Starting 5 with TNT and Raptors Broadcaster Matt Devlin

Matt Devlin made the playoffs even if the Raptors didn't. He worked for TNT and covered the post season for the first 2 rounds for them. We talk about the playoffs some. But we also talk about free agency and Bosh, James and Wade. In addition some conversation on the future of the Raptors "Young Guns". Matt offers his takes on all of these topics and his surprises from the post season. It is always great talking with Matt and we have a lot of fun. Matt now gets to enjoy some time with his family after the long grind of another NBA season. That being said it could be a long and busy off-season for all as this free agency season and draft before that plays out. Matt comments on the challenge that lies ahead for Bryan Colangelo. It was a very interesting conversation and it has always been fun talking with Matt for the past 2 years with him. He did a great job for TNT in the playoffs and that speaks to how respected he is beyond Toronto. So have a listen as Matt and myself talk some ball.

Matt Devlin In Starting 5

DNB Productions

Thanks as always to Matt for his time and as we mentioned at the end the Raptors draft future will be decided along with the other non-playoff teams tomorrow night with the New Jersey Nets with the best odds of winning. John Wall, Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins are the top 3 prospects for a lot of folks.

Raptor Mouring Process

It is slowly starting to sink in that another season is over. I know it has been a while since the Raptor Season has been done. But you can stay busy for awhile with lots to do looking back on the season. I eventually will get around to doing the grades that people seem to all do at both Mid-Season and Post Season. Honestly what is the rush though not like anything is going to change. The NBA playoffs have not been as interesting as I might have hoped. Especially in the Eastern Conference. None of those teams the Raptors were battling to get in the post season are exactly setting the world on fire are they? Bulls, Bobcats, Bucks and Heat are all without a win in their respective series. The most disappointing of those is Miami which has been a epic failure to this point. The Bucks you wonder if they could have done something if not for Andrew Bogut's terrible injury. While the Bobcats and Bulls are quite simply outclassed by Orlando and Cleveland.

The West has offered a much different story with a bunch of series tied at 1. While OKC has put in a good effort despite being down 2-0 to the Lakers. The one thing that does seem clear for me thought is Cleveland seems like the team that looks the best and could be on the way to a title. Orlando should be the one road block to that path to the finals.

In terms of the Raptors there is not much going on now that we have heard from all the major players, the Coach and Colangelo. You can bet the phones are being worked though as Colangelo pointing out the Raptors can make moves with any team that like the Raptors has their season concluded. There is also a draft to prepare for. The Raptors unless they get some serious luck will have a very late lottery pick. Eventually will get to looking at their options for that pick.

I guess it has just reached the point of acceptance that this season is over and done. I have talked with a few folks about the season both interviewing others and getting interviewed myself. Really it has all come to an end and nothing can be done about it. I had said that this season was not going to be defined by anything other than if the Raptors were in a position to re-sign Chris Bosh. Based on all that has gone on it would appear that is not the case. As everyday passes it becomes more clear that Bosh's future is likely elsewhere. Which for me, I personally find sad. I have no evidence for you to support this. However, it has always been my belief that Bosh was wanting the Raptors to give him some reason to believe and to stay. Clearly that hasn't happened.

That is what makes this season a failure and if things to do not go well in this process of Bosh making his exit it could be much more than a season. Bryan Colangelo has the job of his life, if he hopes to keep the Raptors competitive, on the other side of watching it's franchise player leave again.

It is going to be a long and what could be painful summer. However in terms of today, I just feel that I have to take a breath, accept things and move on. Sounds easy enough to do. But the truth is when you do care about the team that you cover it can be painful process. No matter how things go for me moving forward I will always remain a fan. People in the media have always told me this is not possible. However, I refuse to trade in my joy, pain and passion of being a fan. I can still be objective and do my job without having to give that away. Just some days the fan part of me is made very sad by the professional in me.

Tomorrow will be a new day but not necessarily a better one. However you keep doing this or being a fan for the hope that a better day will come. That hope in that day coming may take some major damage this summer.

I will be live blogging for The Score tonight as I am doing the Blazers and Suns. Least I can cheer for Canada's greatest baller that will put a smile on my face hopefully.

On Second Thought Good Luck Chicago You'll Need It

I was among the folks that wanted to see the Raptors make the post season. That didn't happen of course and the Raptors now have a first round draft pick. After watching Cleveland pretty much put the boots to Chicago, still looking like they were not at 100% was scary. Does anyone think the Raptors would have done any better yesterday? Not really. So that being said I will be happy with the draft choice and look forward to have a seat in the draft lottery. Chicago may not win a game in this series. Cavs look like a team on a mission and I am glad I picked them in pre-season to win the NBA Title. Here is a look back to day 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

Playoffs Re-Cap- Day 1

Cavs 97 Chicago 83

Cavs had an offensive drought and that is the only reason the Cavs didn't win this game by 20 +. A ho hum 24 from Lebron James. It is only going to get better for the Cavs and worst for the Bulls. Cleveland I called to win this series in 5. I have no idea how Chicago can win a game in this series. If I had it to redo I would call the sweep which Anas did in out playoff preview.

Atlanta 102 Bucks 92

Brandon Jennings was fantastic and yet it still wasn't enough. The Hawks have experience and poise now in the playoffs and they can display it against the in-experienced Bucks. I still think some how some way the Bucks will eek out a win. But this series will be Atlanta's and it won't take long.

Boston 85 Miami 76

This was by far the game of day 1. The Heat lead most of the way. Until the Celtics would awakened and took over. The Celtics played perhaps the best defense they had in months. The made D-Wade into the invisible man. Then near the end we had a fight with K.G in the middle and he would be kicked out of this one. Will he be in for game 2? Might need to hear from the league on that. Now I took Heat in 5. But that went out the window. Heat are not beating Boston 4 straight. They also have allowed themselves to get into the Celtics kind of game. Fights, smack talk and defense that all is how Celtics like to play. Heat now have a fight on their hands.

Denver 126 Utah 113

Didn't these teams get the memo about the playoffs are about defense? Maybe it is the thin air in Denver. Someone mentioned in our preview the Jazz had no one to check Mello. Well give that person a gold star as Carmelo Anthony went off for 42 points. Yes that is a career playoff high. More important think we got our answer if Denver is under pressure or inspired by George Karl. The answer is clearly inspired.

K.D vs Kobe today that should be fun. I am also going to be doing the Mavs and Spurs for The Score on the live blogs so join me at 8pm for some playoff fun. In addition don't feel to bad the Raptors are not there by watching the Cavs yesterday it is clear it would have been a short trip.

DNB's Playoff Preview And Award Winners

This is the first playoffs we have had a Staff here at the Dino Nation Blog. So we all chime in on who we think will win in the Playoffs. In my pre-season preview I said it would end up with Cavs over Lakers. Last season I was one of very few that can say I called the Finals in the pre-season as the Magic did in fact lose to the Lakers. So we have 8 series as well as NBA Awards picks to get to so let's get started.

Eastern Conference- (1)Cleveland vs (8)Chicago

Picks: (Anas) Cavs in 4 (Danielle) Cavs in 5 (James) Cavs in 5

We all agree that Cavs are moving on and it won't take long. Anas even getting out the broom for the Bulls. For each series will give you some Keys to the series, X-Factors and a reason to believe for the team we don't pick. Well at least we try.

X-Factor- The Cavs have been resting and the Bulls have been fighting till the final day to hold off the Raptors. Will Cleveland be rusty and cough up a game to the Bulls? Possible. Will the Bulls win this series? Not possible.

If The Bulls Shock the World How Do They Do It- Play like you don't care what happen- the under dog likes to play this way to win- No Pressure-(Danielle) Also the Bulls have experience of taking the Celtics to the limit last year. At least they have been in this spot before, to add on to Danielle's point of nothing to lose. That may not be the case for Bulls Coach Vinny Del Negro thought.

(2)Orlando vs (7)Charlotte

Picks : (Anas) Magic in 6 (Danielle) Magic in 5 (James) Magic in 6

The Magic have a roster that might just be able to upset the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Bobcats are a hungry team that are coached by the war-tested Larry Brown. This could be over in five but I think the Cats claw their way to a couple of wins-(Anas) For whatever reason the Magic have had trouble over the years with less talented Bobcat teams then this one. Charlotte has not been buzzing this much since the Hornets 1st trip to playoffs. Look for a retro experience like the old days of the hive.

X-Factors

- Vince Carter (Magic), Stopping D12 (Bobcats) -(Anas)

How do Bobcats do the unthinkable?- Capitalize on the juice between Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace. - (Danielle) In addition to that play superior perimeter defense and take away the Magic's best weapon beyond Dwight Howard the 3-Ball.

(3) Atlanta vs (6) Milwaukee

Picks- (Anas) Hawks in 5 (Danielle) Hawks in 6 (James) Hawks in 5

Brandon Jennings, he could throw the game in the Bucks favour if he shows he’s ready to play the big game.- (Danielle) But that being said the Hawks are a group that have been to players for several seasons in a row as a group. They have the experience the Bucks don't have. Not to mention without Bogut, Hawks have a huge advantage inside. Sorry Milwaukee none of us here, Fear The Deer!!!

X-Factors

: Guard play must be superior for the Bucks to have a shot.-(Anas) Also for the Bucks they can not allow the Hawks to to score in transition so keeping turnovers to a minimum a must.

What will make us Fear The Deer?

- Play hard and consistent without Bogut. Count on Jerry Stackhouse to provide the experience and insight into both the playoffs and Hawks. -(Danielle) Like I said as well take care of the basketball. But in the end this was a great match-up with Bogut. Without him it presents all kinds of issues for the Bucks including rebounding.

(4) Boston vs (5) Miami

Picks- (Anas) Heat in 7 (Danielle) Celtics in 7 (James) Heat in 5

First series we have some disagreement on. So here is Anas likes the Heat and Danielle the Celtics.

Miami heads into the playoffs winners of nine of their last ten. The Celtics’ run is done and D. Wade will pull this one out for his team- (Anas) Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo - they will want to play from the inside out since they have been inconsistent offensively -(Danielle) For my 2 cents Boston has been terrible down the stretch and I have 0 confidence in them. Maybe I am bitter they didn't help the Raptors. Not really why I am picking them to not only lose but get embarrassed in doing so.

X Factor

- Simple- Celtic Pride and is there any?

For Miami to Win

- Wade needs to have a spectacular series. Anas had mentioned Micheal Beasley as an X-Factor option. He along with a few others need to step up and help carry the offensive load.

For Boston

- Rondo needs to play out of his mind and it will be interesting to see how Miami looks to defend him. Rondo has not looked good of late and in this aging version of the Celtics they go as Rondo goes. Short of K.G, Ray Allen and Pierce finding the fountain of youth this will not change.

Western Conference- (1) Lakers vs (8) Thunder

Picks (Anas) Lakers in 6 (Danielle) Lakers in 6 (James) Lakers in 6

Well there you have it Lakers in 6. Good night everyone tip your waitress. Just kidding but we all see this one the same. Anas does a good job of summing this one up.

The Thunder may be young and thin upfront, but Kevin Durant is the best scorer in the NBA. With that said, I don’t doubt for a second that the Lakers will win this series.-(Anas)

X-Factors

- Thunder- Experience = 0, Lakers- Kobe's Health

How could Thunder Roll and SHOCK the CHAMPS and the NBA?

- Push the tempo and control flow of the game. Play relaxed since they are not expected to do anything against the Lakers - getting LA’s defense into foul trouble wouldn’t hurt either.-(Danielle) Only one point to add to the great points made by Danielle. Be Physical especially with Kobe. OKC needs to come out swinging almost literally if they want to take out the Champs.

(2) Mavericks vs (7) Spurs

Picks (Anas) Dallas in 7 (Danielle) Dallas in 6 (James) Dallas in 7

Was Anas looking at my test answers? We seem to agree on a lot. But what we all agree on it this will be a long series. But why? It is 2 vs 7 and the Spurs are old and have best days behind them right? True perhaps but Dallas since being 2 wins from an NBA title have never been the same in the playoffs. Maybe that is why Mark Cuban's team was active at the deadline getting some pieces from the Wizards. Arenas and his jokes with guns have helped 2 teams in their playoffs. The Cavs with Jamison and these Mavericks. Least Mark Cuban hopes so.

X-Factors

- Danielle and Anas both say Manu. I will add the devil you know. These two are in state rivals and no doubt Dallas is just a tad envious of the Spurs success. Motivation to send them packing? Will see. On the other side do the Spurs fear the Mavs at all? Probably not.

How Spurs win?

- Parker out plays Kidd by a wide Margin. Yeah I agree Manu needs to be large. Along with help for Tim Duncan inside. Maybe David Robinson can come out of retirement? If not Bonner and the other so called post people need to step up. Also landing the first punch would be huge. If the Spurs can get a lead in this series doubt will creep in for Dirk and his Mavs.

(3) Suns vs (6) Portland

Picks (Anas) Suns in 5 (Danielle) Suns in 6 (James) Suns in 5

3 Canadians all picking the Suns and Steve Nash....Shocking I know. But in order to go against Canada's greatest baller Portland has to at least have a healthy Brandon Roy and they don't. Danielle looks to Nash and Stoudemire to be key. Nash and Stoudemire being strong. Nash is the conductor of the game and they need to take control early.-(Danielle) Amare has been one of the best players in the league coming down the stretch. Will this be his last ride with the Suns? That is a question for July. The Question here is will he advance with Nash and the answer is yes.

X-Factor

- Again Danielle and Anas agree on Marcus Camby as an X-Factor. I say forget Camby Roy isn't health, even Camby of 10 years ago isn't helping the Blazers.

How Can Blazers Win?

- Keep up their “don’t give up” attitude. They lost Oden and Przybilla in December and kept truckin’. Also, play physical and throw off Nash and Amare, make them play uncomfortable.-(Danielle) That says it all nothing to add.

(4) Nuggets vs (5) Jazz

Picks- Nuggets in 7 (Everyone)

This is the one series I can't get a feeling on it. I think it is no secret since George Karl has left due to his health concerns the Nuggets have not been the same. Jerry Solan will be there as he has for 20 years or what every it is now for the Jazz. He has to worry about how health the one half of his 2k version of Stockton and Malone is. Boozer has vowed to play in this series but how good can he be. George Karl may be able to return to the bench for round 2 will that motivate or just add pressure on a Nuggets team that at the start of the year saw themselves as the team to knock off the Lakers and go to the Finals. This series is toss up as a 4 vs 5 match-up would suggest.

X Factors

- Nuggets motivated or under pressure, Jazz- Health of Boozer and How do they match-up with Melo? You want a player? J.R Smith is always a wild card for me.

How Do The Jazz Win

- Jazz Coach Sloan needs to keep his boys in check. Playoffs mean emotions can run high and you don’t want focus to go with it.-(Danielle) I agree with Danielle the Nuggets have a lot of guys that can get under your skin. Lead by that Birdman with all his tattoos and funky hairstyles. The Dennis Rodman of the 2k in some ways. Obvious health is the other issue.

That does it for Playoff Picks for Round 1. Now how about the Regular Season Awards? Here are the Staff Picks with some explanation as to why we picked who we did.

6th Man

Jamal Crawford

- He provided instant offense for an excellent Hawks team and finally proved that he’s a winning player.(Anas)

Jamal Crawford

- He’s been around and doesn’t play like the 6th man but a “starter” coming from the bench. He’s ready to contribute and should be interesting to watch in the playoffs.(Danielle)

Jamal Crawford

- I will make in Unanimous. This was by far one of the most under rated moves made this season. He is an added weapon to the Hawks that has pushed them to the point of been on the verge of being considered an elite team in the NBA. (James)

Defensive Player of The Year

Dwight Howard

- Apparently Anas felt this was a no brainer cause there was no comment. (Anas)

Dwight Howard

- Raptor fans only need to look at Hedo Turkoglu's defense with Raptors to understand why Dwight deserves this award. He is a presence unlike anything the NBA has sense since the younger days of Shaq. Patrick Ewing has thought him well. If Ewing had the athletic abilities of D-12 he may have won a ring. (James)

Ron Artest

- Hands down. So many teams (including Denver and Carmelo Anthony) don’t like him and that’s a compliment to a defensive player. It means he’s doing his job to get inside your head and throw you off your game.(Danielle)

Most Improved

Kevin Durant

- He may be an MVP candidate but this year he’ll have to settle for being the most improved player.(Anas)

Kevin Durant

- The toughest jump for any player to make is from NBA Superstar to NBA Elite Player. Durant has done it with his first scoring title and leading his Thunder to the playoffs. If not for the guy the call the King he is the league MVP. (James)

Marc Gasol

- And not just because he’s Pau Gasol’s brother. He gets better with every dribble and will soon catch his brother if he keeps at it. (Danielle)

Coach Of The Year

Scott Brooks

- He would like to thank Kevin Durant and me for this award. Kevin Durant is obvious but why me? I picked him for this award in the pre-season. I am pretty sure no one else was. Now many are and enough will for him to win this award. Getting the Thunder to post season in the West is quite the accomplishment. He has his young team believing in themselves and playing great basketball. (James)

Scott Brooks

- You don’t pick a coach like Phil Jackson just because his team is stacked, you pick a coach that turns something out of nothing and make a team better because he’s there. He took a roster that was all over the place and was the defining thread who pulled things together.(Danielle)

Scott Skiles

- The Bucks earned the fifth seed in the East with a rookie point guard. I have a feeling that had a lot to do with the coach. (Anas)

Rookie Of The Year

Brandon Jennings

- I seriously considered choosing Tyreke Evans but Jennings helped bring his team into the playoffs. Plus, you gotta give love to a rookie who had the highest single-game point total in the league.(Anas)

Tyreke Evans-

I have been extolling his virtues since the beginning of the season. That’s the difference between him and Stephen Curry. He’s had it all season - a class act all the way.(Danielle)

Stephen Curry

- There was a time when I considered this was Jennings award to lose. I then felt Evans took that title away. But now with a late charge the son of Dell has mad me a believer. Season went another month I may have changed my mind again. The difference for me was seeing in person Curry tear apart the Raptors. I admit it may have made me bias. No doubt this is the closest 3 way race for Rookie of the Year I can recall. Jennings, Curry or Evans win I would have no issue with any of them. That is a complement to all 3 and the great seasons they each had.

M.V.P

Lebron James

- He’s not the scorer Kobe is but he is more versatile than Kobe is. He may even play point guard if you need him to - not his favourite position but he will give his team what they need.(Danielle)

Lebron James

- Back to Back MVP honours. Look I could tell you why he deserves it but just watch the guy and you see it. So instead I will say that he needs to start getting better gifts for his team when he wins these. Those cameras were whack. Although he wants to be a Billionaire and safe to say he plans on winning a lot of these so maybe I get it. King James is just that. No other player has an argument that is even worth talking about. That is saying something considering the year Kevin Durant had and others. (James)

LeBron James

- Do I really need to explain?(Anas)

No you do not. This is the first time we have worked as a team on something here on Dino Nation Blog I hope you enjoyed it and enjoy the Playoffs without the Raptors once again. O.K try to enjoy the playoffs with out the Raptors once again.

Down The Stretch They Come

Honestly it does not feel that long ago that I was up in Ottawa excited about covering my first Raptors training camp. In some ways this season has flown by. In others it seems to have been long and painful especially lately. As much as I still feel the recent line-up chances were born of desperation it has has an impact. The Raptors have had better effort overall but still have had some of the same problems. Just 8 games remain for the Raptors with a 2 game lead over the Chicago Bulls. Let's take a look and see what is left for this team

@Sixers and vs Golden State

The Raptors will not over look ether of these teams or they shouldn't. Raptors dropped a contest to the Sixers that I was there for at the ACC. They also lost to Warriors on the road. These were two games that the Raptors should have won. In fact when you look back at standings it is safe to say Raptors will regret more than a few games from this season. It is why they are still not secured in the playoffs, and it seems a long shot to finish any higher than 7th. Both teams offer different challenges. The Sixers can be an athletic team like the Hawks that cause the Raptors fits. While Golden State is a team that can exploit the Raptors terrible 3 point defense and they did just that in Oakland on that west coast trip from hell.

@Cleveland, vs Boston @Atlanta

3 playoff teams here and the likely first round match-up in the Cavs. Clearly if the Raptors want to make believers out of folks it will need to happen here. The Raptors actually beat the Cavs to open this season. They had a luck of the Irish win over the Hawks and they have had no luck against Boston not just this year but for several years. These 3 games fall before a huge match-up with Bulls at the ACC. Any game the Raptors could steal of these 3 games would be helpful in turning the corner from worrying about the Bulls and focusing on trying to move up and catch the Bobcats. All 3 teams will be tough. Cleveland now has Jamison to go along with James. Boston for whatever reason just has the Raptors number. Rajon Rondo is a big reason why as he has owned Calderon for his entire career. Then all you need to say is 146 points and that says it all about the Hawks. Also keep in mind Joe Johnson did not play in that loss to the Raptors.

vs Chicago

This will likely be a huge game unless the Raptors could some how eliminate the Bulls prior to it. Derrick Rose has boldly predicted that Bull will make the playoffs. That is going to be tough to do considering the Raptors own the tiebreaker. While both teams will have pressure on them make no mistake the pressure should be more on the Bulls to get the road win. Raptors will need to have a plan to stop Rose and account for the Bulls on the glass. Even if the Raptors stub their toe in this one they have 2 games left vs non playoff teams to close out the season. But depending on how things shake out Raptors may need this game regardless to make a run at 7th.

@ Detroit vs New York

The Pistons have has a train wreck season and the Knicks are waiting for the hit summer movie that is sure to be a smash in NYC- "Waiting For Lebron". Assuming these games will still have meaning for the Raptors there is no way on earth they should lose ether of these games. If they have any ideas of stealing a playoff series both these games need to be impressive wins and feature great defensive effort. Even if they don't mean anything Raptors still need to polish things in terms of their defense and I am not sure they can afford to rest players and not show up for these games.

Expectations Killed

When you look at this sked the Raptors should expect to be 5-3 and that would give them a 42-40 record which would end up being about 3 or 4 wins below the expectations most had for the Raptors this season. That being said have the Raptors done anything according to script this season? It has been a long season that there just as been a feeling that Raptors have not lived up to the expectations placed upon them. Still if they do make it back to the playoffs that would be a step in the right direction. If not for the free agency of Chris Bosh looming large it might leave people feeling differently about things. Because playoffs or not the goal of this season is all about keeping Chris Bosh a part of this team moving forward. In terms of that many feel the Raptors have fallen short in that regard.

Bosh has talked about wanting to be a core piece on a winning team. The Raptors need a strong finish to this season and a strong playoff performance to at least give Raptors a shot to keep their star. Everyone seems to feel that Bosh's decision will be based on how this team performs in the post season assuming they get there. Which how this season has gone post All-Star break is a big assumption. It may not be just about that. However the Raptors putting their best foot forward as a team to close this season and in the playoffs is a step in the right direction. You only hope they have not taken to many steps backwards since the All-Star Break for it to matter.

There is just an odd feeling through Raptorland. Some not feeling making the playoffs matters. They think Bosh is going to go and this team will be forced to re-build. Others feeling that Raptors are heading for yet another first round disappointment. Everyone craves the same thing at the end of the day. Bosh and the fan base both want to see this team advance and take the steps to become a part of that elite group in the East. Clearly they have not got there and the difference between Atlanta, Orlando, Cleveland and even Boston is noticeable.

However things shake out it is going to be the most challenging summer of Bryan Colangelo's career as a G.M. If he can convince Bosh to stay he likely goes back to being the super genius that he was billed as when he arrived. If not he will be under an extreme amount of pressure to hide his mistakes and find a way to make this team successful in a post Bosh Era. That might just be mission impossible in my view. It get's said time and time again that Raptors can move Bosh in a sign and trade. I am convinced that is how it happens if he doesn't stay. Bosh is not leaving 30 million on the table no matter how much he may truly want to win. But can the Raptors realistically land a 1a option in a sign and trade? Seems highly unlikely when some do not even consider Bosh that 1a option himself. I think he is, but without some help around him it becomes far to easy to gang up on him and limit his impact.

We need some kind of spirit of optimism badly. It is up to the Raptors to provide some fuel for that optimism for both the playoffs and the hope to keep this franchises best player.

Starting 5 V-Log Edition Playoff Push

Talking about the recent play of the Raptors as well and talking about our event @Brooklyn's tomorrow night for Raptors vs Jazz. If you would like to RSVP or get info you can do so on Facebook.