"NBAz in 7 Dayz"

It is my fault Jarrett Jack was traded. It is also my fault LeBron James left Cleveland. Oh and if the rumours are true about Steve Nash, you can blame that on me, too. I know it is a major coincidence but I feel as if I need to fess up and absorb some of the fall out. Starting with LeBron James. Earlier this year, I bought a LeBron James jersey for my nephew's 4th birthday. I was debating between LeBron and Chris Bosh but I had a stronger suspicion Bosh was on his way out and opted for the Cleveland jersey. LeBron bolts and my nephew will likely never wear that jersey since his father carries much disdain for Mr. James. So now, with Christmas fast approaching, I was going to redeem myself and purchase a Jarrett Jack jersey for my nephew. I'm thinking this is a safe choice, right? No dice. Good thing I waited. At least Steve Nash has been safe so far (that's the jersey I bought my other nephew this summer). All of the above is obviously my attempt at finding the humour in player trades because really, at the end of the day, it is all business. Something had to change with the Raptors and the move happened to fall on Jarrett Jack, Marcus Banks and David Anderson. Do we trust Brian Colangelo's decision to make this trade? We are going to have to whether the answer to this question is yes or no. I think Raptors fans have a special attachment to their team since they have personally invested their allegiance to the red and white through scoring slumps and lack of championships. You throw your support behind a team who lost their biggest star and made the decision cheer this team on and they lose another rising star. I am sure Jarrett Jack will be well received in the New Orleans Arena, along with Marcus Banks and David Anderson. I am also sure adding Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless to the Raptors' line-up will do more than add to this team's 'young core and increase this team's financial flexibility' as Brian Colangelo said on the viability of this trade. You have to believe it or else you will live with the unsettled feeling this team is rebuilding in what could be the last season until 2011-2012. Yes, an NBA lockout seems imminent. Let's talk about this, the Miami Heat and the safety of toddlers at professional basketball games.

A Looming Lockout

"I think it's highly probable that there will be a lockout and that's what I am preparing for because I don't see anything else right now" - NBA Player's Association Executive Director Billy Hunter on the probability of a lockout next year. What is he instructing his players to do? Save their money. I don't think with the salaries they earn they will end up on the streets or starve. Let's be realistic. The production staff, arena staff, those running concession stands are the ones who should be saving their money. These are the behind-the-scenes men and women who help put on the NBA show and this is their bread and butter. But Billy Hunter's job is to look out for NBA players' best interests and rightfully so. The league is asking for players to take a collective pay cut of $700-$800 million and wants a hard salary cap to replace the current one which allows for exceptions. However, the players are saying the current system works, evident in record revenue and ticket sales and strong TV ratings. The players also claim the total of negotiated salaries has dropped for three straight seasons. Both sides are claiming they want what is best for the game. Realistically though, if no movement is seen by either side come the playoffs, a lock-out is pretty much a done deal. Both Hunter and NBA Commissioner David Stern say they need to see something in the works by the All-Star break. However, at the rate they're going, they'll be swapping BBQ recipes instead of ideas.

More Heat in Miami

I feel very concerned for Miami Heat President Pat Riley. The coals on his coaching fire must be burning watching the drama unfold in front of him. On the other hand, talk about pressure for Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra. Think about it. You have the NBA coaching experience of Pat Riley looking over your shoulder and the 'three kings' trying to rally the troops in front of you. But his is where my sympathy ends. With 1:16 left in Monday night's game against Indiana, Dwayne Wade and LeBron James leaped for a defensive rebound. They missed and the ball went to Indiana. Not the kind of play you are looking for from a couple of guys who came out yelling and pumping their fists amidst fire works before the season started. This is how Coach Spoelstra explains it "Sometimes you have four or five games where nothing seems to go right". This is true. However, when the 'three kings' came out with guns blazing and in our face about being the best without even scoring a point yet, a 'things just aren't going right' explanation doesn't cut it. They got themselves into this mess and they need to dig their own way out.

A Toddler dies after falling at a Lakers game

This is truly a sad story and raises many questions. On Sunday night, the family of a two-year old boy was posing for pictures in a luxury suite at a Lakers home game. The parents allegedly paused to look at the photos snapped and two-year old Lucas Anthony Tang managed to climb over a clear safety barrier and fell about 30 feet to his death. I have been in a few luxury boxes in my time and most of them have a room for socializing and seats for watching the game - both of which are separated by a glass door which can be locked. So I am wondering how a two year-old manages to break free unnoticed and scales a safety barrier which is clearly bigger than he is. According to Michael Roth, owner of the Staples Center (home to both Lakers' and Clippers' games), the luxury boxes have tiers of seats. These seats are fronted by concrete walls and on top of these walls are glass barriers. He says the barriers vary in height but its lowest point sits about the the height of an adult's waist. Should there be an age or height requirement for these luxury boxes? Maybe. Should the parents have kept a closer eye on their child or even left them at home with a caregiver? Sure. Whatever mistakes were made though, it should not have been punctuated by a loss of life. Both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Staples Center are conducting their own investigation. Let's hope the Tang family can find some peace soon.

On this note, hug your niece, nephew, grandchildren or children a little tighter tonight - you just never know when tragedy will strike. See you on Thursday for "Behind Enemy Lines".

DNB Back From The Break

Raptors made it 4 in a row yesterday. It looked like they were on the way to another blowout win over Detroit. They would fade in the 3rd quarter but would not fold. The Piston did have a number of guys back for this 2nd game in Toronto. That along with being beat by 30, you had to expect the Pistons would have a better effort and they did. How far has Sonny Weems come by the way? Getting minutes in the late going of that game with the outcome still very much in doubt. If anyone said the best off-season move that Bryan Colangelo made was Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems for Roko Ukic and Carlos Delfino they likely would have been laughed at. But both Weems and Johnson have been key members of the Raptors bench. Johnson on more nights than not has been the energy guy off the bench battling hard on the glass and doing a solid job replacing Reggie Evans who still has yet to play a game.

Jarrett Jack meantime continues to build his case for not just being the starting point guard now but perhaps for good. He has been solid in replacing the injured Jose Calderon and looks like he has found his comfort level with this group. No one is quite sure when Calderon is expected to return but Jack has made it far less of a concern. Even Marcus Banks has been putting in solid minutes behind Jack. He still makes at least one or two dumb plays on offense a game. That being said his defense along with Jack has been a major upgrade from what we have seen from Jose Calderon in the past.

In fact as a team the defense overall is better. The Raptors magic number looks to be 100 and it has nothing to do with fans getting pizza. When the Raps hold teams under 100 they are a perfect 12-0 which is tops in the NBA. Since camp in Ottawa the focus and message from the Raptors has been all about defense. Despite some of the most horrible defensive efforts in team history this season. They do seem to have turned a corner so to speak. Granted they do have a softer schedule they are taking advantage of at present. However it is building some much needed confidence for this team on that end of the floor. Confidence in the system itself and in each other to be where they are suppose to be.

When you look at the standings when you consider all of the doom and gloom talk that has surrounded this team you have to be shocked that the Raptors sit 6th at 15-17. Part of that is just the lack of depth in the east in terms of talent. There is a clear divide from the top 4 in the East and everyone else. The Raptors have not done well against those top 4 with just a lone opening night win over Cleveland to show for there efforts vs these top 4. If you base things on this moment and time the Raptors would have little to no chance to advance in the Playoffs once they get there. However it is the end of December not the start of April so there is still lots of time and things do change.

The other thing of note is Hedo Turkoglu is starting to look better and his assist totals have been on the rise. He made a great feed to Sonny Weems for a slam dunk. Just one of the latest dimes he has been dropping. He is starting to score a little bit as well and is making key 3 pointers when the Raptors need them. Perhaps Hedo has finally turned the corner and is back to playing at level somewhere closer to what Bryan Colangelo had in mind when he signed him to his massive contract.

While I admit for me Hedo has been a massive disappointment things are getting better with him. I also admit that this team for all the grumbling and complaining is really about where I expected them to be when the schedule was released. I said the Raptors would be challenged to be at .500 by the end of the year. Well they will end up 3 games below or 1 game below depending on the result with the Bobcats. I will be heading down to Toronto for that one to cover it. Should be fun considering the Bobcats earlier in the year but the boots to the Raptors. Will see if Raps can return the favour. It is good to be back despite not feeling the greatest today. But overall I enjoyed taking a bit of a mini break. I really needed one. Still was working for Score in the time off though and what a mess that Indy game was yesterday. Whatever happened to YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME. Oh well Raptors are playing to win games and they have been successful the last 4 times.

Raptors Rewind- Cowboy Up Edition

Chris Bosh and the Dino Blogger are both smiling today because the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New Orleans Saints. The undefeated New Orleans Saints. How the Cowboys eventually won the game was on a defensive play by Ware. He less than a week earlier was taken off the field in a stretcher with an injury to his neck. The Hornets are far from undefeated (12-13) and in fact the Raptors have a win already over the Hornets. The lesson in what the Cowboys did was as good as their offense played for 3 quarters it was in the end the defense that secured the victory. The Raptors have struggled all year on defense and unlike in football, the guys on offense are the same on defense. But the lesson is clear as good as you can be on offense you need to have a defensive effort at the end of the day to win. Chris Paul is just as talented on a basketball floor as Drew Brees is on a football field. Paul is truly talented and is coming off one of his best games of this season. It will not be easy but the Raptors need to "Cowboy Up" and get a win.

1st Quarter

Raps win the tip and get a Bosh dunk that is a nice way to start. CP3 gets fouled by Bargs and makes a pair at the line. Demar Derozan scores and Hornets answer it was a nice start 4-4. Chris Bosh would get his second score to make it 8-6. Bargnani got a steal but Raps could not cash in and extend the lead. Later Jarrett Jack would though and draw the foul. Raps had no Jose again and Jack himself was sent home with a cold from practice yesterday. He would make the and 1 and Raptors lead 11-6 early. Hedo Turkoglu would add to that with a 3 pointer and Raps were on an 8-0 run. New Orleans take an early time out to try to get on the right track.

Hedo missed a lay-up then Devin Brown wen on a personal 5-0 run despite having a shot blocked by Chris Bosh. Bosh would drive and score plus the foul to put an end to that. He would miss the and 1 free throw and the Raptors would lead 16-11. Oakfor was fouled and missed both at the line score remains the same. Jack and Derozan get buckets and the lead was 20-13. David West would score and draw a foul that he would make Raptors still were up 4 points. Bosh jumper is good just like a Romo pass to Miles Austin. Bosh accurate like a Romo as well starting off 4 for 5 from the field. Marco Belinelli checks in and makes his first shot that is a good sign for him. Raptors building a nice lead with the score 24-17. A bad pass from Marco and Bosh is able to get it but eventual coughed it up and Hornets close gap to 24-20. Bosh on the next trip drives and draws a foul on David West his second. Bosh makes both at the line and Raptors are up 6. Hornets go to a small line-up as West checks out. Amir Johnson an ill advised shot and CP3 makes Raps pay at the other end. Paul would try to make them pay again with a 3 at the buzzer but it does not fall. Raptors lead 26-22 after 1.

2nd Quarter

Both teams misfire to start. Marcus Banks a drive and score nice. His D on the other end was not there as CP3 with the easy score in transition. Paul would come up gimpy after that and went to the bench right away. Peja a miss but rebounds it and he scores and the Raptors lead 29-26. Hedo the pull up jumper and he nails it. Andrea Bargnani with the score and Raptors lead was 33-28. It would be nice if Raps could build a lead with Paul out. But the opposite was happening as Raps had let the Hornets close to within one with the score 33-32. Hornets make a 3 out of the time out and take the lead as we get word Paul will not play the rest of the half. Hedo Turkoglu a much needed 3 point answer and Raps back in front. A Bargnani slam and Raps lead was back to 3 and the starters were back in and trying to take advantage.

But the Hornets continues to scrap and were being successful and re-took the lead 41-38. Jack tried to tie it up but missed fired Bosh could not get the rebound. Chris Paul was checking back in trying to gut it out and his team had built a lead in his absence. Raptors offense had got very sloppy and they were making turnovers and had fallen into a slump. Hornets lead was at 5 until Sonny Weems finally had a score and they go inside to Bosh and score again to cut the lead to just 1. the burst of offense continued with a score inside from Bargnani and Raptors back on top 44-43. New Orleans were working the offensive glass as Okafor got their 10th offensive board and scored. Bosh would respond on the other end and score plus a foul to get the Raps back on top. Bosh would make the free throw after a time out and he had 15 points and 7 rebounds. Nice pass by Hedo inside to Amir Johnson and the Raptors had a 49-45. Hornets miss and Jack pushes it and scores in transition. Oddly enough Raps were playing better with CP3 on the floor than off it. West would get a basket to cut the lead to 4 before the halftime buzzer. Raptors take a 51-47 lead into the halftime break.

3rd Quarter.

It was far from a perfect half from the Raptors but they had a lead and closed the first half well. Chris Paul remains in their and it seems clear not at 100%. But David West would get a score on the opening possession and cut Raps slim lead in half. He would score again and the lead was gone tied at 51. A Hedo steal and uncontested score would give the lead back to the Raps. Jack would score as well driving to the hoop with no one getting in his way restoring the 4 point halftime lead at 55-51. Hornets call a time out and you have to wonder if Paul could remain in there and help his team more than hurt them. Raptors were doing a decent job at times of going inside and punishing the Hornets. Paul at full strength is one of the league's best defenders but with his ankle issues it may not be possible.

Raptors would score again out of time out and build the lead to 6. The Hornets would respond with 4 straight until Bosh would drive to the basket for a slam. CP3 would find a way to score and a turnover and another score and we were even at 59. Andrea Bargnani hits a timely 3 pointer to give the Raptors the lead back. Andrea had just 9 points on the day. However Peja would answer the 3 with one of his own and we were tied at 62. This was shaping up to be a dog fight with teams tied up at 64. Okafor a score plus a foul and Hornet back on top with a 3 point advantage. Bargnani scores then a DeRozan slam off the break and Raps lead 68-67. DeRozan the next trip took a jumper likely not the right idea. He would recover after Hornets took the lead briefly as he drove and scored. Raptors hanging on with a 70-69 lead. DeRozan was giving the Raps some life and was on a scoring spurt. Raptors riding it to a 74-69 lead. It was a game effort being put in by Chris Paul but if I was a Hornet fan(I use to be one) I would be concerned if he was helping or hurting the overall effort at this point. It's clear to everyone including the Raptors that he is not at 100%. Weems and DeRozan all kinds of hustle but no finish as Raps tried to extend the lead. Weems would finally find the basket taking it to the hoop and the lead was 7. Weems and Demar DeRozan get full marks for hustle and effort to close the 3rd and Raptors benefit with a 76-69 lead.

4th Quarter.

Raptors holding the Hornets just under 40% on the day which is good. Marcus Banks starts the 4th with a turnover which takes away from what has been a decent effort by him in limited minutes. However Raps get a turnover right back and Banks makes up for it with a score. Bosh a nice move on the baseline to draw a foul and head to the line for 2. He would make both and Raptors had largest lead of the day at 9 leading 80-71. Some sloppy play and Hornets run off 2 straight scores. A Paul miss with some decent D from Banks and an Amir Johnson score and the lead back to 7 with Raps leading 82-75.

Paul has checked out with 8:30 to play and that might be the last we see of him today. Hornets score on first possession without him. Banks continues to bring it on both ends with a score on the O and good D leading to a failed trip for the Hornets on the other end. Bosh a score, he has 21 and Raptors have their largest lead of day again at 9 with the score 86-77. Bosh takes a break out of time out. Amir Johnson gets on the floor and gets dirty earning the tie up for the jump ball. He wins the tip and the FREE AMIR movement is loving it!!! The Raps were hustling and battling and this is what fans have been dying to see.

Chris Paul does return but he really is labouring in this one. Banks a wide open 3 and missed it. This is why I struggle to give this guy credit. Raps gave up 4 straight and we have a time out with Jack and Bosh the Georgia Tech crew set to check back in. They were needed as the reserves were out of gas. It was 86-81 Raptors and they real need to close this one out as they have played hard and earned the right to be in the winner's circle. Bosh missed a dunk but Bargnani got a steal on the other end. Only to have Chris Bosh fumble it out of bounds. Hornets take advantage and score and the lead had slipped to 3. Bargnani stepping up in crunch time with a key bucket for 2. However Hornets get an easy score on other end. Bosh redeems himself for a few mistakes since checking back in with dunk. Raptors get a block from Bargnani with nice help defense. The killer B's were working off each other pretty well.

The lead would build back to 7 points but Hornets just refused to go away as a Paul steal his first of the game would lead to Hornets getting to the line with a chance to cut lead back to 3 which they do. Jack a miss and Raptors were hanging on just barely with 1:20 to go. Bargnani picked up foul number 5 sending Okafor to the line. He made the first and missed the second. Hornets ended up with it and had a chance to tie. Raptors fortunately get a loose ball foul send Hedo to the line. Hedo made both and that was key making it a two possession game with the score 94-90. Paul fouled with 1:05 to play and he makes both at the line. Open 3 for Bargnani does not fall but Chris Bosh on the offensive glass gets rebound number 11 and turns it into 2 points. Raptors again up 4 points and both teams fighting hard for a W. Bosh with a block on Chris Paul leading to him traveling and a huge turnover late. Hornets are forced to foul. Weems to the line and he missed his first but makes the second and Raps lead 97-92. Brown takes a 3 and Amir Johnson is there to rebound the miss he is fouled right away with 32 seconds to play. Amir goes 1 for 2 and the lead is 6. Posey a miss from 3 and that will do it...Raps win 98-92.

This was a game where the Raptors played how the fans want and expect this team to play. It was a solid victory. A nice early Christmas present for Raptor fans. They have truly earned it this season. Raptors had 3 Raptors with double figures in rebounds for the first time this season.

Raptors Rewind- No Win Situation

Leading up to this one I had said it real is a no win situation for the Raptors. If they win tonight by 30 it will be a case of so what. After all the Nets are 2-24 and have lost their last 5 basketball games. If they happen to lose a Raptor fan base on the brink of total meltdown will go mental. It really is a tough spot to be in for the Raptors. However given how things have been of late I don't think they will care. Just get a win over anyone at this point will be a positive. A couple other positives as well. Prior to this game Reggie Evans was seen on the floor taking some shots. We can only hope that means a Reggie return may be coming soon. Also the Raps are busting out the Huskies uniforms and the Huskies are 1-0 this season. Hey when things are not going well I am willing to take any positive I can get. So if you are afraid close your eyes cause this one is about to start. Raptors will try to avoid what for fans would be a Doomsday like scenario with a loss to the Nets.

1st Quarter

Quick basket from Hedo to start things in a very empty ACC. This is odd with no V.C. Jack to Bosh for another score and Raps get a 4-0 jump start. Nets would score but then Hedo would find a cutting Demar Derozan who would throw it down and draw the foul. The Raps would jump out to a 9-2 lead and look very impressive doing it. The good play would continue as Bosh would get to the line and make a couple free throws as he gets closer to becoming the all-time leader in franchise scoring. Raptors were looking good ahead 15-6.

Even Andrea Bargnani was on target hitting a 3 ball and the Raps lead 18-8 and for those who care the silly 3 point streak marches on. Nets were making sloppy turnovers as we are learning just why this team was 0-18 an NBA record for the worst start ever in NBA history. Bargnani with another 3 and Raps were more than doubling the Nets 26-12. A steal and a Sonny Weems throw down would make it 28-12. Derozan had the dime on the dunk and later Sonny would return the favour. It was a dunkathon at the ACC and Amir Johnson would get in on the act as well Raptors were crushing the Nets and having fun for first time in awhile. Raptors had 18 points in the pain part of the 34-12 lead they had built. Can you believe folks were worried about this game(Myself included) it seems it was not necessary...Raptors leading 37-15 with 11 assists on those 37 points. Weems put back and Raptors lead 39-15 after 1.

2nd Quarter

Marcus Banks makes a 3 pointer to make it 42-17 yeah this game is done. He hit another 3 and it is 47-17 this is unreal. This was getting so bad some people were tweeting they felt bad for the Nets. Screw that I say as Hedo hits a shot in the lane and Raptors lead 51-19. Honestly the Nets are just a terrible basketball team and the Raptors were playing at a very HIGH level. It was nice to see the Raptors not worry about what was in front of them and just play hard and not let up.

Raptors got a CB4 put back jam and the lead was 57-26 and we still had just under 4 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter. It was the Raptor putting up 60 as Hedo hit a 3 pointer and it was 60-26. The beat down was in full effect and I really don't have much to say about it. Raptors were rolling and took a 70-33 lead at the half. Nets had 16 turnovers at the half leading to 22 of that massive Raptors halftime total.

3rd Quarter

Hedo would hit a 3 to start the second and Demar would swat a Lee shot but it would get ruled goaltending. Don't care though I love the message it sends as Raps lead 73-41. Raptors had actually taken the foot off the gas pedal on the defensive end a bit. But a Bargs slam might get them going again as the lead was back to 30 at 75-45. This was like many nights this season the one difference is the Raptors were handing out the embarrassment for a change.

Raptors really had kind of lost that killer edge in the 3rd quarter but the being said they were still up 83-54. The game as a whole seemed to just be in slow motion for both teams at times. A real summer league feel to the second half for both sides. The Nets have improved and quit the turnovers for the most part but far to late for the them. Jack was looking fantastic tonight and hooked up Amir Johnson with a dunk and Raptors lead 94-60 after 3.

4th Quarter

Sonny Weems had a dunk fans had Pizza and it was 100-62 to we need to say anything else about this one? Banks hits a jumper and the lead was 40.....108-68 this was a throw down a show down hell no I can't slow down....Raps reserves were still keeping up the beat down. About the only down point on the night is Marco Belinelli continued to struggle and this was a night he could have shook off his slump. and even though I give him verbal beatings on him on Twitter. Marcus Banks had double digits points. He hit a 3 as I was typing that and he has 15. The score is 116-95 Raps. The final score would end up 118-95. Amir Johnson was big with 18 points 2 away from his career high of 20 with the Pistons.

I admit watching this was a lot of fun. In the light of day tomorrow I will come to grips with this was just a win over a team the Raptors should beat everyday of the week and twice on Sunday but for now I will enjoy this one. Raptors move up to 12-17 and hopefully the Raptors can carry some of this over to the game vs the Hornets on Sunday. Raptors had 7 players in double figures on the night. I did say at the start of this it was a no win situation for the Raptors but maybe that was unfair. It is clear this team was able to enjoy a win together as a team and maybe that is a win. Will see on Sunday.

A Game On T.V That Everyone Can See...What A Concept.

Wow a game on T.V that is a real break through in this modern world we live in. The Raptors will have a home and home showdown with the New York Knicks. You will be able to watch both games on T.V as well that is truly thrilling is it not? Seriously it is pathetic how basketball fans have been treated this year. I have talked about it for a long time. The product on the floor this season has been bad but this cable war has made it even worse. I do not want to hear one person complain about ratings for basketball for the next 2 years at least. That is how long it is going to take to repair the damage that has been done by this mess. If you can fix it at this point. That is just a guess but T.V people complain about ratings but you have no base to do that for the next little while after you have insulted fans of the sport. I have said it all when it comes to this topic. It is not about who is to blame anymore. Wake up at MLSE and see what this is doing to your fan base. You need to do something to erase this ugly chapter in the broadcast history of this team. It is the insult to the injury of what has been a hard season.

Knicks Are On Right Path

No more Thomas and a clear direction, and play in New York, has lead to a thing that had been long lost for Knick fans.... HOPE and it has nothing to do with Obama. I questioned if Mike D'Antoni could bring his system to New York and make it work. Well so far so good and the Knicks are doing a solid job leaving the Thomas Era in the rear view mirror. Donnie Walsh was able to unload more of the bad of Thomas yesterday and brings back a solid guy in Chris Wilcox. He was going to be a Hornet but winds up a Knick. Even if they do not get that Lebron James guy in 2010 the Knicks are heading in right direction regardless of that. The days of Knicks getting attention because of Spike Lee and short guy stealing dunk contests are coming to an end. Nate can take his little green ball and dribble it on the bench or elsewhere cause change is coming to the Knicks and his little side show is no longer required. Spike Lee can stay because for a fan to have stayed loyal through all of this he deserves too.

In fact Knick fans are almost like Leaf fans in thinking the team has done to well this season. In that race for 8th of teams that are clearly flawed why not the New York Knicks? It sure seems a lot more realistic to me than the Raptors. If the Raptors want to change my mind, if that is possible at this point, it would take a convincing sweep of the Knicks to even make me consider. Chris Bosh is coming back for this series and even he understands that the slim hope the Raptors still hold for playoffs requires him to be out there. That is why I stick behind Chris Bosh while everyone is trying to run the guy out of town. I have had many conversations about Bosh with folks. Some think he can't be a player that can be a franchise guy. They are convinced he is leaving in 2010. I have been of the opinion that he has been loyal to this franchise he has busted his butt and given a lot to this team through tough times. I respect that. So if that means I have to be the last one on this train so be it. I was last one off the T.J Ford train and many out there said Jose would replace T.J it would be easy for him and he was going to be an all star. How is that working out for you? Not so hot right? I find it funny that so many folks have shifted over to my side of things. I was the guy saying all this last year. So forgive me if I don't welcome you all with open arms. But the addition of Shawn Marion will force Jose to become more aggressive on offense. If it doesn't really what is the point of all this talk of running. He even said he needed to improve his defense. The newsflash will be if he actually can.

Bosh meet the NYC Media

It will be interesting to see how Bosh handles the 2010 question that you know will come from the New York media win or lose. I would be shocked if Bosh did anything but what he has done all along which is take the high road on the issue. I know this Raptors media relations Guy Jim LaBumbard won't have him sitting behind a Knick back drop like Lebron did earlier in the year. Leave that for someone to photo shop it. The reality of an image like that is not a good thing. This will be the first meeting between the Knicks and Raptors as crazy as that seems at this point in the season.

Bosh and Marion Combo

It will be interesting to see if Bosh and Marion can have a better on court relationship than that of Bosh and O'Neal. The bar is pretty low in that regard. It just never seemed to gel with O'Neal and Bosh. It felt like an arranged marriage that both parties tried to make work but just could not. Marion may offer a better option for Bosh. However it is likely all for not. The chances this is anything but a spring fling are great indeed. I am not convinced that Marion will remain in Toronto beyond April 15th. However if some kind of amazing duo were to emerge from all of this it would be something that Raptors would have to consider. The question really is ultimately is would Marion? Seems highly doubtful and I don't think the Raptors can afford to over pay for Shawn Marion.

But let's not put the cart before the horse and see what we have with this combination. I did like that Marion was talking about the lack of communication on defense. That is something that the Raptors need to improve on. Talking on defense and making that talk result in action. Marcus Banks wants to be useful on this team and get minutes all he needs to do is play defense. That would be something this Raptor team could use badly. It is no secret that Jose Calderon is not getting it done. Roko Ukic could turn into a decent to good defender. In between that time there is a role that Will Solomon was suppose to fill that is open for Banks. Solomon was suppose to be a guy that could play some defense and score the basketball. He did little of that here. Good luck to the Kings with him doing it for them. Patrick O'Bryant comes to the Raptors and he is another 7 footer. He feel out of favour in Golden State and spent time in Bakersfield with the Jam of the D-League. He signed with Boston and has had little time on the floor with them. He will be another option the Raptors can try to use in the front court. Play defense, rebound and know your role and it might work out for O'Bryant. But let's be clear I am not holding my breath.

Jay Triano Is Doing A Good Job?

I have heard this said by a number of folks that I respect and I am confused. What has Jay done that has been so great? I mean no offense by that truly. I wanted Jay to be successful just as much as anyone. Bryan Colangelo has been full of praise for his choice to take over for Sam Mitchell. So what has he done other than shown us that Joey Graham is a capable player when nothing is on the line. He is given credit for Bargnani and his improvement. However is that not more a product of the work he put in during the off-season? He has been better but has shown slippage of late. Maybe I am just not as advanced as these people to see it. However to me it just seem that it is more of the same and refs not making calls is not the problem with all due respect. The problem is that Jay Triano is not a new voice. There is nothing he can do about that. However I think this team needs a new voice in the room. I think they need it in a coach and on the roster as well. The Raptors need someone to shake this whole thing up. Mitchell pushed this team and demanded more. Not saying that firing Sam was wrong. I think that he was still pushing but no one was listening anymore and that is a death sentence for a coach. However it was the right message. This Raptor team needs some tough love. It is clear they have been to willing to accept defeat and make excuses as a group. I am not pointing the finger at any individual for that but it seems clear to me. Give me an Eddie Jordan that did the impossible with a team that suffered injuries and battled through and until this season Jordan was able to make it work some how.

Sam Mitchell never let this team use injuries as an excuse and I think Eddie Jordan is of that same school. He may not be the favourite pick for many for this job. In fact he may not be on many lists out there. However he is at the top of mine. I would have Jeff Van Gundy in the mix as well but for now I think he enjoys his role on T.V. Jay Triano may in fact have the skill and ability to be an NBA head coach. I just have a hard time thinking it can be here with the Raptors unless you do a total house cleaning. I guess that is possible. But if the core remains Jay has to go in my opinion.

Names Change Results The Same

Toronto Raptors have shuffled the deck, but let's face it the first test was a tough one. When you add the fact no Chris Bosh in the line-up and it was an expected result last night. Big Z was a big factor with no Bosh and Cavs successfully attacked Andrea Bargnani early and getting him into foul trouble. Jay Triano showed his frustration and got ejected from this basketball game. But this had nothing to do with not getting calls and everything to do with the Cavs are just miles ahead of the Toronto Raptors even with Chris Bosh that can be said. No Chris and it is no contest and it wasn't. That is the Coles notes version. I will make some actual game notes below.

Raps and Cavs Game Notes:

1st Quarter:

• Cavs first possession right at Andrea and Big Z draws foul
• Bargnani nice drive and score.
• Marion gets a turn around posting up in the lane
• Bargnani another drive with reverse lay up
• Shawn Marion rebound and long hook up for AP, Nice play
• Cavs right back at Andrea and he has 2 early and sits.
• Raps looking to push it lead 14-8 at this point.
• Calderon drive and score
• King James 0-4 start.
  
• Marion a drive and score Raptors having a great start.
• Mo Williams makes a 3 pointer and leakage starting to show.
• LBJ with his first score from field.
• A rare Jake Voskhul basket.
• LBJ block on Jose and it was pretty Calderon never saw him coming.
• Cavs D is picking up and so is the offense and Cavs lead 22-21.
• So despite a solid effort Raps down 1 after 1 with Cavs up 24-23

2nd Quarter

• Jason Kapono missed much like he did in 3 point shoot out.
• Cavs score first possession
• Marion another rebound doing solid job getting on glass.
• Wally World with a long 2
• Shawn Marion 3-3 as he hits the leaner.
• Kapono drive and makes the runner. Raps lead 29-28.
• Bargnani with 2 fouls can do nothing to stop Big Z.
• Kapono makes a 3 pointer after a Marion miss from 3.
• Parker the drive and was fouled. makes 2 at line Raps up 34-32
  
• Big Z makes a mid-range jumper to tie it.
• Marion nice D as he stops Hickson.
• Mo Williams from top of the key with solid jumper.
• Bargnani the drive and score.
• Open look for 3 doesn't wall for Cavs. Raps turn it over
• Mo Williams another jumper.
• James content to be creator sets up Wally Z with a bucket.
• Nathan Jawai getting some early burn with Bargnani having 2 fouls.
• Predictable that Big Z would get a look as Jawai got caught helping.
• Jose Claderon dials up a jumper
• Raps trail 47-41 at the half

3rd Quarter

• Parker turnover to start the 3rd
• Cavs again start going right to Big Z on Bargnani and he scores
• Graham scores and has 9 in the game.
• Big Z continues a nice inside/outside game making mid range jumper
• Joey G back to back baskets.
• Raps turnover as Joey G called for foul on offensive end
• Big Z with sweet feed to James for the jam
• Bargnani drive and Big Z challenges shot and Bargnani had no answer and air balled it
• Parker settles for a jumper that does not fall
• Big Z wide open as defense surrounded Lebron. Z man make corner jumper
• Cleveland challenging everything and Raps frustrated and looking for help from Refs
• James a score with MVP like ease
• Bargnani makes a much needed 3 pointer with Raptor offense labouring
• Jose Calderon gets lucky as his jumper has a Nascar race around the hoop before it falls.
• Marion missed a runner.
• Raptor have a turnover and James picking it up scoring wise with another basket.
• Gibson on the deck for Cavs he fell strange on D.
• Banks checks in and Lebron welcomes him with a post up and score.
• Banks hooks up his Miami team mate with a score.
• Banks out there in 2 point guard set with Ukic
• Cavs could be up by more as they have had several open looks from 3. But they were still up 15.
• Shot of Colangelo tells the story, not happy and with good reason Raps were down 15 after 3.

4th Quarter

• Lebron catching a break to start the 4
• Big Z on Bargnani again but missed turnaround
• Banks in the books with a jumper.
• AP makes a long 2 pointer.
• Hickson makes a foul line jumper.
• Wide open 3 pointer and the Cavs make this one.
• Joey G fans will be happy to learn Joey has 15 to lead the Raps. But as I always say check the scoreboard.
• Banks creates a steal but Raps fail to make points out of it missing a 3.
• Lebron James helping out Jack and Matt telling Hickson to move so they can promote Bosh Bobblehead night against Minnesota.
• AP scores and Cleveland answers
• Jay Triano blows up and had seen enough of his team and the Refs, He is gone.
• James give you a preview of next year's dunk contest on the break. That was a 7 at best.
• Nathan Jawai is back in game. Banks and Marion in late as well being allowed to get some burn.
  
• Shawn Marion makes a new friend on his new team hooking up Nathan Jawai for his first NBA basket.
• That is it Cavs win it easy with a 93-76 win

So that was last night and Raps will now face a very key back to back with the Knicks if you still hold any hope for the Playoffs. Prior to that we will find out today if Colangelo has anything left in his bag of tricks to re-tool this roster. Trade Deadline day is here. I will be keeping my eye on things and will check in if something breaks during the day.

Round Ball Review Hits The Streets

Another tough loss today. The chances of a deal for Jermaine O'Neal indeed seem to true. It is the talk of Raptorland. So J.B and Joey were sent out to the streets to get some fan reaction to the news. Here is a look at how they made out:




Don't forget the Raptors have an early tip tomorrow as it is MLK day in the United States tomorrow a holiday for our friends south of the border. They will tip it up in the ATL at 2pm and that game can be seen on The Score.