and he has 17....time out Triano.
• Bargnani gets his lunch money taken by James but he missed the lay-up in transition.
• Bosh a rebound REALLY and gets it to James no miss this time Miami on 12-4 run and Heat lead 63-47.
• Alabi sighting with 18.2 seconds to play in half.
• Julian Wright denies Lebron but Raps still in trouble.
• 63-50 at the Half for the MWO

3rd Quarter

• DeRozan gets stripped and Jack forced to make smart foul on James avoiding the easy score.
• Andrea with Bosh on him and his jumper falls short. Heat score off the miss and lead by 16.
• Tough night for Double D on defensive end as Wade blows by him and scores.
• Amir with 3 fouls draws the charge on Bosh and he now has 3.
• Bosh the one handed jam and one take that Toronto he threw that down. Converts and 1.
• Amir has a couple baskets back to back and has 6 in Quarter.
• Jarret Jack not a great night finally makes his first FG.
• Bosh picks up his 4th and has to have a seat.
• Bargnani get rebounds off his own misses that is how he can get rebounds we found the secret.
• Wright to Dorsey for the SLAM Raptors down 10 ....Another score make it 8. Raps making it a little closer.
• Wade draws the foul on Jose trying to stop this 12-2 Raptors Run.
• Anthony has it stripped and the Raptors cut the lead to 5.
• Raptors on a 16-3 run in the last 5:45.
• Julian Wright Fearless takes it right at Anthony and draws a foul.
• Joey Dorsey throws someone (James Jones) to the floor a silly foul his 5th.
• DeRozan goes right at James in transition and scores.
• Haslem on the James assist nails the jumper.
• After 3 Heat 83 Raptors 73 <>

4th Quarter

• Bosh back in offensive board then gets to line on a Bargnani foul (Bosh 12/5 on night)
• DeRozan and James Jones trade hoops. Then DeRozan again. 87-77
• MORE DOUBLE D WITH THE JAM OFF THE BREAK!!!
• Calderon his a runner has 13 and is 5 of 6 on the night. Raps only down 6..time out Miami.
• Out of time Amir scores of a Heat miss lead down to 4.
• Heat Score and DeRozan looks for a call the on other end doesn't get one.
• Big Z and Bargnani trade baskets and C.B is chilling on the bench.
• Amir picks up his 5th foul. Dorsey in for him.
• Demar a miss but Dorsey the board he has 11 boards. Raps killing Heat on the glass.
• James Alley Opp Haslem Heat by 6.
• Wade the big dunk and Miami up 10
• Bargnani hits a foul line jumper.
• James walks past Andrea and slams it home the Heat up a dozen.
• Heat were gonna take this but not really blowing you a way.
• Bosh had 5 fouls and was glued to the bench with 12 points and 6 rebounds.
• Amir with throw down but this is done.
• Heat dribble it out for an underwhelming 109-100 Win

Raptors gave a good effort but Heat were just to talented despite not exactly bringing there A game. Chris Bosh's first game vs his former team he sits on the bench during crunch time watching with just 12 points 6 rebounds and 5 fouls. Most Raptor fans will take glee in that. I am not sure what to think about it. Chris really looks nothing like himself at all and it is not just the haircut and new jersey. Raps leave Florida with a split and 2 good efforts. On to Washington and then Philly for a much easier back to back. Two games the Raptors based on their play of late should believe they can win. I really thought we would see a big night from Bosh but it never happened. Was interesting to see James go over and talk to him late in the game. What if Bosh never makes it to Feb 16th with Miami? It seems hard to think the Heat will bail on him that fast. He still has a month to figure it out. He better start doing it. On the flip side....Demar is getting better. His D is not there yet but I get more excited each time I see him this year with a few exceptions.

Raptors Take Their Talents To South Beach

It is the most talked about 5-4 team in the history of basketball vs the Toronto Raptors. Chris Bosh for the first time in his career will suit up against the team that drafted him. Bosh claims he would not change a thing in how he left. I would venture to say in terms of his start with the Heat there is a lot he would like to change. The Raptors come in with a new attitude snapping a 6 game losing streak and likely feeling like they have nothing to lose vs Miami. The Heat are the team under a microscope and feeling the heat of the media with none more than Bosh himself.

The Basics: Miami 5-4 ( In South Beach 3-2) Toronto 2-7 (Snapped 6 game losing streak)

When Last We Saw Them: It was the best effort of the season last night vs the Orlando Magic. Andrea Bargnani started thing in the first half and Demar DeRozan with a little help from Sonny Weems and everyone else closed the door. A career high 26 for DeRozan and a surprising 110-106 win in Orlando the first road win of the year for the Raptors.

Key Match Ups: Bosh has heard all his doubters and would like nothing better then to use his former team to shut them up. Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans will likely draw the assignment of making sure Bosh does not get to help his super friends with a big night. The book on Bosh as they well know is to play him physically and Evans and Johnson are capable of that. The key will be to do that without fouling. The Young Onez vs the Great Ones. If Kleiza is still unable to go it will be Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan with the task of stopping King James and D-Wade. Demar has saved some of his best for the NBA's best. While Sonny has been looking good of late. Will be more about their D tonight though.

In Case You Missed It: I couldn't help myself not to do this. Speaking of missing I will be for this game. Have to be doing some work for The Score so will have to catch the replay of this one. However, more people can watch this one as for the first time this year the Raptors will appear on a network without a 1 or a 2 behind it. On the main TSN tonight.

Other Things Of Note: It has been well documented the lack of rebounding by Chris Bosh. Just 6 a a game and only 1.1 of that on the offensive glass. Bosh's worst numbers as a Raptors were 7.9 rebounds in his rookie season and he never averaged below 2 offensive boards in a season with the Raptors.His worst season on offensive glass was his 2nd averaging just 2.4. The Miami Thrice make up 61 of the 102 points the Heat average on the season which is 59.8% of the Miami offence. James Jones has been the guy that has filled the Miller role as the 3 point shooter he is hitting 49% from beyond the arc.

Canadian Content: I was hopeful for one guy in the MWO and it was Canadian Joel Anthony. But things have not worked out like they did for a Rondo and Perkins in Boston when the big 3 came to the Celtics. Anthony on the season averaging just 17 minutes with just 1.7 points and 3.8 Rebounds with 1.2 Blocks.

2010 ESPN Refuses To Let The Dream Die

I honestly am starting to get the impression that biggest player in 2010 is not the Knicks... it is ESPN. They continue to bang the drum so hard for the Knicks to get James, Wade and Bosh, or some combination of the three. Here is the latest from the ESPN propaganda campaign. Raptors fans have already heard Jalen Rose guarantee that Bosh and James would be Knicks. Something that he says is now is still possible and not the lock he once claimed. We also heard from Stephen A Smith, as he when he was still with ESPN claimed, Bosh told the Raptors he was out the door. A story both Bosh and the Raptors were quick to deny. Now we have a writer that is basically lobbying to James, Bosh and Wade to take a pay cut and have all 3 play together in New York.

I mean seriously this is journalism? I understand I am just a blogger, who is not to the stature of the giant beast that is ESPN, but come on this just is getting silly. ESPN biggest fear whether they choose to admit it or not is to have all 3 of these guys stay put. They have just went out of their way to be a player in this 2010 madness. The network that seems to think their rumours are worth money, in the sense you pay for the right to be an ESPN INSIDER. They also would love the chance to have a viable New York Knicks, to throw on ESPN to get a major bump in ratings.

In the article the writer suggests, that is wouldn't be a big deal for James, Bosh and Wade to leave money on the table. However this isn't about that. This is about the money that ESPN hopes to make, and that is why they care and continue to bang this drum till it breaks. But here is a newsflash for ESPN, why should James, Wade or Bosh care about you? A new CBA is on the horizon and it does not look like it will go well for the players side. Do ESPN think Bosh, Wade and James are this dumb? They all want to win but to do it and leave money on the table that may never be there again? I don't think so. In the article it suggests they should ignore their agents. No, what they should do is ignore ESPN. If they are fooling anyone with this nonsense that is sad. This is about the advancement of ESPN and not the New York Knicks.

The NBA sits back and let's all of this happen. Teams are not allowed to tamper, but if ESPN does it for them that is ok. Yup of course it is. Truthfully the league just like ESPN would like to the see the once proud franchise, that the Knicks once were return. Just as much as the NBA has loved the fact, the Boston and L.A have risen back to the top of the NBA landscape. That whole concept about 30 equal partners that make up the NBA is a bit slanted at times and this is one of those times.

Forgive fans in Cleveland, Toronto and Miami if they are tired of this constant B.S but seriously don't those cities count? I mean didn't they construct a CBA that cities are suppose to have an advantage to keep their star players if they so choose? That is right isn't it? That is why Raptors, Cavs and Heat can offer 30 million more dollars to these guys. For anyone to suggest that any of these guys should pass on that opportunity is nuts.

The flaw in the Knicks master plan of NBA domination is this. If James, Bosh and Wade are not stupid and indeed want their max deals and the extra 30 million dollars that they have earned what do the Knicks do then? The answer is nothing because they have next to no assets to pull off a sign and trade that would be required.

For the average fan it must be frustrating to have to hear this nonsense constantly. I mean when you consider, here in Toronto that Chris is having a career season, James is on the way to winning an MVP trophy for a 2nd time and D-Wade is far from a stiff in Miami. Yet fans have to hear this nonsense day in, and day out, and not get to fully enjoy what these guys are doing now. Which is pretty good, if you choose to just watch them and tune out ESPN and all the others who seem to have forgot there is a season to finish.

So do not be fooled, everyone has a stake in this game and it extends far beyond the Knicks, Raptors, Cavs and Heat. Networks like ESPN and the ones here in Canada and everywhere in between have an interest. As does the league itself. In the last 3 games Raptor fans have got a preview of life without Bosh, and it really isn't a fun picture is it. Raptors staying a viable franchise for broadcast is always an issue. The fact so many games end up on TSN 2 is frustrating for some fans who do not have access or choose not to have it. If Raptors lose Bosh how far down the food chain could they fall?

That is something any Raptor fan really does not want to find out. So ESPN can take a hike with there dream team scenarios and hype. We that love basketball in Canada, and can not afford to have our franchise fall down just so you folks can get ratings. If Chris Bosh goes, it will take a major step backwards in many ways. Lots of people have a lot to win or lose in 2010. Including basketball here in Canada with the Raptors.

If Bosh leaves there is nothing anyone can do about it. It is his choice and right to do so. However forgive me if it pisses me off that ESPN feels the need try to be a player in him making that choice. I am sure if Bosh was asked, he would say it has no impact. But when it is out there everyday or almost, is it realistic to think he totally ignores it? The fact he is on the front page of the ESPN website with James and Wade, he will not notice?

It has become a frustration and a problem when networks are lobbying indirectly for teams in a sports league. Donnie Walsh if he is successful in landing any of the Big 3 of 2010 Free Agency, he should donate a portion of his check to ESPN.

Playoffs In July?

First off today there was an issue that occurred in early morning hours that rendered the Jack Armstrong Interview unplayable. I have fixed the problem and apologize to anyone that was not able to listen to it. You can hear it now here is a link to it.Thanks to a number of readers that made me aware of this problem. It has been a big couple days for the blog and thanks to all of you that have made that happen.

I have no guest today it is just me. Maybe I should interview myself? That would be odd wouldn't it? Something you might see in say the WWE? I admit that I totally forgot about Shaq hosting Raw on Monday night. But I was able to see the highlights yesterday. It was classic Shaq and I got some chuckles but WWE is not what it use to be. But the line of the night was not said by Shaq. It was said by Chris Jericho.

Jericho- " When I heard we were having the most dominant player in the NBA(As guest host of Raw) I naturally assumed it was Kobe Bryant "

Shaq could only respond by calling Jericho... Christina. That was pretty old and dated. WWE writers have gotten old and predictable. Same might be said for Shaq himself. No doubt the big man will be in the spotlight playing Robin to Lebron James as Batman. Will it work? That is one of the bigger questions heading into this NBA season.

In fact all top 4 teams in the East have made moves that they hope will upgrade their talent. Orlando has Ex-Raptor Vince Carter. Who I was reading the new NBA Live 10 when it comes out will get booed by Toronto fans in video game as well. Truly EA tries to live up to there motto of "If It's in the Game, It's in the Game". Rasheed Wallace is going to be a Celtic. Boston has had a number of trade rumours still buzzing so it is clear Danny Angie is not done. The Atlanta Hawks also have added Jamal Crawford to the mix. I think it is safe to say all 4 of these teams make the playoffs again unless something goes drastically wrong.

So that leaves 4 spots that last season were held by Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit. All of which have done very little in terms of getting better this off-season with exception of Detroit. Philadelphia has a new coach in Eddie Jordon. But they have lost there point guard Andre Miller. Miami has not exactly been loading up to keep D-Wade happy have they? Chicago lost Ben Gordon to the Pistons and he was a big part of what they did in the playoffs. Gordon along with Charlie Villianeuva are now Pistons. But really will this help the Pistons be better? The are former teammates at UConn.

Bottom line of all of it is for Raptors to make playoffs it takes one of these teams to fall back for them to get in. Truth be told you could make a case that all 4 of these teams could miss the playoffs. If I was going to rank who is most likely going to miss out it would go like this. With most likely team at top and least likely at the bottom.

Philadelphia (Sorry Jason Kapono and Eddie Jordan)
Chicago (Sorry Chuck Swirsky)
Detroit ( Joe Dumars prays I am wrong)
Miami ( D-Wade on his own can save the Heat )

I could see easily that 3 of the 4 may not make the playoffs. If that is true who the heck moves into those spots? Well here are my 3 picks to fill out the playoff field.

Toronto Raptors ( Seriously with all the moves if they don't it is a disaster of an epic nature)
Charlotte Bobcats ( Young and up coming Bobcats. Tyson Chandler might push them over top)
Washington Wizards ( Subject to Gilbert Arenas making it to opening night )

So what will it look like (Subject To Change)

1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Toronto
6. Washington
7. Charlotte
8. Miami

Remember when people laughed about the the Southeast Division? 4 teams in the playoffs can that be right? It could be. Washington and Charlotte have a very small margin of error for me. Detroit and the Bulls should be teams right there if they should slip. This is just a snapshot thought and things can change. As for the Raptors being 5th? It seems the right place for them. They are not better than any of the top 4. Atlanta maybe is the closest with the other 3 miles ahead.

If I change my mind on this over the summer I will let you know. If you want to doubt this hey by all means. Predictions are subjective. I will point out though that I did predict the NBA Finals last year prior to the season. Not to many folks had the Orlando Magic playing the L.A Lakers did they? I got to brag about it now because really can I successfully call it 2 years in a row? That would have some long odds I am thinking.

Dirty Birds Still In Flight

If you have read this blog for a longtime you know that the Dino Blogger is not a fan of the Atlanta Hawks. I have referred to they as the dirty birds. Well last night they gave an example of why I do not like this basketball team. Josh Smith in what had been a rough and heated(No Pun Intended) decided to try to practice for the dunk contest in the playoffs. He tried to do the dunk that Vince Carter did putting it through his legs. He missed the dunk and it only will add more fuel to the fire of what is becoming a nasty series. Every time you looked away someone was going down. Al Horford was taken out and you will hear no sympathy from me for him. I think he is reason the Raptors have gone totally off course. He was the guy that sent T.J Ford crashing to the ground and the Raptors have never been the same since. But back to the series, Dwyane Wade took a hard fall and from that point this game changed and the Heat got taken out of their game.

You had Toronto's own Jamal Maglorie trying to be tough guy and causing a lot of pushing and shoving. To be honest for those of you that are hockey fans out there, Heat and Hawks is the series for you. Lots of that non-sense that you see in hockey with push and shoving and general nasty stuff. If the Heat want to win this series they need to focus on playing basketball and forget about the nonsense. The Hawks are a team that lacks discipline and leadership. However if all this nonsense leads to the Hawks winning a series will anyone care how they did it? One last thing on the Hawks. If you have ever watched a regular season game from the ATL you have to be like me and shocked at where all these people came from. They must have had to have someone go through the area to dust off all those seats that are now filled for the playoffs.

Meanwhile the Hornets fell hard again. There have been a lot of bad loses to reflect back on in this Raptors season. One of them was against the Denver Nuggets. It cost Sam Mitchell his job. Did a over 50 point lose in the playoffs do the same for Bryon Scott? I don't think so. But it is clear that the Hornets have some major re-tooling to do. Denver beat them again in what was not as bad a blowout. But after being tied at the half the Nuggets rolled in the second half. Add another player to the list of people not named T-Mac that have advanced to the 2nd round. Carmelo Anthony was 0-5 in round 1. But he now can say he to is one up on T-Mac. That is unless you count the fact the Rockets may advance without T-Mac. But I don't think that counts does it. Besides if the Rockets lose in game 6 in Houston they may not advance anyway. Game 7 at the Rose Garden I am all over the Blazers. That is a big reason why I picked the Blazers in 7. That being said I picked the Hornets in 7 for an upset. Well not so much on that one.

Which D-12 elbow will hurt the Magic more. There was the one that landed on Sam Dalembert that got him suspended for Game 6 in Philly. There was the other one the injured Courtney Lee who was having a good series for the Magic. I think if the Sixers can not win this series they really have no one to blame. The Magic have given them chance after to chance to win this series. The biggest of those is this game 6 to extend the series to 7 games. Gortat as much as he may have a growing fan base. Not since Ivan" Polish Power" Putski was in the WWF has there been a more famous Polish person. Wait a second, there was Pope John Paul II, ok so make that most famous Polish person in sports. But there is no one in Poland and perhaps on the planet earth like Dwight Howard. After all he is Superman. If Stan Van Gundy can some how get the Magic a win we should demand they re-open the coach of the year voting. No Howard and No Lee is odds that seem very long for the Magic indeed. Blue and White Ignite cause Game 7 is coming soon to Orlando.

As far as the Raptors go not much to talk about for now. Bryan Colangelo is over in Europe on a scouting mission. The MLSE Board will met sometime in early May he will likely recommend that Jay Triano is kept on as head coach and they will ponder and agree with Bryan. So you can expect an announcement probably prior to the NBA Lottery happens. Colangelo has a lot of work to do this off-season. You talk to the casual fan and they have concluded that the Raptors Suck. It is hard to give people a logical explanation to say that they do not. Bosh or no Bosh and all the rest of it. Perhaps the most interesting thing will be the draft as Colangelo has made it known that he will be shopping for another pick in round one. Raptors also may be bringing in an old draft pick next year in Giorgos Printezis. He was traded for by Colangelo in the second round a couple years ago. It was a trade with the Spurs as I recall. He was on the Greek Roster for last season in the Olympic Qualifier and the Olympics. He did not see much time and is still just 23 years old. So he is not going to fix the Raptors. However he could be a small part in adding to the toughness that Bryan Colangelo made clear needs to be added.

Raptors Rewind- Heat Wave Hit Toronto.

Well is it wrong of me that I am more interested in the debut of Pops Mensah-Bonsu than I am interested in the return of J.O and Moon. That is the truth for me. I said it this morning there return was a non event to me. So much so that when I was out this afternoon I had completely forgotten this game was happening tonight. Yeah it has got that bad. However I am here and in time for the tip of this classic. Well maybe not but D Wade should make this one fun to watch regardless. Bosh knows how good Wade is as he had a rebirth of sorts in the summer playing with Bosh for team USA. But Wade last year was just hurt. He is still the same old Wade. He is a serious contender for M.V.P of the league. That may have been conceded to Lebron James already but given the talent level Wade plays with and James you have to think Wade is a bit more impressive when you factor in the rosters they play with.

1st Quarter

The game is off to a slow start there was a lid on the rims at the ACC. Miami would bust it open with a 6-0 run. Jay Triano would call a time out and I will now repeat what he had to say this is a some what family blog. The Raps would respond and cut the lead down to 12-9. Pops Mansah-Bonsu checks in wearing number 44. He was making an impact rebounding a Jamario Moon miss from 3. We got to see a lot of those for the Raptors. Anderea Bargnani would fouled and the Raptors could cut the lead to just 1. Bargnani would make both and do just that. However D-Wade was doing what he does and already had 10 with his latest basket in response to the Bargnani free throws. The Raptors would continue to claw and fight and an AP dunk would tie it at 18 off a Miami turnover.

Wade would break the tie with another basket and Kapono would answer tied at 20. Pops was having an impact scrapping and battling on the boards this guy is doing some good thing early. One of his rebounds would lead to another Raptor basket to take the lead. Raptors were responding to Triano's rant early in the quarter. They would lead after one just a question of by how many. Chris Quinn would be fouled by Mansah-Bonsu. Quinn would make both at the line and a Parker buzzer beater would not fall but surprising the Raptors lead 24-22. Actually with a win the Raptors would sweep the season series with the Heat. Go figure.

2nd Quarter

The Heat would open the scoring in the second and tie it up. Bosh would draw a would foul and head to the line. He would make both and give Raps a 2 point lead. It would be short lived with a Quinn 3 to give lead back to Miami. However Joey G would get a score and Bargnani would follow and Raps had a slim 3 point lead. J.O and CB4 would exchange baskets. Quinn nails a 3 ball and we were all tied at 32 in a very entertaining 2nd chapter to this one.

Wright was fouled by Joey G and at the line for a pair. Miami ends up with a 1 point lead of 33-32. On defense the Heat switched to zone and it paid off. A stop and than a turnover for an easy score. But Chris Bosh would break the zone with a jumper. Wade was getting a long rest on the bench. Marcus Banks was in the game and how I know this is he was called for an offensive foul. Wade would return and hook up Haslem for the score plus a foul that he would make. Heat had a 38-34 lead at almost the mid point of 2nd quarter.

Raptor fans were finding out why Marcus Banks never say much time with the Heat as he chucked up an air ball. Bosh would fumble and bumble but draw a foul on J.O. It was non shooting but right away J.O would pick up a second also non shooting. Bosh would end up missing a shot after all that. However a turnover and a Jose drive but he would get called for offensive foul. ONeal would score at the other end. Bosh would answer with a basket. Bosh would get his 10th from 3 point range on the season and the Heat lead was down to 1 again. Haslem would score to extend lead to 3. Jose Calderon would drive score and draw the and 1 foul that he would make. Tied at 42. D-Wade would find an open look from 3 point range and make it. The Heat would continue to hold a slim 48-46 lead. Wade looked to make it a larger lead but had it tied up by Parker. Wade would control the tip and Moon would drive and score. Shawn Marion would answer with a drive of his own leading to points. Wade would score and get to the line. Heat had a 53-48 lead. Wade not know for hitting 3's but he was tonight as he made another 3. Marion would drive and score but it was the Heat leading on strength of Wade with a 56-50 lead.

3rd Quarter

Wade did not cool off from halftime break he opens the half with a basket. Parker would answer with a basket and he had 10. Jamario Moon would make a 3 pointer. Chris Bosh would answer with 2 for the Raptors and the Heat lead was 7. Jermaine O'Neal would miss on a jump shot on the move. Bosh would get the feed in the paint from Jose and turn it into two points. the lead was cut to just 5 points. Haslem was fouled and spilt a pair at the line. Wade would drive and kicked to J.O he just should have taken it himself. ONeal missed and he was a pitiful 3-11 on the night. But no worries a turnover would lead to an easy Wade score. Another basket would give the Heat their largest lead of the night.

Wade has 25 points and was 11-13 on the night that is just off the charts. He was far from done with another basket after a time out. Bargnani with a nice dunk in the mug of Canadian Joey Anthony. Shawn Marion would get a score as well and the lead was now just 8. The Kansas product Chalmers would make a 3 pointer and the Heat lead 71-60. Bosh would get fouled by Anthony and make a pair. Haslem with the score the other way. Roko Ukic and Pops Mansah-Bonsu had checked in. Mansah-Bonsu had an immediate impact tipping back in a basket. Bosh would get a score as well with a drive and score. Raptors had cut the lead down to 7 points.

A turnover would lead to a Pops Mansah-Bonsu slam. They were printing up 44 on Raptor uniforms up at Center Sports. However D Wade was having none of it as he would make another 3 pointer. Bosh would answer with a 2 pointer. He had a great night going too. But Wade was better. Pops has hops. However he could not convert the Marion attempted alley opp feed. Wade meanwhile was on his way to a 40 or maybe 50 point night. He had 35 as the 3rd quarter was coming to a close. Bosh had 30 himself. But beyond the individual show down the Heat still had a 84-76 lead. Wade had 36 and Heat had 86 while Bosh had 30 but his team only had 76. Imagine if someone got Bosh to go with Wade that would be a duo worth watching. They already share an agent.

4th Quarter

A miss to start the 4th for the Raps. Cook and Moon with back to misses. J.O would then get denied by Bargnani. Mansah-Bonsu is showing a hustle and an energy I am not use too. He has 10 rebounds in 12 minutes. Very JYD like is his hustle and rebounding. Toronto fans are going to like Pops if he continues to bring it like this. All that being said the Heat were still firmly in control with a 90-80 lead. Andrea Bargnani was playing well with 19. But the star of this show was D Wade and he now had 40 with a thunderous jam. Heat lead it 92-82.

Beasley the rookie had been quiet he was fouled and heading to the line. He would make both and the Miami lead was 94-82. Chalmers also a rookie was doing a bit better as he hit a 3 ball. The lead was 15 and the Raptors gas tank looked to be on E. There were flashes of defense for the Raptors but they were just that flashes. While The Flash AkA D Wade was killing them. Bosh was not giving up with out a fight. Hew would get a score pulling the Raptors to down by 9. However all knight long Miami has had the answer for every Raptor push. Cook the man that beat Jason Kapono for his 3 point corw drains a 3. Kapono answers with a 3. Heat are keeping control up 104-93. Bosh had 34 but it would go with out notice in comparison to the night put in by Wade. Kapono would make another 3 but it was to little to late with score 106-98 with under 2 to play. Bosh would get rejected not once but twice by the rookie Beasley. Almost as an explanation point to the night Wade made a terrific turn around that would quiet the crowd. He had 42 points in 40 minutes on the floor. It was a 108-102 final score.

Heat/Raps Boxscore

Things will not be any easier in trying to get a win with Jazz who are healthy finally heading into a Sunday Matinee with the Raptors. If you are just a fan of basketball you can't help been impressed with the performance.

We Done? - Trade Reaction Of Dino Blogger

So the Raptors make a move. Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon off to Miami and Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks head back to Toronto. This is a move that the Raptors had to make. Chris Bosh is still the franchise player of this team. The marriage with O'Neal did not work. Give Bryan Colangelo credit for understanding this and reacting to it. You combine that with the fact that Chris Bosh is still the focus and keeping him in 2010 is still the priority. Trading O'Neal had to happen. They needed some cap space and Shawn Marion and his contract will provide that. Did the Raptors have to make some concessions to make this happen. Yes the did. I think Bryan Colangelo likely was not thrilled to take back Marcus Banks and giving up a conditional first round pick was not the greatest thing as well. But at the end of the day if it allows you to build a team around Chris Bosh and keep him in 2010 is it worth it? Absolutely 100% Y E S!!!

Shawn Marion is not likely here long term. That being said he does like the city and is a guy who I had a chance to interview years ago and heard that from his own mouth. I will grant you this was in August when he was here for Vince Carter's Charity Game.

The real question for me is not if this was a good trade. Not if this will get the Raptors in the playoffs. Which by the way now that you have that conditional pick I don't think you really want Raptors to make it now. The question for me now becomes is are the Raptors done dealing. I am not convinced that they are done. We will see by next Thursday. However this was the deal the Raptors had to make it really is that simple. Do not get confused in thinking this was done for this season. It has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with the 09/10 season.

The Raptors can now afford to be a player in 2009 a free agent class that has some players of interest in it. The Raptors will be one of a few group of teams with a chance to sign players. While everyone else sits and waits and dreams of how they can be the team that lands Lebron James or Wade even Bosh. While the Raptors can choose to use the space they have in 2009 or wait for 2010. They will be in a strong position to sign players in 2009 for better a deal.

So hopefully if you did not get it now you do. Raptors made a smart move for the future today. It just is not a move for the future of the next 2 months. Also it should be noted as the article title suggests. We done yet? Knowing Bryan Colangelo don't bank on it and I am not talking Marcus.

Update- Reaction To Trade From B.C- Friday 10pm

Ryan McNeill from Hoops Addict has some reaction from B.C in his article on the trade.

Hoops Addict On O'Neal/Marion Deal

ESPN is Reporting- Miami and Toronto Trade is Done.

Breaking News

ESPN is reporting that the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat have completed a trade.

To Miami:

Jamario Moon
Jermaine O'Neal

To Toronto:
Shawn Marion
Marcus Banks

ESPN Article

This is big news and it is a trade that has long been talked about. So let the rebuild of the Raptors begin. Is it done that is another question as trade deadline is a week from yesterday.

Updates On Story

Being reported on radio that this trade has been confirmed through sources for both the Raptors and Heat.

Yahoo Sports suggests a conditional first round pick is part of the deal as well. I want to hear these conditions

It is being reported in a Miami paper that it is a lottery protected first between now to 2014.

The Dino Blogger Has A Very Canadian Plan To Fix The Raps

I'm not sure if this is a good sign as we are less than 24 hours into the Raptors All Star break but I am already playing with a trade machine. I came up with 2 trades that drastically change the Raptors. 5 players go and 4 come back. If you like Canadian content you will love this idea. So are you ready to see my master plan?

To Raptors:

Steve Nash

To Suns

Jose Calderon

Jason Kapono

Jamario Moon.

That is part 1 but wait there is more

To Raptors:

Shawn Marion

Joel Anthony

Jamal Maglorie

To Heat:

Jermaine O'Neal

Joey Graham

I have added to the Canadian content of the Raptors. In fact in 14 years the Raps have had 0 Canadians and in 5 minutes on ESPN Trade Machine I have given them 3. Now does any of this make any sense that is the real question right? Well let's walk through it and see. I will at least defend myself.

The Suns Deal

Would the Suns really move Steve Nash? Why wouldn't they when it seems that he is not exactly thrilled with the new system and Calderon fits that system better than Nash. They also add Kapono who has experience playing with Shaq and as bonus you through in Jamario Moon who is expiring anyway and maybe could provide a spark if he caught fire who knows.

So why would the Raptors make a 3 for 1 trade for Steve Nash? Before we even talk basketball as I have been saying the marketing of Steve Nash coming back home to Canada is worth it. Seriously can you imagine what that would do for the national profile for the Raptors? In a season in which you have had this team take a hit in that regard for bad play and a worse T.V contract that leaves many people shut out from seeing the Raptors this is a move that can turn the page on all of that. Now for the basketball. Did you happen to see Roko Ukic last night? Pretty good right? How good could he be working with Steve Nash for a year and a half at least? I would venture to say pretty good. Chris Bosh gets a two time MVP as a team mate that is sure a lot better than a washed up six time all star isn't it? I think so. Bosh may as well after playing with Nash for a bit. Jay Triano and Nash have a solid relationship and to have a coach with a point guard that thinks the same way as him and has an understanding of what you want is great. It could save Jay Triano his job and buy him time.

The Miami Deal

The answer for this one is pretty simple. Save D Wade. It is not about what the Heat get in J.O and Graham as much as it is about the contract you get. Recruiting players to play in South Beach is a tad bit easier task as opposed to Toronto. Anthony and Maglorie are expiring contracts and have far more appeal for people in Toronto. Riley is said to be high on Anthony but if he can have J.O and not have the headache of trying to resign Anthony why not. Graham can replace Marion as a much lesser player but perhaps is on the rise and you would have his rights as a restricted free agent.

Why Raptors? Well if you made deal number 1 and have Steve Nash that may help Marion. He may hate to admit it but he has not been the same player since leaving Nash in the Shaq trade. If it fails and he is still the same Shawn Marion. No problem he is off the books and you have some money to build the new Raptors around Nash and Bosh. You also were able to hang on to Anthony Parker at the end of all of this. His money is off the books. Anthony and Maglorie are not long term guys as well with expiring deals. Although the Raptors should look to keep Joel Anthony. I think he has talent. So there you have it. 3 Canadians and a whole new look for the Raptors. By this point I am sure you have formed opinions. Is this me having played to much NBA 2k9 or is it a case that has some merit. I think it is possible and makes sense for all the parties involved.

This is not a rumour or anything like that. I am just thinking on my own and seeing if it makes sense. It does for me. I mean let's face it from my perspective I am not going to miss any of the guys I have sent away. But I can make a case for the teams they have been sent to in wanting them. Is it a strong case? Not sure but it is case none the less. Colangelo convinced Utah to take Haffa so why can't he make this happen? I think he can. But it is a tough trick as individually I am not sure if the deals make sense standing alone. But together I think they add a whole new level of interest in the Raptors. Not that it could make them a playoff contender this year. However does it make them a much different team to watch? Hard not to be when you have moved 5 players.

For Reference sake these deals do work.

Suns Trade
Heat Trade

I have to admit it got me excited to think about this. In a season that has had very little to be excited about. You may not agree with my deals. But I think everyone is thinking big about trade deadline and that is the type of expectation Bryan Colangelo is up against. However don't feel sorry for him because even he admits that he raised our expectations with his comments prior to the season. There has always been this talk of Colangelo wanting to make the Raps the Suns of the East. Well bringing in two of the biggest stars from that team is an interesting way to head down that road isn't it? That is my plan. What is yours?

Change...When Will It Come To The Raptors?

The big news yesterday was that Pat Riley did not deny that he did in fact request health info on Jermaine O'Neal. This got a wildfire of speculation that the much talked about Shawn Marion and Jermaine O'Neal trade could go down very soon. Until it happens this can not be helping build chemistry on this team. That being said the chemistry has not been good anyway with the team on a 7-game losing streak. So it will be a wait and see approach if J.O is actually going to be in the line-up. However you can bet the next time he is a scratch the rumours will go through the roof if he is not there in the line-up. Jose Calderon is likely not going any where though. However he may be returning to the line-up tonight. He did practice with the team yesterday in Chicago. Calderon suggested it will be a mental hurdle he must get over to trust that his hamstring will not give out on him again. This is the second time this season Calderon will be returning from this injury. It is the 3rd injury total he has picked since the summer time. He was of course injured in Olympics. It makes you wonder if Calderon can in fact be durable playing starter minutes to level he forced to on this roster. One of the big reasons he was selected over T.J Ford to move forward with was his health in comparison to Ford. Both point guards have had their share of injuries this year.

A New Candidate For Raptors Coaching Job?

You may have missed this with all the all the trade rumour talk. But the Memphis Grizzlies said good bye to their head coach Mark Iavaroni yesterday.If you remember there was a lot of talk that Bryan Colangelo was very interested in bringing in Iavaroni to replace Sam Mitchell. However Mitchell would go on to win coach of the year and re-sign in Toronto. Colangelo may still consider him a candidate if he looks to hire a coach in the off-season. Given the lack of success it is hard to think he will not be. However there is a lot of candidates out there to choose from for Colangelo. But it should be noted that Iavaroni was of course an assistant with the Suns and Colangelo knows him very well. Colangelo has stated, he has no plans to address the coaching situation till the off-season. Given all the change that has gone on with this team and how they have responded to that it seems unlike a move will be made till then. But it is worth noting that another candidate could be on the list. If Iavaroni can not find a head coaching job you would think the New York Knicks would be interested in having him as an assistant under Mike D'Antoni.

All Star Starters Announced

Western Conference
Tim Duncan
Amare Stoudemire
Yao Ming
Kobe Bryant
Chris Paul

Eastern Conference
Kevin Garnett
LeBron James
Dwight Howard
Allen Iverson
Dwyane Wade

Dwight Howard was the player that got the most votes from fans. He was the only player to top 3 million in votes with a total of 3,150,181 votes. Other things of note Chris Paul was able to get in as a late push got him past Tracy McGrady to get in the starting line-up for the West. If T-Mac got in over Paul it would have been a joke. But not as big a joke as if Yi Jian Lian got in over Lebron James or Kevin Garnett. He did beat Raptors Chris Bosh by over 700,000 votes and Paul Pierce by just under 600,000 votes. It is just sad and it is a problem. I also question if Allen Iverson is an all-star as well. But it is what it is. It will be interesting to see if Chris Bosh is added to the roster when the reserves are announced. If it were up to one of the ex-coaches, that gets a lot of talk about being someone fans would like to see in Toronto, he would not be going. Jeff Van Gundy has went on the record and said that he thinks no player on a below .500 team deserves to be on the All-Star team. It may be tough to get a team for the East under that Van Gundy system.

Does it Stop At 7?

I am hopeful it will but not that optimistic. Derrick Rose going against a Jose Calderon that admits he is not fully confident in his hamstring mentally. Rose should be able to take advantage. Not to mention the mood around this team that is obviously waiting to see Jermaine O'Neal be shown the door. It just all says to me that the Raptors will not win. If they do not win the next game after that I will seriously question if I should keep writing game re-caps the rest of the year. That game is against the Sacremento Kings and they may be one of a short list of teams that are in worse shape. But as for tonight, I give the Bulls the edge in this game. I don't want to do it but it just seems very unlikely the Raptors can pull together to get a win. That being said whenever I think the Raptors will lay an egg they usually come out and surprise me over the years. Let's hope that is the case with this one. Why? BECAUSE LOSING SUCKS!!!

Matrix Not Yet Loaded

Well if you have not heard about the rumoured trade between Miami and Toronto. Where have you been? But this morning Pat Riley has poured some water on to the fire that a deal may happen right away. What was true is that both Jermaine O'Neal and Shawn Marion both did not play yesterday. In a strange touch of Irony the Raptors and Heat were part of the only 2 games on Sunday in the NBA. Still this article in the Miami Herald suggests we are all putting the cart before the horse according to Riley. Here is a link for you to check it out.

Miami Herald on J.O/Marion Trade Rumours

But in that article there is no denial of the deal happening down the line. If you noticed yesterday Bryan Colangelo in his normal (little bunker as I like to call it) place was working his blackberry. That may not mean much. The fact he declined to talk on CBC about the issue may have meant just a bit more.

But the sober reality trade or not is the road to a playoff spot keeps getting longer and longer for the Raptors. As we sit here today the Raptors would need to go 25-15 just to finish with a .500 record. That is one thing the other is how many teams are in front of the Raptors. No matter what the Raptors do they will need help from a lot of teams not doing as well as they do to move up the ladder.

Atlanta Is No Joke

I was one of the people that did not believe in the Hawks this year. But it looks like taking the Celtics to 7 games in last year's playoffs has been a building point for the Hawks. No Josh Childress was not a big deal as they let him walk to earn some bigger bucks in Europe. Joe Johnson has really grown into a star in his own right since leaving the Suns. He is the major scoring force that drives this team. The Hawks have taken a lot of heat for passing on point guards like Deron Williams and Chris Paul. Those were still terrible moves but a trade to bring in Mike Bibby has proved to be a success for the Hawks.

They sit with the 4th best record in the Eastern Conference. They are 23-16 far behind the Top 3 teams in the East. They have a number of teams looking at them as the only shot they would have to get home court advantage for the Playoffs.

Raptors have split to match-ups with the Hawks back in November. The most recent was a 93-88 win on November 28th. However it was the Hawks that handed the Raptors the first of what would be many losses this year. They beat down the Raptors 110-92 in Atlanta on November 7th.

Boxscores- Nov 7 th- Hawks and Raptors
Nov 28th- Hawks and Raptors

So that is a quick set up for today's game. It is going to be a good week here at Dino Nation Blog as we have some guests scheduled to come visit. So it should be a good week. Will we have a trade to talk about? That is a good question that still does not have an answer yet.

Raptors Rewind- From Miami FLA

O.K it is snowing outside in November and the Raptors are in Miami. What could make me feel better? Jose Calderon is playing. Yeah that works. Seems like a great way to wash away the memories of last night. I really think I saw 7 turnovers in my sleep last night. It was that bad last night vs the Magic. The Raptors need to get a move on. The Sixers are back on track after a slow start. The Knicks are actually o.k so far. Even the New Jersey Nets who will be in Toronto on Friday have not been all that bad. So it is time for the Raptors to get it on with Jose Calderon in the starting line-up on The Score.

I already feel better just knowing Jose is starting in this game. But let's hope he is at is best. The Raptors need him to be. Chris Bosh was coming off a monster performance and having Jose will help him maybe not have to work as hard.

1st Quarter

So the Raptors get the tip and were off and running. Raptors missed there first attempt but got the offensive board and Andrea Bargnani turned that into 3 points.The Andrea Bargnani show was going early a block and a basket plus a foul which he would make. It was an early 6-2 lead for the Raptors all thanks to Bargnani. Jermaine O'Neal wanted in on the action and he made a turn around jumper down low. Heat would get a basket from Wade a steal and a Shawn Marion bucket. Jermaine O'Neal had a jam of an answer for that. Calderon drops a dime to the star of the show so far Andrea Bargnani with the dunk for 2. The Raptors were doubling the Heat early 12-6.

It is amazing how much better Sam Mitchell coaching is with Jose. Andrea Bargnani has 10 points and we still have over 7 minutes left in the quarter. J.O gets hooked up by Jose and this was looking good for the Raptors. This is the first time we have seen Jose Calderon working with this big 3 line up. He was making it look very good. The Raptors were doing it on both ends of the floor. They had a 17- 6 lead midway through the quarter. The Heat were trying to jack up shots with little success. They would finally hit a 3-ball and Sam Mitchell would have a time out to address that.

Out of the time out A.P tried to drive and score but he would miss. It was another slow start for A.P on offensive end. Dwyane Wade would score plus a foul and the Heat had climbed back in this game now trailing just 17-12. Jose Calderon would check out with 3:41 to play. Will Solomon was in for Calderon. Dwyane Wade was heating up he had another 2 points on a jumper in the corner. A.P was getting taken to school by Dwyane Wade. He had another basket on a drive and score. Raptors would than see the lead go away with a Shawn Marion score. The Heat had a 12-0 run to storm in front. But the Raptors would score 5 straight to take the lead back. The rookie Mario Chalmers would hit a 3 pointer and the Heat would make a couple from the line and pull back in front by 1. But Jamario Moon would score the final 3 points of the quarter with a jumper and 1-2 effort from the line. So the Raptors would have a slim lead of 25-23 after the 1st quarter.

2nd Quarter

The Raptors were much better with Jose back as the only had 3 turnovers after the first quarter. Chris Bosh was back for the start of the second and he wasted no time scoring a basket. Jason Kapono hit a 2-ball and the Raptors had 5 point advantage early with Dwyane Wade on the bench. Raptors had a defensive breakdown that lead to an open look at 3 points for the Heat they would make. Bosh and Kapono would both add two points for the Raptors. Meanwhile Michael Beasley would have a score but then an offensive foul which was his 3rd on the night. Jermaine O'Neal was in and he scored a basket to push the Raptor advantage to 38-31.Dwyane Wade had returned but he would miss a contested jumper.

Jose Calderon returned to action with a 7 point lead to work with. J.O would make that 9 with an offensive rebound and put back. After a few missed chance for both teams Dwyane Wade would drive and score. Andrea Bargnani made his first basket in awhile after his hot start. Shawn Marion would score, he was a non factor on Sunday afternoon but contributing tonight. Dwyane Wade was at the line looking to cut into the Raptor lead. He made one of two and Jason Kapono would score the other way and the Raptors lead 44-36. Andrea Bargnani was looking about as good as I can remember, he had another basket for14 points so far. Will Solomon was at the line as he had come in for Jose who had 3 fouls. He would go 1-2. Shawn Marion had another basket and the Raptors lead was 47-40.

Miami would have one last chance to score.The Raptors had a foul to give but instead they would have a basket and a foul attempt for Miami. The foul shot would be missed. So the Raptors would have 13.9 seconds to try to score. They would call a time out and set up something. But Andrea Bargnani had the ball stolen and Will Solomon got tagged with a clear path foul with 1.1 seconds left. Dwyane Wade could only hit 1 of 2. But because of the clear path the Heat had 1.1 seconds to try to get some more. Cook would throw up a desperate 3-ball that would not fall. The Raptors stumbled to halftime with a 47-43 lead.

3rd Quarter

The Raptors would need to be careful in the second half. Both Bosh and Calderon had 3 fouls each and were going to be needed to remain on the floor. Wade would start the half with an easy drive to the basket and score. An A.P miss would get turned around into an easy jam for Shawn Marion. But Andrea Bargnani made the tie score shot lived with a 3-ball. That was followed up by a Chris Bosh mid-range jumper. Andrea Bargnani was following that with another 3-ball, he had 20 and Raptors were on an 8-0 run after Miami had tied it. Udonis Haslem would end the Raptor run with a basket for the Heat.

Dwyane Wade was back at the line looking to cut more off that lead. He would go 2-2 and the score was 55-51. Anthony Parker who had been 0-5, would finally hit from 3 point range for the Raptors. Jose Calderon would make a 3-ball and bring the Raptor lead back to 8 points at 61-53. Parker was 2-2 from 3 point range after is slow start and Raptor lead was 11. That would get followed up by a Claderon jumper and the Raptors had their largest lead of the night. Miami was forced to burn a time out with score 66-53.

Shawn Marion would score off a Dwyane Wade pass out of the time out. Jermaine O'Neal had an answer for that with a basket. He was getting it done on the glass as well with 14 rebounds. A.P meanwhile was officially hot with his 3rd long range bomb. The Heat score a couple in a row and Sam Mitchell was not taking any chances he called timeout to try to put a stop to that.

Out of the time out Andrea Bargnani would draw foul from behind the arc on Shawn Marion. He would make them all and now had 23 on the evening. The Raptors had a 76-59 lead late in the third quarter. So who wants to trade Andrea Bargnani now? I am not getting on that list. Dwyane Wade hit a much needed 3 ball for the Miami Heat. He would score again with a driving runner and was heading to the line for one more. Wade had brought the Heat back to 10 points down. He would try to hit a 3 pointer at the buzzer but it would miss. The score after 3 quarters was 77-67 for the Raptors.

4th Quarter

Raptors needed to contain Wade and keep it flowing on offense. If they could do those things they could escape Florida with a split for the 2 game trip. Dwyane Wade drove to the basket and had a poster worthy throw down. That was followed by another Shawn Marion Jam. Marion would get a technical for delay of game. But Kapono would miss the tech. Chris Bosh would not miss his jumper on the offense after the tech. But the Raptors once 17 point lead had dangerously shrunk to just 6 points. Shawn Marion had another basket and he had 20 points. Chris bosh would answer that basket with another for him. But Miami would get a big 3-ball from cook. Will Solomon was given a technical foul and the lead was down to 4. That would be cut to just 1 on a Chris Quinn 3 pointer. The Raptors were on the ropes and Jose Calderon was checking in for Solomon who had issues again tonight. I think unless something strange happened he would be on the bench for the rest of this one.

The Heat had a chance to take the lead and Dwyane Wade drove right up the gut and scored. The Raptors once huge lead was no more. The Miami crowd was chanting M.V.P for Wade and the Raptors were struggling as they took a shot clock violation. But Anthony Parker had taken back Parkerville court with another 3 pointer his 4th of the night. Raptors lead was 86-84 and they had the basketball looking to build a lead back. This looked a lot like Sundays game in some respects. Raptors were hoping for the same result. A.P this time with a fading two pointer that he made and the Raptors lead was up to 4. Chris Bosh would make that lead balloon to 6 points. Miami would get a basket only to see Andrea Bargnani drive to basket and score. J.O would reject Dwyane Wade but Miami would keep possession of the ball and Wade would hit a 3-ball. Raptors lead was just 3 points with score 92-89.

There was still 3:42 left to play and this game was very much up for grabs. Raptors coming out of a time out could not score. But a Quinn 3-ball would no fall for the Heat. But Raptors would not convert again and this time Wade would score. J.O would have an answer on the other end. Heat had the ball of a Raptor failed trip but Jose Calderon made a steal and would finish it with the score on the drive. That made the lead 5 points very late in the 4th. Would that be the play that would seal it up for the Raptors? Just over a minute to go. Dwyane Wade still had some fight with a basket. A.P would respond with a 3 pointer. Wade had another 2 pointer. The lead was 4 points. A Quinn miss and Raptor rebound by O'Neal ( his 16th) would be it perhaps. J.O was fouled but Miami was not over the limit. Parker would then be fouled with just 7.9 seconds remaining. What a remarkable turn around for A.P as he now had 19 points after that 0-5 shooting start. The score was 101-95. The Heat would get one last chance but they could not convert and that would be the final score. Raptors get the win and move to 6-5 with the win.

Some great performances from a lot of folks. Andrea Bargnani, Jermaine O'Neal and Anthony Parker all played big roles. But the difference of having Jose Calderon back was very obvious in every minute he was on the floor. For all the stats including the minutes check out the boxscore.

Miami/Raptors Boxscore

I will be back later tonight ( I will this time) to explain what has been going on around here for the last couple days. The time to let you all in on what is in store for the Dino Nation Blog. Tomorrow begins a new exciting era for the Dino Nation Blog and I hope you all will be excited about it. So enjoy this Raptor win and I will have the details of our big announcement. A day late but not a dollar short.