The Steve Nash Project

From the day Bryan Colangelo set foot in Toronto as G.M, the idea or dream that he could bring Steve Nash home to Canada was alive and well. Just when you probably thought the idea was dead there is one last chance to bring Steve Nash home. If Canada Basketball can do it, why not Bryan Colangelo too? You have to figure where Steve Nash decides to go will be the end of the line for him in terms of his career. The problem starts when you understand why Steve is leaving Phoenix in the whole first place. It is to have one final run at a championship right? That isn't exactly the Raptors future in the next three years is it? Can Bryan Colangelo convince Steve Nash otherwise? He did convince him to leave Dallas and comeback to the team that originally drafted him in the Suns. It was not like the Suns were looking like a playoff contender at the time. In case you forget the Suns were 29-53 and looked nothing like a team that would turn into 62-20 team the next year with Steve Nash as part of the mix. Mike D'Antoni who took over during the season before Nash arrived was only 21-40. That all said Steve Nash had time to wait if things had not made such a dramatic turnaround.

It is also not like Steve Nash thinks like everyone else does in many ways. It seems hard to imagine that Nash would take the easy route to a title and take his talents to South Beach. Although he did say he would consider it in an interview late in the season. He said at his press conference where he was named G.M of Canada Basketball that he would consider all situations that were presented to him. Does the idea of coming back home to Canada appeal to Steve Nash? He has said in the past it does. Also former Raptor, Nash team mate with the Suns and soon to be fellow free-agent Leandro Barbosa said that Nash has said to him he would like to end his career as a Raptor. Colangelo said even when trading Barbosa to the Pacers the Raptors would consider bringing him back. As we learned earlier this year the Raptors had a chance to bring Nash to Toronto long before Bryan Colangelo ever appeared in Toronto.

Still Steve Nash is starting to show signs of his age and this whole idea seemed much more appealing a few years ago than it might today. You would also want to have a point guard of the future for Nash to mentor behind him. Although with Nash's injury issues and not being able to play the same amount of minutes he has in the past a raw rookie back-up might not be great. Jose Calderon if he was willing would be an excellent and perhaps over qualified number two behind him if he were to remain. Calderon in a contract year despite being the team guy that he has always been labeled may not embrace this idea to much. If he did stay the Raptors point guard play would rank among the best in the league. You could also move Calderon and find that point guard of the future. Still the Raptors would be wasting an opportunity not having a point guard of the future as part of the mix if Nash was here.

If Colangelo is going to bring in Nash you would need to address some things with this roster beyond that in order for Nash to really be successful. Which makes the idea of Jose as his back-up seem unlike at best given he is set to make over 10 million next season. Nash is going to get paid a rather larger amount one would figure even at his advanced age. What the Raptors truly lack for Steve Nash to be successful here is three point shooting. You could likely bring back Barbosa and that would give you one shooter but you would likely need another. That likely has to come at the small forward position. If your starting line-up is going to be Nash, DeRozan, Bargnani and Jonas you need a second option to shoot the three beyond Bargnani you would think. Whatever the case, the Raptors would need more than just Nash to make a dramatic turn around. That team that Nash joined in Phoenix already had a lot of talent in place with guys like Stoudamire, Marion, Joe Johnson and Barbosa. Does a group of Bargnani, DeRozan, and Jonas along with a draft pick to come offer enough? It is up for debate and Steve Nash is not that same guy that walked into Phoenix and ended up winning two MVP awards.

Nash has never been known as a defender in his time in the NBA. Dwane Casey is all about playing defense. That said in his later years with the Suns the focus had changed to a more defensively responsible team. In addition if Casey found a way to hide Jose Calderon on defense in his scheme, he can find a way to hide Steve Nash.

There is a part of you as a Canadian that can't help but want to believe this is possible. Unlike the Raptors signing of Jaamal Magloire, this is a Canadian that would fill seats at the ACC. Steve Nash instantly makes the Raptors more relevant just by showing up and putting on a Raptors number 13 jersey. The same things that make him viable to run Team Canada, are the same things that would work in terms of marketing side of the Raptors. There is no question that MLSE in it's new form with both TSN/Bell and Sportsnet/Rogers would love to have Canada's greatest basketball player in their organization. It will mean a huge jump in ratings for the Raptors potentially and it should establish them truly as this national brand that they have tried to be since the Grizzlies left for Memphis. In terms of non-basketball related things this is a slam dunk in terms or marketing, merchandising and ratings.

There is also the fact that Colangelo's job is on the line. That plays a factor in this for him obviously. If there is one thing we have learned about Bryan Colangelo in his time here, it is that if he likes a player that seldom changes. We have seen many former Suns end up Raptors and his extreme loyalty to his number on pick in Andrea Bargnani. Once Colangelo likes a player, it seems to stick in his mind. The irony in all of this is the last time this happened in Phoenix it was Mark Cuban that questioned how much Steve Nash ultimately had left. Two MVP trophies later the answer was clear he had a lot left. These days it would be more than Mark Cuban that would question how much Nash has left. Deron Williams is the guy that the big name teams will be chasing with Cuban at the front of that line.

The major concern is when things go away for a point guard it tends to be a fast and painful process. Still is the chance to create something truly special to hard for everyone to pass on including Nash? I guess will find out eventually. The one thing that is true be it a good move or a bad one, if Steve Nash is coming to Toronto, the Raptors will have more attention than they have had since the days of Vince Carter. I fight with if this is a good idea or not basketball wise. It is hard to be objective about Steve Nash. It is also hard to go down this road again on if he will come here or not. The one thing that is good is this is last time we will regardless of how it turns out. While I believe Steve Nash can truly save Canada Basketball in many ways. I have a harder time with him as a player saving the Raptors as well. Colangelo has made worse gambles in his time here than betting on Steve Nash. I just wonder if this was a move that would have worked better when Jay Triano was coaching and Chris Bosh was still around than it does now.

My Day was Much Better than the Raptors Day

This has nothing to do with the Raptors but I am a big fan of Ricky Romero who was at the game last night, so I lied it did have something to do with the Raptors. Never the less the idea of getting to watch him pitch and cover the Raptors game seemed like a great plan for me. Last time I did this was last year when I covered the draft workouts of Tristan Thompson and Cory Joesph and hung around to watch Romero pitch that night. He got a complete game shutout that night and yesterday just gave up one run going 8 and a third innings and getting the win. The Baseball game was just great as the Jays won the series over Boston two games to one and are now 4-2 to start the season.

To bring this back to the Raptors, making the walk from the building I will always call Skydome toward the ACC, it got me thinking of what an opportunity has been lost for the Raptors. One of the Leafs was in attendance at the Jays game and he was introduced to the crowd to a loud boo. Take that in contrast to the loud cheer from the smaller crowd at the Raptors game for Ricky Romero. The point is that Leafs are in rough shape and Toronto sports fans are desperate for a winner. MLSE has not provided that in hockey, basketball and soccer. The Jays owned by soon to be part owner of MLSE Rogers, have provided a buzz of excitement and optimism surrounding the team they own.

This would have really been a chance for the Raptors to make up some ground on the giant that owns the city that is the Maple Leafs. Instead it would appear that the Jays have taken that ball and are starting to run with it. While the Raptors are optimistic for their future as well, the Jays have much more to be optimistic about. The Raptors have Jonas and whatever comes out of the draft to add to the mix next year. The Jays have a minor league system full of exciting prospects that people are high on. Obviously baseball is different and you get a chance to have more opportunities to develop players. If Jonas was a baseball player it is likely you wouldn't see him for not just this year but a view more years.

That really is off the topic somewhat, but the real point I am making is the Leafs franchise has never been in a more weak a fragile state since perhaps the days of Harold Ballard owning them. There was no basketball team back then, trying to compete for attention, but there is now. The Raptors may not get their act together in time if they do at all as it seems clear that Toronto is on verge of going back to the days of the early 90's when the Jays were the biggest thing in town. If you are not old enough to remember those days it was quite amazing. The Jays would fill Skydome on a nightly basis and have crowds pushing 50,000 every night. They are still a long way from that now but they are creating a buzz and the Raptors have absolutely no buzz at all right now.

In terms of the game last night if I was ever to be inclined to feel sorry for Jose Calderon it might be now. I mean to get cut open for a second time in a game that ultimately means little to your season already being eliminated from the post season. This in the face of your supposed star Andrea Bargnani out for a 3rd time with the same calf injury. I would bet we might see Jose back this year but I would also bet we have seen the last of Bargnani. I will say this for Calderon he does do his best to play through things and try and compete. He was at the Blue Jays game the night before and threw out the first pitch. Trying to get the rub of that Jays Magic to come over to the Raptors. It obviously didn't work.

The game itself aside from more injures to Calderon and Kleiza pretty much went as you might expect. A desperate Philly team that had been embarrassed at the hands of the Raptors a week earlier was not going to have it happen a second time. The Raptors did a good job trying to hang around for a half but the Sixers came out guns a blazing in the final quarter against an undermanned Raptors squad.

The focus seems to be towards the coming off-season now and Dwane Casey gets his first chance to guide his players through an off-season something he was not afforded with the NBA Lockout this past summer. Given the excellent job Casey has done you wonder how much it could have had an impact. Ed Davis as an example finally seems to be turning a corner. He himself based on the Lockout and injury has yet to have a full NBA off-season and training camp to improve. This year if he stays healthy for the last 7 games and throughout the summer, he should finally have that chance. I had a chance to talk with Demar DeRozan and he is looking forward to a more normal off-season and plans on spending more time in Toronto during it. You can hear all of that in an interview we did, that should be up later today or tomorrow.

I have one more game that I will be covering this season (In Person) the last one vs the New Jersey Nets on the 26th. For many Raptor fans that game can not get here soon enough. In a season that has been shorter it has seemed so much longer. It sure doesn't seem like the Raptors are better than they were last year. However they in fact have made a minor improvement in winning % and major improvement on D.

Still losing year after year can be rough. Just ask a Leaf fan if you happen not to be one. They know all about it.

Raptors Lack Tradition

I am not sure what I expected after 16 seasons of the Raptors being in the NBA. But this team really lacks tradition. It is always constant change. The place they call home has seen more makeovers to it's court than perhaps any other team in the same time frame. The entire colour scheme has changed. There is a lot of people that would suggest the Raptors name itself should change to Huskies. The Raptors are on their 8th coach now and there have been many changes of culture. The Raptors lack any kind of lasting identity. The Raptors really lack any kind of true rivalries. Most of the Raptors attempts at having a rival have not lasted. When it all started there was the Grizzlies who were their natural rival. They of course went to Memphis and so ended that. The Sixers and Raptors battled in one of the best playoff series in history. But soon after both teams fell on hard times and the rivalry fizzled. There have been the rivals based on guys leaving. A couple of times with the Magic based on T-Mac and Vince being part of that franchise. There was a playoff series between the two as well. The same story with the Nets as Vince was traded to them and there was one playoff series between the two, along with sharing a division. But by and large none of these have stuck. Some would say the Celtics are but that is more the bully in the school yard that has taken your lunch money for years.

When you think of the Raptors what pops in your head? Perhaps fans booing Vince or T-Mac. If the Raptors have any sort of tradition it lies more in the fans. They have always booed the guy that has left them high and dry. They have always cheered the guys that hustled and busted their butt even after they have left. A group that is always discounted but continues to show up.

This is not just the Raptors issue in fact the NBA team I had cheered for prior to the Raptors was a lot like that. The Charlotte now New Orleans Hornets. Short of a Ric Flair WOOOOO!!! I am not sure the Hornets have any real kind of tradition. When you say Hornets not any rival jumps to mind. Is this just a case of it take a long time for expansion teams to make roots. In the case of the Hornets they were up rooted and replaced by Bobcats.

But OKC has only been around for a short time and they already have some tradition. The fans don't sit until their team scores a basket. They despite having some ugly uniforms and a pretty simple logo have kept it the same. They still lack rivals but you can see some starting to grow for them vs Dallas and Memphis. Thunder Up has been made famous by the tweets of their superstar Kevin Durant.

MLSE owns one of the most traditional and iconic franchises in Hockey. The Leafs have fed off that tradition for years. After all when you have not won a championship since 1967 what else can you do. They have many rivals some old traditional ones like with the Habs, to new and more modern ones with the Sens. They even market it as "the tradition that binds us all". Yet on the Raptors side of MLSE that tradition is lacking.

Perhaps it comes down to the simple fact of not a lot of winning. Hence you have constant change to try and run away from your not so spectacular past. Whatever the reason is the fact the Raptors lack any sort of tradition is something as someone who has supported them from day one I find myself craving.

I grew up a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. They have all you could ask for in that regard. The star on the side of a silver helmet is iconic. They have traditional rivals that last no matter records of either side. You say Cowboys and Redskins and people have a long history to draw on between the two teams. You can not be a Redskins fan and like the Cowboys and the same is true if you cheer for the Cowboys if you like them you hate a number of teams Giants, Redskins, Eagles and 49ers will never be teams you cheer.

I hope that I live long enough to see the Raptors have a tradition and true identity. I am not sure a rock that sits in the dressing room is going to be it. But what the Raptors have to do is stop changing the paint on the floor, the colours on a uniform and say this is who we are and what we are. That is something that is needed. Perhaps that comes along with simple winning. But maybe you need to start establishing that before the winning comes. I don't crave 3-D logos or countless variations of uniforms. I carve something that is the same and feels like home. Feels like a good old sweater that is comfortable. In 16 years the Raptors have yet to provide that.

Locked Out For Nothing But Money

Yes Virgina there will be a NBA season starting on Christmas Day. But in the end this lockout served no purpose other than to line owners pockets and did nothing to impact the real change that fans should have wanted for the NBA. At least fans that do not live in the big markets of the NBA. Ultimately nothing much has changed from when this all got started. Chris Paul is still going to force is way out of New Orleans. Dwight Howard is going to follow the example of Shaq and get out of Orlando and leave it a mess. The whole idea that this deal does anything in terms of competitive balance for this league is a complete joke. Nothing has changed other than the teams with money will have to spend slightly more of it. But that will not stop them from doing it.

This has been a complete failure on the part of owners for the collective fans of all NBA Teams. Some franchises are now doomed to be nothing more than glorified developmental teams for the NBA. Why on earth should people in small markets waste their money on that? If not they will lose their team? Big deal if that team was actually capable of winning. But under this system it would take a minor miracle for that to be the case. It also gives them little assurance, that any player that is least bit talented, is in any way part of their community other than for a few years. Why would anyone buy into these guys and buy merchandise or tickets for a guy that basically will be gone inside of five years.

In terms of the Raptors if they have any hope of changing their terrible history there is nothing offered in this CBA to help them out. If they are to be successful it will take them stopping pretending to be a small market team when they clearly are not. Ultimately the Raptors will need to spend money to compete with the large markets of the NBA. It becomes even more vital when you consider the division they are part of. Boston on tradition alone will always be one of those big market clubs that can attract free agents. New Jersey now powered by a Russian Billionaire, that sure has heck is not going to be intimidated by any increased luxury tax from stopping him from spending. The Knicks who are the classic example of a larger market franchise in New York. Along with Philadelphia that is a huge sports town that does not take to losing all that well.

In a sense the Raptors have become a lot like the Blue Jays, in terms of being in a division with some of the big spenders of the league and having to find a way around that. While it is not like baseball, in terms of the Raptors could finish third in the division and still make the playoffs, it still will be tough having to play these teams more than anyone else in the conference, outside of the division. While things for a team like Miami are vastly easier. If the Raptors got to play the Magic, Bobcats and Wizards more than any other teams that would be great. But they are stuck in the Atlantic facing teams that clearly will be willing to spend and have the ability to attract top talent to their franchises.

It is far from an optimistic outlook. It also makes the hopes of keeping talent seem bleak as well. Demar DeRozan heading back to the west coast at the first logically opportunity seems likely if not for certain. The Raptors at the end of this lockout still stare at the same problems and challenges they faced heading into it. MLSE has toyed with saying they are willing to be a tax team in the past but never actually going there. If they are to keep DeRozan or any other talented player that comes along they will not just have to talk about doing it they will have to do it. The only way to be a consistent winner in the NBA is now clearly to become one of the few willing to spend money. It has become a game of survival of the richest. There is the odd exception to that rule but not many teams have guys like Kevin Durant that are willing to make a small market home. Even OKC is eventually going to face this issue of having to be a tax team eventually. MLSE is not without means and if they choose not use them it will be there fault that the attendance for the Raptors continues a downward spiral. You can have who ever you like running this franchise unless they have the ability to spend money and build a winner they are doomed to at best be a fringe playoff team.

So while most rejoice in the fact there will be a basketball season this year, you may be missing the bigger picture. That bigger picture is that at the end of the day a lockout that promised a lot of hope for the Raptors future has delivered none. The same issues they had going in they have coming out of it. The ball is in MLSE's hands to decide if they are truly interested in winning in the NBA or not. If you flipped the systems of the NHL and NBA is there any doubt they would go to any limit in terms of spending to make the Leafs a winner? The question will become if they ever are willing to spend that same money on the basketball side to become that winner. In real terms with players on the roster. You can build a new practice court, hire more suits but at the end of the day you need to bpt your money on the guys on the floor.

So it is put up or shut up time for MLSE. But given the direction the club is heading that may wait for another year. But at some point the excuses end and it comes down to are you willing to spend money or not. The sad thing for fans in other "actual" small markets they do not have the option. But the Raptors clearly do and up to this point have failed to deliver on it to the full extent they can.

I have to say at the end of the day the lockout was a complete shame and did nothing for the NBA other than give them more money. But if no one spends the money it is just about the bottom line of some owner that is already rich, is ultimately what this was all about. In the end the NBA has failed to deliver what they promised. The NBA Cares about one thing and that is making money. They are no Santa Claus for giving you back the season. More like Scrooge who is just concerned with their own business. Well to paraphrase Jacob Marley the fans are your business NBA. It is a shame you really don't see that.

NBA On Verge of Return and Raptors Will Still Be Rebuilding

Everyone is all giddy with optimism that the NBA is on the verge of a return. Most feel a deal could get done as soon as this weekend. Good right? Well yes it is but maybe not as good if you are a Raptor fan. This is for a couple of reasons. First reason is the deal itself. The deal that is being constructed, at least based on the talk that is out there, is not going to be a deal that helps out the Raptors as much. It likely could have if the Owners got the big win they were looking for out of this labour deal. If a system, that stopped the big spending be damned teams from being able to do that was in place, that would have helped the Raptors. MLSE has never been one of those teams. Faced with the challenges of being the lone franchise in Canada and the perceptions that exist about playing here they should be. You can say all you like about Toronto being a wonderful city which it is. But those perceptions even if they are incorrect are the reality. The long list of people that have left the franchise make that so. There is also this franchises less than impressive history which is factual. We all know this franchise has just one playoff series win and it was so long ago it was back when they played 5 games in the first round. The bottom line of the new CBA is it would have an even more punitive luxury tax which if MLSE was not willing to go over it under the old system it is hard to imagine they will under this new more costly one. But it is not going to stop the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, L.A Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics of the world from doing so. It will not stop the possibility of more Big 3's like the ones we see in Boston and now Miami from forming. This is all bad news for the Raptors.

What happens if Demar DeRozan becomes every bit the star we hope he can become? When his time comes and the L.A Lakers want to bring the Compton kid home is there anyway for the Raptors to stop that from happening? It would appear not based on the CBA Talks. Which for the Raptors and small market teams is a complete failure from this process. While the focus of these talks have largely been focused on money directly there is an indirect money issue that has failed to be addressed. How will the paying customers in the small markets of the NBA feel about being somewhere between the NBA Elite and the NBDL? My guess is not to favourable. Everyone will point to OKC as the shining example of how a small market team can make it work. But in reality that took some luck and having a guy that is like Kevin Durant both as a player and as a person. Those guys are not growing on trees and easy to find. OKC has done a fantastic job but in reality without Durant none of it happens.

Also there is what Bryan Colangelo has been saying. Already making a preemptive strike to say that this year will not be the Raptors year once again. That there is likely another year of growing to do for this franchise. Even openly talking about what a great draft class there is expected to be for next year's NBA Draft. That sounds like the talk of a team heading back to the NBA Lottery regardless of if the NBA plays 82 games this year or 72. But when the Raptors drafted a rookie that was never going to play this season that likely sent that message already. Colangelo also has suggested the flexibility that he has created in preparation for the new CBA is likely not to be used this season.

So the NBA might be back and your reward Raptor fans is you are told to wait till next year, before the season is even started or a new CBA is even signed. It kind makes this whole lockout thing ending not as happy as it perhaps could be or should be. But MLSE will be happy to take your money once again for as many games as the NBA will allow once a new CBA is in place. I had a lot of hope that things would be better for the Raptors coming out of this lockout, but in the short term that seems unlikely. In the long term who knows but waiting for next year gets old ask fans of the Chicago Cubs about that.

The Raptor Waiting Game Continues

Houston Rockets already have final 3 candidates for their vacant coaching position. While the Raptors still have said nothing about their G.M and coach at this point. If everything remains the same it really won't matter much. But should the Raptors make a change at G.M the chances a coaching change is made increases as well. So what exactly is the hold up with things. Raptors season has been done for almost a month now. It is not like Bryan Colangelo is going to change his future whatever it might be in the next few months. Unless he has a plan to rig the NBA Draft Lottery I am not sure what exactly he could do technically to improve his status. While technically teams once eliminated from the playoffs can trade with other non playoff teams. It is a rare event that trades are made at this time of year. Colangelo did swap for Reggie Evans a couple years back. But with the lack of a CBA in place the chances of that happening this season is slim.

MLSE as an organization has always went on about having people of high character in the organization. Well is it not of high character to allow people to know if they have a job or not? Is that not the right thing to do? Not to mention do you not owe it to your loyal fans to let them know about the future of the franchise? This makes the organization look bad and does them no favours in terms of future hiring in management. Not to mention if there are indeed going to make changes they are falling clearly behind other teams looking to make changes. Unless they are looking and just not telling anyone.

But however you cut it people have become use to it as reflects in our Dino Nation Blog poll over there on the right. MLSE knows how to make money no one will question that. But in terms of how they run all their sports franchises people can look at their track record and judge for themselves. They say things start at the top and that top is the MLSE Board and they have been a complete failure to fans of Raptors, Leafs and Toronto FC. They are the one constant as all of these teams have continued to fail. While the profitability is without question. The production and quality of the products is. It is a good thing profits are not measured by wins because if it was MLSE would have been filing for bankruptcy long ago.

Vote DNB To Run Your Raptors.

Last night I made the mistake of talking politics on my twitter account. Should never bring up politics or religion people tend to be even more passionate about those than sports. But still we all have right to express our opinions that is what living in a free country is all about. Now in terms of sports we all have opinions about the Raptors. But in sports MLSE never has to run to gain our support to run the Raptors. Maybe they should have to, they are Canada's team after all right? So I have decided to throw my hat in the ring and look for your support to run the Raptors. I will lay out my platform and see if you want to vote for me? Yeah let's do it. Have some fun and make some points along the way. So I guess it is time to make my speech.

My fellow Raptor fans and basketball fans across this great country of Canada. The great nation that produced the man that invented this great sport of basketball. Dr James Naismith would be saddened by what the state of Canada's NBA team is in. For sixteen years, most of which under the current administration Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment this team has not produced to the level that you great fans deserve. They have failed to deliver you a winner. You have shown your support for 16 long years through buying tickets, merchandise and supporting this franchise through tough times. It is time for a change and time for someone to bring a new vision for this franchise. Not to just say you want to win a championship and not take the actions it takes to provide that championship. Toronto has not seen a major sports champion since 1993 and MLSE has never produced a championship for you. Profit over production has been the mandate of this current administration. My mandate is your mandate.... Winning.

The question becomes how to do that. One of the priorities under my administration will be to find one of our own to be part of the solution. MLSE will claim to have done that with Jay Triano, but he is part of the problem not the solution. The time is coming for a Canadian to play for Canada's team. It will be my mission to find that Canadian to be part of this franchise. It can be a valuable asset to the growth of this great sport across this country. There are talented young people that have a lot of skills and the time is soon coming that more Canadians will be a part of the NBA. It is vital that the Raptors as franchise own a piece of this infusion of Canadian Talent. It is the belief of myself and my administration that this is a way to solve this franchises greatest failure as well.

Stoudamire, McGrady, Carter and Bosh all Americans and all gone. If we can find a Canadian star to shine in the great white north the chance he would leave becomes far less likely. Steve Nash has shown us in his great NBA career that it is possible for a Canadian to be one of the best players in this league. We must find that type of person to lead us in the right direction. We also must do a better job in making American Players aware of the greatness that is Toronto and Canada. When you play for the Raptors you are not just playing for Toronto you are playing for a nation. You only need to look at how we view the Blue Jays that brought home World Series Championships to Canada. They are legends and heroes in this country for life. No other team in NBA can offer a player that opportunity. But it is hard to get someone to see that vision with a franchise that is losing. A team that has had little to no playoff success. Players issues with Canada become far less when winning happens.

Toronto is not a small market and it is time we start acting like it. This team has always acted like a small market franchise. Afraid to go beyond the Tax Threshold. Why is that exactly? It is pretty clear this team is profitable. So it is time to invest those profits into winning. This is what you all deserve for your loyalty and support for this franchise. Toronto is one of the largest markets in North America. There is no reason we can't build to establish this franchise like New York, Chicago and L.A. The Lakers not the Clippers. We will not fear being great or seeking profit over production. We see the light at the end of the tunnel and the money that success will ultimately bring this franchise.

We will run this team based on results. We want people on all levels that produce. From the players on the floor, To the coaches, to management and everywhere in between. There has been a belief under MLSE that is matters what type of people make up this organization. There is only one thing that matters and that is winning. You can be a nice guy and be loser. You can be a total jerk and be a winner. At the end of the day, regardless of the type of person you are, as long as your focus is about winning and doing what it takes to win is our only concern. While we would encourage our players and staff to be good to our fans. We ultimately want people that will give you what you want ultimately and that is wins.

We are committed to providing you a winner. That is what we will work towards every single day. We will work hard for you to provide you the winner you deserve. This is our vow to you the loyal supporter of the Toronto Raptors. We think it is time for a massive change in direction from the last 16 years of failure and promise you a brighter future that is focused on winning. We encourage you to hold us accountable to our main goal of winning. Together we can make this a success. So say no to MLSE and say yes to the DNB. Say no to profits and yes to winning. Say yes to change.

What a world that would be if we could have a chance to vote out the people that run our sports franchises. If MLSE had to run on their record as politicians do they would have a serious problem trying to keep their job. But that is not the world we live. You hope with MLSE being up for sale, at least the controlling interest in it, that whoever takes over will say they are focused on winning and actually mean it. MLSE talks about winning but at end of the day is more concerned with the bottom line in terms of profits and not championships.

There are few situations in sports where fans truly have a say. The only one I can think of is the Green Bay Packers the defending Super Bowl Champs and are owned by it's fans and the pubic. Average people with the means to do so can own a part of the franchise they love. MLSE is the exact opposite of that. It is a corporate business first organization. But the way they do business at times is a joke. The way they have treated Bryan Colangelo is flat out wrong. Regardless of what you think of the job he has done. He has for the most part been very professional in his time here and has been a gentlemen and deserves to not be hanging in the wind as he currently is. There lack of action in terms of the future is troubling especially when you consider the future for the entire league is so much in the air. Stability is required at the moment and the Raptors have none. MLSE owe Bryan better and they owe you the fans better. But there is no way to vote them out.

Starting 5 Season Wrap with Ryan Wolstat.

The Dino Nation Blog will be trying to hook up with all of our regular guests and get their thoughts on the Raptors season and uncertain future. Today in the guest chair is Ryan Wolstat from the Toronto Sun. I had got to know Ryan through social media and then have met him a few times in covering games together. I enjoy his work and his honest approach in evaluating things. We look at the future of Bargnani, Triano, Colangelo, Calderon and others. Yes there are a lot of questions to be answered for sure. MLSE has certainly made this situation a lot more cloudy then we might have expected. Heading into an uncertain future in the NBA you have to question the wisdom of that. Hopefully you will find some actual wisdom in this conversation on the future of the Raptors in the short and long term. I always enjoy having are various guest share there opinions with me and thus with you. There is no shortage of opinions on the Raptors future and this franchise that is for sure.

If you do not already follow Ryan on Twitter, I would recommend you do. He can be found @WolstatSun offering solid takes on the Raptors and NBA in addition to his work for The Sun. Also knows his stuff in terms of college hoops as he referenced covering the Final Four this year and was also in Chicago covering the McDonald's All American Game with Myck Kabongo and a couple other Canadian kids in that game as well. In short he is a basketball junkie and knows his stuff.

Starting 5 With @Liston

I have mentioned in the blog, how when it started, I never real expected that it would introduce me to so many fantastic people as it has. I would rank near the top of that list our guest today in the Starting 5. He is Tom Liston a great sports fan in general and a very passionate Raptor fan as well. He has a background and works in finance. You might say if you didn't know Tom he fits the stereotype of the corporate suits that occupy the nice seats in the Air Canada Centre. But in knowing him nothing could be further from the truth. He has taken his background and has used some of that knowledge and applied it to sports. He writes for the folks at Raptors Republic doing some excellent pieces based on stats. I have never been a huge person for stats and think sometimes we have gone crazy with them. So we make for an odd pairing. But I do respect Tom and appreciate the work he puts in. He does a pretty good job of taking data and presenting in a entertaining format. Here is the most recent example of what he does at Raptors Republic. We talk everything from stats to business. If you listen to this interview I can almost guarantee you will be smarter for it.

Tom mentioned the all 4 one event and he has his own personal website and you can find more info on there. As we mentioned in the Interview the Team Up Foundation does great work. If you can afford to attend I would encourage you to do so. I would also make the point that MLSE should look to do events in a price range for the average person to take part in. I personal could never afford that cost. It is something I would hope the folks at MLSE consider moving forward. Something else that is for a good cause is what Eric Smith is doing. Eric has worked with some folks to create a T-Shirt to sell where the profits are going to aid the victims of the tragic events in Japan. Aside from doing a good thing it is a pretty cool T-Shirt. They are for sale online now and you can link here to purchase one. Both good causes and if you can afford to contribute to one or both please do. I thank Tom for taking time out to come visit with us here at the Dino Nation. He has always been supportive of me and the blog and it is a mutual thing as I have always been supportive of Tom. I look forward to having him back in the future as guest.

More Questions, Few Answers For Raptors

Could things be any more confusing for the Raptors at the moment? Let's see the major stock holder in MLSE is selling out but yet blocking Bryan Colangelo from being extended. If there is no Bryan that would mean Jay Triano's future would be up in the air as well. The team enters an off-season with a draft class that was not stacked to begin with that with a looming lockout might end up even worse than that. Oh yeah and then there is that whole if there will be a season thing. So next season things could be very different or very much the same assuming it happens at all. What a frigging mess.

I am not sure where I expected this team to be at this point back in 1995. But I am pretty confident that I expected better than this. I just hope Raptor fans do not become like Leaf fans that just becoming accepting of garbage. I always use to see a difference between the two groups of fans even though many out there like both. But there is still the difference when you look at the crowds. The ACC is not filled to the rafters for the Raptors regardless of what they do. The last game I was at was the game vs the Pacers and the attendance was listed at 14,726. It sure didn't look like it. Raptors have also given away some seats. The Raptors attendance is not to the point of some places in the NBA. But there is a noticeable difference this season.

What will it look like on the other side of an NBA lockout? Baseball got totally rocked by the work stoppage in 1994. Attendance for the Blue Jays has never been the same. That is only 2 years removed after a World Series and it has been on the steady decline ever since until this past season where I think they started to win a few fans back. The Raptors have never won anything, in fact the Raptors have never even be close to winning anything. Slam Dunk titles, Division Title, couple Rookie of the Year Awards, and a GM and Coach of the Year award do not count. When you look at things Raptors fans have ever reason to feel frustrated and fed up if you have been on this ride since it started.

The Raptors have also still not solved the fundamental problem with this franchise. You may hate Chris Bosh now, You may hate Vince Carter till you die. But the Raptors have not solved the fundamental issue of how to keep a star player in this town. The new CBA may help them solve the problem that they have not been able to solve themselves in 16 years. At least you hope that is the case. I mean Demar DeRozan has not even reached the peak of what he will be and I already hear some folks talking about "when he leaves". Which is a shame because it robs you of the true enjoyment of watching a player grow and get better fully. The drafting of Andrea Bargnani if he had turned into what they had hoped might have been the answer. But he isn't that star player and franchise guy to build the team around. The fact he wants to stay or go is a moot point. If you look at the NBA as a whole has there been an NBA Team led to an NBA Title by a foreign player? Dirk came close but as of yet has not got it yet. You could make argument that technically the Spurs have with Tim Duncan from the Virgin Islands. He along with a cast of talent that was foreign based has won.

But for a team to win without U.S based talent is like going to a gun fight with a butter knife. While basketball has grown and is a much more global game the best players in this game still come from the U.S. Make a list of the top 20 players in the NBA and you are still going to have a list dominated by Americans. This whole chicken and egg argument on if players like Toronto and want to play here is really getting old. Here is the reality as I see it. Guys like Toronto as a city. It will always be one of the top cities players visit. But living and playing is a different thing. While losing is part of the problem and winning can solve things that is not a long term answer unless you win consistently. There are inconveniences to living in Canada that even we as Canadians put up with. Take a simple example from the last few days. ESPN aired the documentary on "The Fab 5" and here in Canada you needed to be resourceful to see it. I noticed Ed Davis was not thrilled he could not turn on his T.V and just watch it. I am with him. American Players learn what we all in Canada have known for a long time. T.V is this country is a joke. Networks hide behind the CRTC and Canadian content rules keeping out networks like ESPN and commercials from the Super Bowl. There are lots of stupid and outdated rules when it comes to television.

If you follow me on Twitter you have seen this topic come up and how the sports coverage in this country is so hockey driven. If these networks are so confident that everyone is this country wants 26 hours of hockey programming in a 24 hour day then open up the border. Let ESPN in this country let other U.S Networks in this country. Have true competition. But that is not going to happen. Simple things like that make a difference for U.S players. The other issue for players is taxes. Now I am far from an expert here to understand this. But here is what I do know if there is a perception the tax situation is bad here for players. As far as the players are concerned the perception is the reality. Which makes it the Raptors reality to change it.

There will be lots of time to talk about all these things. But at the end of it all the Raptor Franchise is in a state of organized chaos at this point. When all of that chaos comes to an end whoever is running this team better have some answers on how to fix this thing. Raptor fans have had enough of false hope and false expectations. They want and demand more. There is a reason the Leafs have not won since 1967 because there is no motivation for them to win. As long as the money keeps rolling in there really isn't a lot of motivation to go all out and try to win. Empty seats, lower ratings send a clear message. Raptor fans do that...Leaf fans don't.

Charles Oakley Comes Back To Toronto

Oak is back as an assistant coach for the Bobcats. Charlotte has had a nice turn around since showing Larry Brown the door. Now they have another problem to deal with in how they deal without the heart and soul of their team in Gerald Wallace. They are chasing the Raptors last opponent the Pacers. They are in a dead heat with Pacers currently. Raptors meantime were able to reverse what happened on Wednesday hanging on Friday to beat those Pacers. A rare late season 1pm tip time on the day clocks move ahead? Seriously who's idea was this? I am not a fan but we march on.

The Basics: Charlotte 27-38 (10-22 on Road) Toronto 18-47 (3-7 to last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: Barbosa was on fire and the Raptors road that to a victory over the Pacers. The Raptors unlike against the Jazz were able to hang on to a 14 point lead in the 4th quarter.

Key Match Ups: I guess James Johnson is the Raptors defensive stopper now? Well your next mission is stop Stephen Jackson. He becomes the key player for the Bobcats with Gerald Wallace playing for the Blazers post trade deadline. Jose Calderon does not do well against people who are fast. D.J Augustin is fast but he also is wildly inconsistent. Raptors should get an advantage on the glass with Reggie Evans and Ed Davis getting on the glass.

Other Things Of Note: Lots of off court news. The Teacher Pension Fund the largest stake holder in MLSE is looking to sell. Along with that the question as to why Bryan Colangelo's extension has not be inked seems to have an answer. All of this going on with the NBA on the path to a lockout has there ever been a more depressing and confusing time for Raptors fans? If all of that gives you a headache you might just want to check out our interview with Demar DeRozan and hear him talk about actual basketball.

Where Is It On: Sportsnet (They bumped Poker for this so be happy)

DNB Has No Re-Cap Due To Flu Like Symptoms

Andrea Bargnani missed this game due to flu like symptoms. So I decided to join him. Well sort of anyway. I have been fighting off a cold and my energy level has not been the greatest. I did start a re-cap but had some things go on during the game that needed my attention. I was wrong about Reggie coming back and Raptors could have used him. Although they did not early as they got off to a 22-3 run to begin this one. I did wirte a great little rant on Flu Like Symptoms it would be a shame not to use it so here it is.

There is no Andrea Bargnani as well as he is out with flu like symptoms. Why don't ever just say he has the flu? I mean do we need a doctor to confirm he has the flu? But regardless this will make it tough for Toronto.

So for the record the Raptors had beat the Mavs without Bargnani and some others and actually played there best defensive game of the year holding Mavs to 76 points. But that would not happen yesterday. This was one of the those classic Raptor Tease games. After 16 years of these things happening you would think we would learn. It is just like some guys are easily drawn to a tease and then totally frustrated by them in the end. But do they ever learn? Of course not because some males do not always use sound logic in these cases. But what all males will agree is the worst thing you can do is end up dating a tease. I have spent 16 years dating one and it is not a lot of fun. No not a girl....this basketball team. They from almost the beginning have given you true flashes of brilliance. They beat the record setting Bulls. If you stop and think about it if you are any kind of fan at all you have had many of those moments where you were really convinced this team was going to do something great. It might have been in an individual game or a stretch of a part of a season. But in the end the Raptors have teased fans with no payoff. About the closest we have got, is getting to second base and were cut off at 3rd by a Vince Carter miss and UNC Graduation. Which reminds me. Ed Davis graduate in the summer if you want to survive in Toronto.

James Johnson is at least early never going to be in a conversation with Eric Williams. But one man's success is leading to another man's pain. I don't think you need to be a rocket scientist to see the writing on the wall for Sonny Weems. It was one thing when Johnson started against his former team in the Bulls. It is another when he has started the 2 games since. Weems led the Raptors in scoring the game before Johnson arrived with 19. Since Johnson has arrived it has been a slide. Just 40 minutes in 3 games and after 12 points and a 4-5 shooting night vs the Bulls. Weems has been 1-8 with just 4 points since. You only need to see the looks on his face to see his disappointment. Weems contract will come to an end after this season and it appears that Raptors have already decided what they plan do in terms of bringing him back. Things can change but it appears indications based on floor time and fact Johnson is starting that Weems may not be in the long term plans.

I had said that if the Raptors were going to not bring back Weems they better be sure. The Young Onez may be a one year fad if this keeps going down this path. The teams emerging star in Demar DeRozan if asked would probably say that Weems is his closest to him on team. Sonny and Demar in the last season and half have been almost joined at the hip. Yes I hear all of you people saying that this is a business and all of that... yada yada. But as much of a business as it may be it is also about people. Look at the Boston Celtics reaction to Kendrick Perkins being dealt, The Pistons protest of not exactly being thrilled with their coach. This is also a people business as well is my point. Raptors better hope James Johnson comes through if they are going to take away the best friend on the team of their best shot at a franchise player in DeRozan. It is just one of those little things that people may see as silly but it matters.

For a team that has a terrible time keeping it's superstars happy you have to be a little more careful than most. Not that is helped all that much for the Raptors with Bosh, Not that it helped that much in terms of keeping their core and adding Hakeem for Vince Carter. Still the fan base has embraced the Young Onez a heck of a lot more than they have Andrea Bargnani. Johnson may in fact be worth the game in shaking up the chemistry in letting Weems go. But people really need to chill on James Johnson. If I were to listen to Leo Rautins I might just think James Johnson was going to be a stop defending superstar for this team for the next 10 years. Why he feels the need to sell certain players to the fan base is beyond me. It has been 16 years and I at least feel you as Raptor fans are smarter than that. I am happy to offer my opinions on players but I am not going to try and sell you on players and act like you know nothing. We as a group are smarter and more educated basketball fans and Leo Rautins in my opinion has not changed as broadcaster to reflect that.

As for the game yesterday the Raptors after a 22-3 lead faded away and by the end of it got blown out out by the Mavericks 114-96. Which was a great thrill for Mark Cuban who was in the house. Cuban is a smart guy and he may not have figured out how to win a title but he is the owner I wish we had. He has the same financial security that MLSE offers. But he lives and dies with his team and you honestly believe he would do ANYTHING to make his team a winner. MLSE claims they want to win but with their corporate image and no real face to it like a Cuban it seems hard to believe. Mark Cuban has no worries about a tax threshold or luxury tax he is always willing to go all in if it means the Mavs can win. That is how he became a Billionaire and that is how he runs his team. Paul Jones caught up with the Mavs owner and you should really listen to this. Cuban seems to love the city of Toronto and I can not recall a time Mavs have been here and he hasn't. Toronto is a great place and you can get players to come here. It just takes the kind of things someone like Cuban has done in Dallas. If you gave the Raptors to Cuban I am sure that he could solve the Raptors issues that have plagued them for 16 years. The amount of confidence I have in MLSE to do it is far less.

The Starting 5 With Chuck Swirsky

Here at the Dino Nation Blog we have always made it a point to invite Chuck Swirsky back to talk with us when the Bulls are playing the Raptors. That is coming up this week on Wednesday so we ring it up to Chi-Town to talk with Chuck. It is always interesting to hear what Chuck has to say and he talks about his work as broadcaster here in Toronto and his view on his time calling Raptor Games. We talk about Vince Carter with an interesting story on how Chuck feels about V.C these days. His thoughts on Chris Bosh and his leaving the franchise and how Bosh has acted since. Along with thoughts on Demar DeRozan, his Bulls and much more. We went into a little overtime with Chuck but think it was well worth it. While I don't always agree with everything Chuck has to say. I have always respected him as a person and know that many Raptor fans still love him and miss him. So that is why I keep inviting him back to talk with us. Hope you enjoy.





Chuck is never short on opinions and offered some interesting things today. He is coming back Wednesday to Toronto as Bulls take on the Raptors. He might even get out to Real Sports Bar. He always use to say it is always a pleasure talking Raptors basketball. Well I say that is always my pleasure to talk with him. Chuck has always been kind to me dating long before the Dino Nation Blog existed. Chuck did interviews with me when I was just a college student at Mohawk College on their radio station. He and Eric Smith both did that and I have always appreciated it. While I don't always agree at times with everything they say, as people I have great respect for them. So I will always be grateful to both for what they have done for me both with the interviews they have done with me, and the help they have offered me personally and professionally.

Gee Wiz

We will get to tonight's match-up in a minute. But there is a much bigger story to talk about first. Richard Peddie, it was announced earlier this week is stepping down as CEO/President of MLSE as of December 31st 2011. That would be big news on it's own kind of. But the bigger news is according to The Toronto Star it seems The Ontario Teachers Pension Plan is in talks with Rogers Communications to sell them a majority interest in MLSE. This would be a huge move giving them control of all the major sports teams in the Toronto market place. They of course already own the Blue Jays. What this will mean for the Raptors remains to be seen. The future of Bryan Colangelo? Will Rogers take control of broadcasts has they have with the Blue Jays? More games on Sportsnet 1 in our future? There are about a million questions on what this would mean. Obviously the Raptors are just part of the package and the real jewel in this deal in terms of Rogers would be control of the Leafs. If this happens the price take is said to be over a billion dollars (1.3 B number is The Star) and would be the largest transaction in North America sports history. Will this mean good things for the Raptors? Up until recently Rogers track record with the Blue Jays has been not that great. But when you look at the major sports teams it is the Blue Jays with brightest future currently. Aside from them being doomed to be in the AL East and that makes getting into the playoffs a lot tougher in comparison to the Leafs or Raptors.

Now on to your regularly scheduled preview of the Raptors and Wizards. John Wall is listed as day to day and the Raptors have already avoided him once, not that it helped much. Still John Wall is a pretty amazing kid on the floor and his story off the floor is just as amazing. Take a minute to read this article on Wall from the Washington Post. Warm fuzzy feelings about Wall aside the Raptors would rather see him in a suit than in a uniform. Who will be in uniform and ready to play is Raptors rookie Ed Davis. Bryan Colangelo admitted that Davis' time table was moved up based on the injury to Reggie Evans. Speaking of Reggie he had surgery on his injured foot this morning. All the best to Reggie for a speedy recovery. Based on Raptors play vs Atlanta he is needed. But will not return anytime soon.

The Basics: Washington 5-11(Winless in 8 Road Games this season) Raptors 6-11(5-5 in Last 10)

When Last We Saw Them: The Raptors had their worst effort since a road loss to the Wizards. Josh Smith had a triple double and the Raptors had no answers and this game was never really close. Jay Triano said that each of his starters were out played by their counterpart on the Hawks and he was 100% correct.

Key Match Ups: Andre Blatche is a handful and he provides blocks, rebounds and hustle for this Wizards team. Who will match-up against him is kind of unclear. The Raptors started Joey Dorsey in place of Reggie Evans with not exactly great results. Amir Johnson had his issues with staying on the floor against the Hawks because of foul trouble. I highly doubt Ed Davis would start in his first game? But 1 or all of those 3 must find a way to deal with Blatche. Javale McGee should have his hands full with Andrea Bargnani. That is if Andrea shows up for 48 minutes. He didn't vs Atlanta after a decent first half he disappeared with only 2 points in the 2nd half. Demar DeRozan has been in a funk and battling a hamstring issue and he will have his hands full with Gilbert Arenas. If John Wall is not in the line-up that will give Arenas a lot more touches and shots(with a basketball) vs the Raptors. DeRozan needs to step up his game and with no games since Sunday you would think that Hamstring has to be feeling better.

In Case You Missed it: We have our 4 winners now for our MGD Contest and they will be joining Myself and Danielle for Raptors vs the Nuggets on December 10 in the MGD Best seats in the House. Congrats to Lanny, Mary Anne, Ray and Chi our contest winners. Thanks to all that entered the various contests we had. So on that night the Dino Nation Blog will be hosting that event. But every other Friday when the Raptors are at home I will be there covering the game with press pass in hand. Beginning this Friday with the Oklahoma City Thunder hitting the ACC. My surprise pick to win the NBA Title this year. Looking forward to it and excited to kick off DNB TGIF at the games with a bang.

I will be live blogging this one for The Score.com and Mobile tonight and will post the links later today. The Re-Cap might have to wait till tomorrow as after that game I am also live blogging Duke in NCAA action and after that it is on the Air on the Radio at midnight on CJLO on The Sports Grind. You can listen online at CJLO.com. Just the average busy evening in the life of the Dino Blogger.

As promised your links for tonight Raptors Game vs Wiz on Scoremobile and Score.com

Important Time In Franchise History

In lack of actual basketball news, the conversation on the Toronto Raptors has turned to this whole concept of Toronto and it is viability as an NBA Franchise. The one thing that you have to admit, is that with MLSE as the owners of this franchise, it is stable in terms of financial support. While many can disagree with the choices they have made in running of this franchise, the fact it is on solid foundation is something to be thankful for. How many of you think Dan Gilbert will stick it out in Cleveland in a post Lebron James world? The Cleveland Cavs are far closer to being a franchise in danger of moving than the Raptors. That being said the Raptors continue to face these same issues that have been a part of this franchise for 15 years.

Jerome Williams a former Raptor was on the Fan 590 today speaking about this topic of American players coming and playing here in Canada. It has been our pleasure to have him as a guest here on a couple of occasions in the Dino Nation Blog. He is a guy that clearly loves the city of Toronto and the city loves him back. He is also a very intelligent individual as well. He did something in this interview that is not talked about enough. The advantages of playing here in Canada and in Toronto. Why do we not hear more of this? Why isn't MLSE at the front of the line doing this. They can't sit back and let people go off half baked talking about high taxes in this country and let that go unchallenged. The reality of the matter is 5 NBA teams offer better tax situations. In the states of Florida (Orlando, Miami) and Texas ( Dallas, Houston and San Antonio).

Instead of investing time in a public relations war with Chris Bosh, it might be better served going on the offensive and promoting this franchise in the U.S. Get out and educate the young basketball players about Canada and the Raptors. Attack these bozos that attack this franchise and say things that are flat out ignorant about this country. Also get in the ear of the league office and demand they do something about this. The Commissioner came out and said he would rather see Lebron James stay in Cleveland. Well what about Chris Bosh and what about all the misconceptions and lies that are stated about your lone Canadian franchise. There use to be 2 of them, but Vancouver went to that thriving NBA city of Memphis. Yeah that has really worked out well hasn't it?

It is the Canadian thing to do to sit back and just allow people to be ignorant about things here and laugh about it. Finding it amusing that some people in the United States actually still in this modern world think we live in igloos up here. But that is not going to cut it. The Toronto Blue Jays faced many of these same challenges that the Raptors do. What were they doing in year 16? They were winning the World Series. They did it by changing perceptions and spending money. Many top stars in baseball made up those championship teams. Jack Morris, Dave Winfield, Dave Stewart, Paul Molitor Rick Henderson and others. The Raptors are about as far from the NBA Championship as they were when the franchise started. Maybe not that far, but pretty close to it.

Raptor fans have remained loyal through many challenging seasons, with very little payoff for that support. Just one playoff series win and one division title in 15 years with a handful of playoff appearances. Just how long are Raptor fans expected to sit back and watch star players leave going home to the United States? While the Raptors have tried to find a way around this problem going for European players and trying to win that way. It ultimately has failed and really cite the example where a team with a European player as the main player has won? The odds are just not good. Dirk came close with Dallas but beyond that I can not think of an example.

I am not saying that this is an easy process here...it isn't. But the Raptors need to start working to fix these problems rather than try to find ways to work around them. Canada can be a great place and offer things that while being different can be better. It is time to start pointing out these things and making people aware of them. I think it also would be a good thing for Toronto to host an NBA All-Star game. There seems to be some issues in making that happen. However it is up to MLSE to solve those issues and go to the league and strongly request they be given this game. They are one of only a few cities that has never hosted the event. Another thing that needs to change is allowing your television partners to bury your product on alternate channels that not everyone has or wants access too. TSN 2 and Sportsnet 1 (starting in the middle of August) are not helping the Raptors or doing them any favours. Sure they may have got the big score money wise in selling the rights to the games. Is that really seeing the big picture though?

I live this stuff everyday. It is in my best interest for the Raptors to be as successful as possible. More people are going to read this blog if the Raptors are successful that is not rocket science. However, before there was this blog to do everyday, I was just a fan like you that just wanted my team to be successful. The fact I have an interest in it now based on what I do has not made me any more passionate about it. I have always had passion for basketball, and since 1994 for the Toronto Raptors. I grow frustrated, and to a point angry, that we continue to have the same conversations over and over again. We need people to start thinking out of the box and coming up with the solutions to these problems. For 15 years the basketball paying public in this country have supported the Raptors, to levels beyond what any franchise with a track record of the Raptors could hope for. In payment of that support you deserve people doing more to fix these issues and build a team that is worthy of the support it receives.

If this is not done the Raptors could be doomed to failure for years to come. Even if the Young Guns become a raging success, what is to say a Demar DeRozan does not just become the next one to thank Toronto for helping make him a star, as he leaves to go elsewhere in the future. At some point you need to accept there is a problem and find a soloution to it. That time has come for the Toronto Raptors. It doesn't matter if the preceptions of people in the U.S are wrong or even ignorant. Preception is in fact reality and it is on the Raptors to change their reality.

Bosh Tweets Light Up My Twitter Page

With the admission of Bryan Colangelo that Bosh was as good as gone. It sparked a firestorm of fan reaction on social media. Twitter had a lot of hate for Chris Bosh with few signs of love. I would post some of them but honestly most were not exactly family friendly. The hate also extended to part of Bosh's inner circle as many fans took aim at Hadi Teherany. Who people may know better from his Twitter account @Hadisworld. He is the president of Max Deal Technologies among other things. A lot of Raptor fans see him as this evil figure. Personally I have never had an issue with him. But the reality of things is that Chris Bosh is the guy that made this decision not Hadi. Also, Henry Thomas is his agent and I would think he plays a larger role at the end of the day. Thomas Last summer joined Creative Artist Agency who had made the jump into pro sports with the launch of a sports division. He also is the agent for Dwyane Wade which has fueled the speculation of Bosh and Wade in Miami long before yesterday.

But I am not sure if Henry Thomas is on Twitter, but pretty sure he is not interacting with Raptor fans. Hadi on the other hand is a fixture on Twitter and rubs many fans the wrong way. It all has a very entourage feel to it. While it is unfair to suggest Hadi would be nowhere without Chris Bosh. I say that because I don't think fans have any knowledge to make that conclusion. It also is clear that his relationship with Chris has done him a lot of good personally and professionally. While I understand the dislike of many towards him. To me, this is like blaming Turtle for Vinnie Chase not making a movie in Canada. It is just an example mind you, not saying Hadi is Turtle, although from the debut of Entourage that isn't a bad thing. What is also clear is that Hadi could careless what people think in the Raptor fan base. At least if judge it by his public posts on Twitter. His loyalty is clearly to Chris and honestly it should be. While I have not agreed with a lot of how he has gone about things and how Chris and his people have approached this impending departure. When you search for a villain in this whole situation he makes an easy target. Which granted some would say is based on what he puts out there for public consumption. I would welcome the opportunity to talk with Hadi if he wants to present his side here in the Dino Nation Blog. I don't think that will happen but the invitation is open for him if he wants to take it.

I personally have been labeled by some as a Bosh apologist. I don't work for Chris and have never met Hadi. At the end of the day it is very easy to blame the guy walking out the door. However, Chris Bosh is not Vince Carter and any comparison to his leaving to Carter's departure is misguided. Carter clearly quit on the Raptors while playing for them. Chris gave what he had while playing for the Raptors. It should also be pointed out that some Raptors fans turned their back on Chris long before he decided to leave Toronto. After watching many stars go it seemed that some fans were determined to not get burned again and decided to hate Chris before he left them. About the only thing in common between the two (Carter&Bosh) is a lack of satisfaction with the performance of the organization.

When you look at this logically and without emotion this is more a case of the Raptors failure to surround Bosh with a supporting cast that was able to win. This is a far more intelligent conversation. In which you could argue or debate that Bosh owns at least a percentage of the blame. However, at the end of the day, the highest percentage of blame has to be at the top. That would be Bryan Colangelo. You could even take it a step further and say MLSE is to blame. They did not go over the tax threshold in the Chris Bosh era and make a serious attempt to win. Bosh at least suggested that in his remarks after the season. Now was that a MLSE choice and Bryan Colangelo was limited to a budget below that tax threshold? Only Bryan and the MLSE Board know that answer. Until Bosh made the point about it takes being a tax team to win a championship did MLSE make a public statement of being willing to go over the threshold. Maybe they had in the past and I missed it to be fair. However the point is that they didn't and haven't.

The blame game of why Chris Bosh left will go on for a long time to come. There may never be a real answer to what actually went wrong. However at the end of it all even if things when perfect for the Raptors maybe it wouldn't have mattered. If Bosh,Wade and James have a chance to play together and all 3 of them are committed to that goal, was there anything that anyone could have done to stop it? The answer is no. If they can all get paid and find a team that wants to make that happen it really is beyond any ones control to prevent it. Wade has positioned South Beach and Miami to be that place. His Organization has took the massive gamble of stripping the roster down to nothing to make it happen.

While for fans the departure of players is an emotional thing. In terms of Bosh, The Raptors, Agents and 29 other teams this is business. At the end of the day you need to decide if you are cheering for laundry or people. Jerry Seinfeld had a comedy bit on that about sports fans basically cheering for uniforms. I support my laundry and the Raptor logo but I do not just dismiss the people that I have enjoyed that played for the team. I also don't automatically like someone just because they are a Raptor. Ultimately like or dislike people the goal is always about the Raptors being successful. Chris Bosh leaving regardless of your feelings towards him good or bad is not a step in that direction at least in the short term. As for the long term it becomes the job of Bryan Colangelo to convince us that it will be. Talk of keeping Hedo Turkoglu potentially is not exactly a move in that direction if you ask me. But to be fair Colangelo has an off-season to change minds. Something that will be hard to do as many will point to his failures as the main reason their 5 time All-Star is gone.

The Real Issue Isn't Bosh

I mentioned a few days ago, this whole thing with Bosh is somewhat like a divorce. Well let the mud slinging begin I guess is the best way to sum up the last few days. People are losing it everywhere I look, be it on facebook or Twitter and in message boards, blogs and media. However at the end of the day some tweets and showing up at a Laker Playoff game don't change anything.

To devalue Bosh when he is on his way out the door is really for most done out of bitter feelings. I fully admit Bosh's actions of late have added fuel to that fire. That being said I have seen folks bashing this guy long before he had decided anything in terms of his future here in Toronto. Bosh news (not from twitter) in that he did not make the All-NBA Team 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Some will use this as a point to say the heck with Bosh. However, NBA awards this season have shown they are nothing more than a media popularity contest at best. When Sheed is getting a vote for 6th man of the year, and David Lee a vote for Defensive Player of the Year, how seriously can we take these things? But in a battle like a divorce is that going to matter? Nope.

Here is the reality of things for me, it is highly unlikely this team improves without Bosh. It is without question a public relations hit for the Raptors with the casual fan base. This now in a sense becomes a bit of a public relations war as well and a tricky one. The Raptors can not come out and slag Bosh because they need for his value to remain high. However the conversation is already starting about the post Bosh Era. Chris Bosh Raptor Legacy will take a lot of hits over this summer. However here is my take on it. The Organization failed to find the correct parts to place around him. They also failed to bring in people to help him in terms of leadership. Vince Carter had Charles Oakley to help run his locker room. Who did Bosh have to help him? No one comes rushing to mind.

Chris may not have handled this as well as he should in terms of his departure. Maybe this is his way of lashing back for having to deal with this whole drama for a longtime. It is unfortunate because for 7 years Bosh has been a classy individual,and many will forget that once all the mud is done flying. I can't say that Bosh is blameless in terms of things both on the floor and off it. However he is not a bad guy ether and he gave what he had for the Toronto Raptors in his time here.

He got frustrated and from my point of view, I understand it and accept it. The Raptors knew when he signed a 3 year extension that they were on the clock in terms of build a team around him. When the clock struck 0 they had not done enough. The effort was there in attempts to do so. However they fell short. I also think that Bosh made a valid point about this team never going on to be a team that entered the tax threshold.

The reality is unfortunately some players do not embrace the idea of coming to play in Canada. So the Raptors are likely going to have to over pay once in awhile to get players. That means you need to accept the reality of being a tax team. Given the current state of the economy it is not the big hit it once was. The Canadian dollar is running at par with the U.S dollar. Even take the whole Canada issue out of the mix. I will give you an example of a franchise that has over paid for players and been rewarded. The Orlando Magic signed both Lewis and Pietrus to contracts that were in most peoples view above their value. However they fit well in Orlando and have been successful.

People will talk about all the stars that have left in Carter,McGrady, Damon and now Bosh. However what the conversation should be about, is this team and organization and their commitment to winning a championship. MLSE has always said they are committed to winning and bringing a championship to the Raptors. Well talk is great but the time has come to be judged based on actions. Just saying that you are willing to go over a tax threshold is great. However until they do it they are just talking. The Raptors will once again under go a makeover and this is their last chance to get it right. Raptor fans need to not lose focus on the real issue. That isn't about Chris Bosh at all, it is about the overall picture of this organization. Losing Bosh in those terms, will be seen as a loss for the franchise and add to a growing list of stars that have left Toronto. That being said, those stars leaving have never really found much success have they. Vince Carter may finally get to a Conference Championship this year as a piece to a puzzle, but not the main piece. In the end this is about the puzzle and people trying to put it together not the puzzle pieces.

The Elephant In The Room Is Obvious

If there was ever a game where most folks were not paying attention this is it. No Chris Bosh tonight or tomorrow as he did not travel with the team. I bet he is watching thought as most are busy partying over a Hockey win for Canada.

If he is like me he probably was not enjoying what he was seeing. In fact I wasn't ether. So if you were out partying the Canada's victory in hockey you really should feel fortunate you missed the Raptors. I watched 3 quarters and decided to watch the Closing Ceremonies from Vancouver. Canada won more gold medals than any country in the history of the Winter Olympics with 14. If the Raptors plan on winning they will need a much better effort like they had vs Cleveland. Bosh is not on this trip so he will not be there to save the day in Houston. The 119-99 win for the Oklahoma City Thunder was domination from the word go. It is a much different story from the embarrassment the Raptors suffered in this same place last season. That was on par with what the Celtics must be feeling in losing to the Nets recently. If you remember back to my season preview in the Dino Nation Blog, I picked the Thunder to make the playoffs in the West. I also picked Scott Brooks to be coach of the year. Both are looking solid and the Thunder showed why in this game. This is now one of the more talented and youngest teams in the NBA.

So rather than explain what was a total meltdown for the Raptors. Much like some of their epic losses early in the season. Instead I wanted to focus in on the fact this team without it's star is no where close to good enough. The entire Bosh 2010 thing has been done to death. However in the last few games you have got to see why. Chris Bosh is by far the best player on this team. Some have suggested this team can survive and remain competitive without him. If these games have not made it crystal clear that is myth and not reality, I honestly don't think you have been watching.

The 2 obvious people that would be expected to rise if Bosh is gone in 2010 would be Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani. Hedo has had a train wreck of a first season in Toronto. Everything that defined him in Orlando has failed to clear customs in his move north. The guy who made so many big shots for the Magic has misfired more than made shots down the stretch of games. From day 1 that the deal was signed I was not a fan of it. But my issues were about term of contract and amount of money. Never did I expect Hedo to be so awful in the first few years of his deal. However he has just never seemed to be able to get on the roll with Raptors. It seems every great moment as few as they have been have been followed by injuries and other misfortune. I think it clear that Hedo at best is a secondary piece on this club. At worst he is struggling to find his offense and it has become painfully obvious the having Dwight Howard made him look far better on defense than he actually is.

How about the Raptors only first overall pick in their history Andrea Bargnani. Bosh in a much deeper draft class that featured many of the games stars was selected 4th. However to compare Bosh to Bargnani is pretty laughable. Don't get me wrong Andrea has come a long way and shows more and more signs of greatness. However that has been done in the large shadow that is cast by the Raptors 5 time all star CB4. When Bosh is not around Andrea has been inconsistent at best over his career. Should Bosh go for good, I am not convinced Andrea is ready for that. Andrea in the past more under Sam Mitchell than Jay Triano showed a lack of confidence. I fear should Bosh leave and the spotlight shifts to Andrea he will melt in it. Andrea also has not shown any kind of ability to be a rebounder on any kind of consistent level. The double doubles that Bosh makes seem routine are an event for Andrea. I am not confident Andrea will ever be ready to be a team's Batman. I am totally certain that is not going to happen next season.

Beyond that it would be a stretch to suggest anyone else. Jarrett Jack at times has tried to carry this team with no Bosh. He, much like T.J Ford tried to do in past years, turns up his offense with no #4 in the line-up. Jack can be a leader in the locker room and already is that. However as the guy to be top dog in terms of scoring and leading this on the floor is unrealistic. Demar DeRozan is still finding his way and is not as far along as a Bosh was when the Vince Carter Era came crashing down. When Vince Carter said he wanted out all eyes turned to Bosh. Even he took time to grow into the role of franchise player. I really still believe in Demar and see a bright future ahead for him. However is he ready to be the face of a franchise like a Evans in Sacramento or a Jennings in Milwaukee. The answer is no and that is no knock on the young man. He can still be great and even some day might be able to be that A guy to carry a team. However 2010/11 season is definitely not the time for that.

I would imagine some of you are saying but wait a second, the plan has always been to move Bosh in a sign and trade. That is true and I have no doubt Bryan Colangelo if forced to trade Bosh will do a much better job than Rob Babcock in moving Vince Carter. However even Bryan is not going to be able to bring back a player that is going to be able to carry this team as Bosh does.

Which leaves the Raptors no where without Bosh. I wonder what Chris thought about all the hockey madness on the streets of Toronto. Did it give him a view of what could be for him in Toronto if he could lead the Raptors to a title, or was it the ultimate reminder that no matter what he does here in Canada it will finish with a silver medal to hockey. Only Chris knows the answer to that. However Raptors fans you should have an answer to one question. What is that question. What would the Raptors be like if Bosh leaves? The answer to that is a team with no on court leader. A team that would have to struggle and fight for ever win. A team that likely visits the lottery more than the playoffs.

If Bosh can be convinced to remain the core group that is here with a commitment by MLSE to enter into the uncharted waters of being a tax team. Something that Bryan Colangelo has claimed the board is willing to do upon his recommendation. Seeing is believing thought, not that I don't believe Bryan. I do have a hard time believing that MLSE will do it thought. But the best way to sum this up is as simple as this in terms of this team being a contender in the near future.

Boshless = Hopeless

You may see that as being a little over dramatic. However that is how I see it. My track record on these things is pretty good. I was the one that told you first that Jarrett Jack would be this team's starting point guard. I was also the guy that said the Magic would play the Lakers last year. That happened too. Oh and I also said about my predictions for The Thunder this season. The point to this pat on the back festival to myself is pretty simple.

The Raptors can not afford to not re-sign Bosh and anything less would be somewhere between a complete disaster and a team that is scrapping and clawing to make the playoffs. Those days have got old for most Raptors fans. I think just like this country has got a new attitude about itself with the games in Vancouver. Raptors fans to must have a new attitude and hopefully MLSE as well. Raptors need to keep building and not once again fail and have to rebuild. After 15 years Raptors fans not only deserve but expect more. The time to demand it has come.

Like It Or Don't Like You Better Learn To Love It

I want to say off the top that I wish Jay Triano the best of luck. I really mean that despite the fact I have not been a fan of the move to hire him as the head coach. At the end of the day he is a Canadian and is making history in being a head coach in the NBA. That is something great for all folks that love basketball in this country. It may help open doors and allow chances for people that come along in the future. Any time Canadians can have accomplishments in the sport of basketball on the highest level of the sport it can only do good things for all Canadians in the sport. I do not dislike Jay Triano in any way shape or form. In fact in my view he never should have been let go by Canada Basketball. The performance of Leo Rautins in comparison to Triano is prove of just what a great job Jay had done. It may also speak to the lack of what Rautins has done but that is a different blog for a different day. But my issues with Triano being named the head coach really have little to do with his passport or the fact he is from just down the road from where I live.

Bryan Colangelo admitted that this team was to nice and needed to get tougher. I agree with that. So if that is the case this team needs to change it's culture and attitude in order to change that. So how is that accomplished by hiring a head coach that has been with the organization for 7 years. In those 7 years the Raptors have been labelled as a "soft" team. Triano has been a part of all those years. So is he not part of that? In the press conference yesterday that to be honest for me felt like an infomerical to sell Triano to the fans, there was lots of talking of having to work harder and push this team harder. There was also mention that Jay had the endorsement of the team in exit interviews. I don't put much stock in that. I have been told by many guests that Raptors respect Triano and have supported him being the coach. I am not saying that is not the truth. I am sure it is. However do they truly believe that in their heart? Jay as he pointed out has been here longer than ant player or even the G.M for that matter. Jay is a likeable person and I think to a man people are pulling for him to succeed. Does that wanting him to succeed and him having good solid relationships get turned into respect? Is that true respect? I am not sure.

There is no questioning that Triano is a highly knowledgeable basketball mind. In another circumstance for another team Jay Triano could make a great head coach. However for this team I am not sure if that is the case. This team to me is or I guess was in need of an outside voice that would challenge them to do more and be more. I had made it no secret that Eddie Jordan was my front runner on my list of who should coach this team. Jordan for years was able to keep a team that had major injuries and issues together and in the playoffs. I think the job he did with the Wizards was outstanding given the circumstances.

There is also the money issue. Sam Mitchell is still getting paid and some suggest that impacted on the situation and improves Triano's odds as he would not be paid a large amount as a first time head coach. However if that is the case that is pathetic. MLSE claims it is not. I am tired of hearing excuses about cash from an organization that owns 2 hockey teams ( Leafs, Marlies ) a soccer team ( Toronto FC) the Raptors and not to mention all those nice condos that are being build around the ACC. Fact is they have money and if they every use the excuse that it is not possible to do something because of money it is B.S. If Phil Jackson whacked his head and decided he wanted to live in Canada and coach the Raptors they would have the money. They are the ones that said they are committed to win an NBA Title. If that is the goal of the organization money should not be a factor. However the truth is MLSE wants to make money first and if they can win a title as well great. I am confident in saying that Jay Triano would want and deserve to be the best man for the job not the most economical. Bryan Colangelo says he is. He also said that the board has to vote on any coaching change. It makes you wonder who was truly available for Bryan to consider. He says he did look through other candidates. Although he never really met with anyone about the job beyond Triano that we are aware of.

But this is the way it is. Triano is the coach and has a deal the guarantees the next 2 years and an option for a 3rd. So perhaps Triano in building his staff can bring in those new voices that are needed to correct the things this team lacks. Mark Ivaroni has been rumoured to be the name that is at the top of the list. Triano says he looks to bring in coaches that will make him better. Ivaroni is close to Bryan Colangelo and understands the way he does things. If we did not hear it once yesterday we heard it a thousand times that Jay and Bryan share the same basketball philosophy. Well Ivaroni does as well given working with Colangelo with the Suns. It is clear things have to change and if it has to be assistant coaches that will have to be good enough as far as it goes for me. Can assistants make that big an impact? If you look around the league you will find lots of good examples where they do. I will say this I think Triano is not afraid to line up a staff of folks that if things did not go well for him you could find his replacement on his bench.

I hope that Triano can make it work. Bryan Colangelo did all he could to take the blame for the 20-45 record that Triano racked up last season. But it was what his record was. There are lots of excuses that have been given. I will not bore you all with listing them again, we know what they are by now. They are legit in some cases but this is the highest level of basketball in the world and it is about getting results. The fact the Raptors beat up on a lot of teams down the stretch is not impressive to me. I also find it hypocritical of folks to say not to blame Jay for the record but than in the next sentence point to how this team finished the season. You can not have it both ways. If you are not going to blame him for the record of the team that is fine. However you can not use the record at the end of the year to prove your point. People can take numbers and make magic out of them. In fact in listening to all of that stuff yesterday I almost forget that this team was a bad as it was.

So even though I do not support this move. I still wish Jay Triano the best of luck. He may truly need some. He also needs his G.M Bryan Colangelo to make some magic happen with this roster. I always am happy to be proven wrong if it means the Raptors will be better for it. Hopefully Jay learned one thing from Sam Mitchell. What is that? Not to read stuff that is written about him. I really respect Jay Triano and honestly hope that I am wrong but I just don't see this as a good move. I really want to drink the kool aid but just can't. So go out there and prove me wrong Jay Triano. Nothing would make me happier.