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.

DNB NBA Preview with Special Guest Myck Kabongo

So here we go with another season preview. This year we have a special guest along for the ride. He is the starting point guard for our Jr. National team that won a bronze medal this summer in Texas. He is also heading next season to play for the Longhorns speaking of Texas. Myck Kabongo tries his hand at being a media guy and lays down some predictions for the NBA season. Having his prospective as a player with some great skills made for some interesting conversation. Myck goes through his thoughts on the Raptors the teams he sees coming out of the West and East and we run through the major awards. I don't offer all my picks in the interview so for those I will post them below the interview. I got to know Myck (beyond just hearing his name a lot) this summer. He has been fun to talk with and enjoys coming to be with us on the Dino Nation Blog so I am happy to have him aboard.



So my picks, let us start with the Raptors. Obviously we have talked about them a lot so I am not sure if there is anything that has not been said already in the blog. There were no really major revelations in the pre-season for me. I went into the pre-season looking for reasons to change my mind in a positive way about this team's outlook. I regret to say, that I can only see a minor tweak in what I expected heading in. I entered the pre-season not seeing the Raps having a realistic shot at the playoffs and that has not changed for me. If I was pressed to give a number of wins prior to pre-season my answer would have been 30-33 wins. I have bumped that up to about 33-35. The Raptors position wise fall somewhere between 10-12 in the standings in the East.

Bargnani is the question mark that I expected him to be. Calderon is still heading in the wrong direction. Jack of the players returning was the best overall in the pre-season. The most improved is real just back to normal in the form of Reggie Evans. This is the Reggie we were suppose to be getting last year but an injury got in the way of that. Young Gunz changed names to Young Onez but wanted to see more of a change in their play on the floor. Had high expectations and likely to high for them. However let's see what happens when the games start for real. The additions have all been good in Barbosa, Kleiza and Andersen have all been nice additions. Julian Wright, have just not seen enough of him, to have formed an opinion. My expectations for the 2 rookies in Davis and Alabi could not be lower. I have said that I feel both could be Erie Bayhawks at some point this season.

To sum it up in terms of the Raptors. I think regardless of team they are playing the Raptors will have to have max effort on both ends to win basketball games. Against the elite teams in the league even that 100% will not be able to match an 80% effort of an elite ball club. This team is going to earn every win they get. The problem being when reality sets in can this team continue to play hard and get a long with each other during the down times. Same things with the media and fans having to endure a long season. But as someone said to me at Fan Jam on Sunday, 16 years is a longtime. You will hear that comment and a bunch more from Raps fans tomorrow from Fan Jam.

On to the Eastern Conference. Love them or hate them simple fact is this Conference is the Heat's to lose. The contenders beyond them are many of the same faces from last year. The team on the rise from bottom of the playoffs to just on edge of contending should be the Bulls. Atlanta may take a step back but still a playoff team. The one playoff team from last season that might have the toughest time getting back is the Bobcats. Aside from the Cavs that is. The other team that should be on red alert is the Bucks. Some feel they have got better I am not one of those. I fear the deer less then I did last season. So here is my eastern playoff teams for this season.

1. Miami
2.Orlando
3.Boston
4.Chicago
5. Atlanta
6. Milwaukee
7. New York
8. Washington

9. Charlotte

I admit the 7 and 8 could be any of perhaps 4 or 5 teams. Nets could be better but not enough to make the playoffs. Let's put it this way I would not bet any amount of money on the teams I have slotted in 7 and 8 to get it done. John Wall is a big reason for picking Washington. He could be that good.

At the end of it all the Miami Heat are going to the finals from the East. Hate the MWO all that you want the truth is that this team is just far to talented from an offensive perspective. I have no idea how any team is going to defend this team once the chemistry is there. People thinking Boston can beat this team are not thinking clearly. If anyone derails the Heat it will be Orlando not Boston. But don't hold your breath. The crazy 70 win talk I am not sold on that this season. 65 wins is a number the Heat can realistically get.

Western Conference is tougher to call. The 2 time defending champs have to be upset about all this Miami talk. Kobe most of all. But I am not calling for a 3 peat for the Lakers because you have to make the Finals to win them. This year they won't make it. Ironically I do like a few of the off-season move L.A made but it will not be enough to stop the Team that will go.

Who is that? Oklahoma City Thunder. Many snickered at my selecting them to make the the playoffs last year, because they were to young and still a year away. They gave the best challenge to the Lakers in the playoffs. I would even go as far as saying they gave them a bigger scare then Boston. Kevin Durant is going to be the best player in this league number wise and is now in a conversation with Kobe and Lebron. Westbrook is taking major steps as a point guard. You don't have to believe me now...but you will believe. When I picked Scott Brooks to win Coach of the Year last season that raised eyebrows too. Couple years ago I picked Lakers to beat Magic in the Finals that happened as well. Point is while I screw up just like everyone else. There is always some things where I go out of the box and am right. Thunder to the Finals is out of the box for sure. But I am not along on the loving the Thunder Bandwagon. Thankfully I got a good seat near the front of the train.

The West might be more wide open then it has been in awhile. Chances to see a bit of a changing of the guard in the West. I think that is going to happen this season at least start to happen. Denver and Phoenix seem obvious choices to fall out of the playoff mix. I have little confidence in the order these will be but fairly confident in the 8 teams I am selecting to make it.

1. L.A Lakers
2. Dallas
3.OKC
4. Utah
5.Houston
6. Portland
7. San Antonio
8. Sacramento

9. L.A Clippers.

Yes the Kings. A Melloless Denver and and Amareless Suns are not good enough to finish in front of these guys. I thought for a second about slotting the Clippers at 8 but sanity kicked in and said no to me. Better but still not ready will be Golden State and Memphis. Like I said, the way the west goes that order can be pretty fluid 2-7.

Awards.

Not going to go into great depth on these I will at some point but for now just getting my picks on the record here.

M.V.P- If I like the Thunder as much as I am saying the MVP can only be one man...KEVIN DURANT OKC

ROY- John Wall in a close battle with fellow number 1 pick Blake Griffin.

Coach of the Year- Stan Van Gundy if I keep picking him eventually I will be right. He was been my pick 2 of the last 3 years.

Defensive Player of Year- Lebron James. because he will not have as much of load to carry so he can make more plays on the other end.

6th Man- Fans at every Heat road game. This is an odd one but how about Steve Blake with L.A

So that is it. tomorrow some thoughts from you the people from Fan Jam and a look at the Raptors Opener vs Knicks.

Wait I forgot something....Miami vs Thunder final....Who Wins...Thunder Do in 7. Crazy? Maybe.Thanks to Myck for helping out with the NBA Preview I think he added something to the mix.

DNB's Triple Double #3

It is Friday the king is dead. Chris Bosh spotlight in the free agent spotlight is now over. Now the entire big 3 of free agency are available. While Rajon Rondo and Celtics move on to face Dwight Howard and the Magic. Also Steve Nash has time for his eye to heal and Kobe for his whole body to do the same before they hook up in game 1 of Western Conference Finals. So let's get started with the triple double.

2010 Free Agent Insanity.

• 10. Now Lebron James has a chance to consider a New York Strip Club (Scores) offer of free lap dances for life.
• 9. Chris Bosh had his 10 minutes as the belle of the ball and now he goes back to being the best Robin in the world to D-Wade or James in the role of Batman.
• 8. Kobe is not available in 2010 and is not unhappy about it.
• 7. Joe Johnson is counting all the money he lost in the Magic/Hawks series.
• 6. Is the Matt Bonner Era over in San Antonio? Apparently the Tony Parker era isn't or at least he doesn't want it to be.
• 5. Boston Fans are dumb. Newsflash if Lebron joins the Knicks he will be playing you 4 times a year and you pissed him off....Smart...No Tommy Points for you.
• 4. Mike Woodson and Mike Brown will be free agents to but not as highly sought after as the players they coached.
• 3. If you really want to win free agents I have 3 letters for you....O....K....C
• 2. Where Lebron goes others will follow.
• 1. A King with no ring is still worth a Max Contract and is a franchise changer. Just look at Cleveland next season if he leaves for evidence.

10 (funny) reasons to Cheer For Steve Nash

• 10. He doesn't have a helicopter.
• 9. He plays Basketball with Canadian Grit.
• 8. He could have been a free agent but he was too cool for that
• 7. If you are above 30 he is your hero or should be
• 6. Because you are a Santa Clara Broncos fan.
• 5. Because you can never be the King but maybe you can be Steve Nash.
• 4. Dime Drops that will blow your mind.
• 3. Because Bill Wennington is kind of like Matt Bonner winning a ring (No Offense)
• 2. So Kobe can Blame Canada
• 1. So Leafs fans can cheer for him instead of the Habs.

10 things to do while you wait for July 1st.

• 10. Study up for the NBA draft.
• 9. Take up Hot Yoga (By the way is there a cold Yoga?)
• 8. Plan your fantasy draft strategy for next season
• 7. Create your own NBA Rumours....Lebron to the Pacers...No on has that one.
• 6. The World Cup is on. Cheer some country on you don't live in.
• 5.Start a Twitter Campaign to #BRINGBACKBONNER.
• 4. Be like Andrea and improve your video game skills
• 3. Go out with your camera phone and interview an athlete at a restaurant then apply to TMZ Sports for a job
• 2. Build your own Helicopter to fly to work everyday.
• 1. Learn about Team Canada the World Championships are coming.

Thunderclapped Raptors Recap

If you were anywhere near a television screen that happened to be playing the Toronto Raptors host the Oklahoma City Thunder, chances are you're not going to be reading this. I'll break it down below for those who didn't watch it, but to some it up in one word: STINKER.

Coming into the game, the Thunder had swept six Eastern Conference teams and were looking to make the Raptors their seventh victim. The last time these two teams squared off, the Raptors were without Chris Bosh, and they lost by 20 points. By comparison, that game was a thing of beauty. The Raptors were demolished in this one by a score of 115-89.

What started out as relatively close first six minutes of the first quarter, ended with the Thunder leading 39-25 after one. By the time half-time rolled around the Raptors had given up a hideous 71 points. What's worse is that OKC didn't shoot a great percentage from the field (41.5%). They did most of their damage from the free-throw line (+15) and with second chance points (+17). The Raptors gave up 15 more rebounds at the half including 10 more offensive rebounds. Basically, the Raptors once again lost in those categories that are usually used to measure heart and hustle.

Jay Triano was given a technical foul in the dying seconds of the first half but, if you were watching the game, you just knew that it wasn't going to make a difference. The Raptors interior defense was its usual, laugable self. On one play, Serge Ibaka delivered what might end up being the putback slam of the year. Off a rare Kevin Durant brick, he went up to throw it down right on Amir Johnson's head. It was the perfect example of what Raptors fans have come to expect from their team. A line off of 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" album comes to mind, "You'se a poptart sweetheart, you soft in the middle." I know, I know, the Raptors are soft on the outside too, but they don't make poptarts like that.

The Raptors poptart-like defense coupled with the Thunder's youthful energy made this game one of the most boo-worthy performances of the year. However, if you were watching it strictly from the perspective of an NBA fan, you couldn't help but appreciate the team spirit exhibited by the Thunder. They were showing a sense of togetherness and genuine excitement that winning teams often have. Every off-season it seems that we comment on the improvement of the Eastern Conference. Yet, every season it seems that the West is more dominant than the last. Just as Jack and Matt mentioned during the broadcast, if the Thunder were in the Eastern Conference, they'd most likely be sitting pretty in the second spot.

My good friend Dave Vuckovac was a huge fan of the Seattle Supersonics, and I know on nights like these he has to be hurting. Watching this Thunder team do so well after years of the Sonics sucking can't be good for the heart. Could you imagine if the Raps were to pack up and head to Buffalo and then become one of the most exciting teams in the league? It would get ugly and that's putting it very lightly.

Just to add a few more Raptor-related notes: Hedo continued to suck- picking up quick fouls in the first quarter. The Thunder are the EXACT kind of team he'll never be able to play against. If you could name me any swingman in the league that Hedo has an athletic advantage over, I'll give you a poptart. And keep in mind I'm one of his bigger supporters...but that's not saying much. Also, the second most disappointing player this year has to be Marco Belinelli. Yes, he dropped 12 points in this laugher but when's the last time he's strung together two or three good games? You'll have to go as far back as January 22-27 for the last three games where he scored in double figures in three straight. The ONLY thing he has going for him is that he resembles Rocky Balboa. Aside from that, there's NO reason why he should be taking ANY minutes away from Sonny Weems or DeMar DeRozan. He should just sit on the bench and yell, "Adriaaaann!" every time Andrea scores.

Lastly, I've said it before but I'll say it again: Amir Johnson needs to be starting for this team. The change at the point guard spot has no effect on their success. Actually, scratch that, starting Jose makes the starting unit worse. The change needs to come up front. Amir and Andrea both grabbed the same number of rebounds against OKC but Johnson did it in six fewer minutes. And please don't use the excuse of Andrea's point production because the bench needs an infusion of offense courtesy of Bargs more than the starters do. Make the change, Triano. There's no reason why Amir should only be averaging 17 minutes per game on this team.

Aside from Ibaka's puke-worthy putback slam, the highlight of the night came in the fourth. It didn't happen on the court, let's face it, anything that happened at the end of this one didn't matter to anyone not named Marcus Banks. It was when Jack and Matt were discussing Drake. The conversation between these two is always much more enjoyable than the dialogue between Leo and Matt. Jack should call every Raptors game and Leo should focus on Team Canada. Jack's a solid broadcaster through and through. The ONLY reason Leo is employed is he just happens to be one of the few retired Canadian NBA players this side of the border.

That's all from me, here's hoping tomorrow the Raptors take care of business in the future home of John Wall/Evan Turner.

Thunder Warning In T-Dot

The Toronto Raptors got back in the win column and got more help from an unlikely source in Vince Carter and his Orlando Magic. The Raptors need to play much better if they hope to make it 2 wins in a row with a very realistic shot to make it 4 in a row with the Nets and Minnesota on the sked on Saturday and Monday. But the win tonight will not be an easy one. The Thunder are surprising everyone even me who was one of the few that picked them to make the playoffs in the west. However they are not only in the playoffs but still hopefully of getting home court advantage. In a sense Oklahoma City is in the spot in the West that most Raptors fan hoped and expected the Raptors to be in the East.

Kevin Durant has been the 2nd best player in the league to only King James in the minds of many. He has a talented young cast around him with Westbrook, Green and Harden. This OKC is so young they all could almost be eligible to enter the NCAA March Madness. Kentucky might be deep but they would be hard pressed to stay in a game with these young guns from OKC. Durant a former national player of the year. Green the former Big East player of the year. Westbrook and Harden both standouts in the Pac-10. OKC makes an NCAA All Star Roster that can compete with almost anyone in the NBA forget about the NCAA.

They offer all the same challenges that Atlanta does in terms of off the chart athleticism. The Raptors did beat Atlanta minus Joe Johnson but it took a lot on luck(Perhaps of the Irish and Jack Armstrong) to eek out a win. It will take a stronger effort from the Raptors to win tonight. at the top of that list Chris Bosh. He did hit the big shot to win the game vs Atlanta but it will take a full 48 minutes to beat a motivated Kevin Durant and company.

OKC is no longer a joke. They are perhaps on the verge of becoming an elite team in the NBA. They are a lot closer than the Raptors are that is for sure. Toronto would like to get a win and move on to the road were they have struggled with 2 very winnable games. But that will be far from an easy task.

My bracket in the NCAA tournament went up in flames yesterday(Thanks Hoyas) if the Raptors hope not to do the same they will need one of their better efforts of the season to get it done. Even though this Thunder team is young they have a winning road record and are no easy out regardless of where they are playing. So take a break from the Madness and check out the Raps. I will be doing that in between Live Blogging to college games for the Score. Jack and Bosh's Yellow Jackets against the Joey Graham Oklahoma State Cowboys. So both in college rooting and NBA playing it is all about OKC today for Bosh and Jack and the Raps. After Raps game I am doing Louisville and Cal. Head to the Score.com and click on Blogs then LiveBlogs or follow me on Twitter @dinonationblog and I will post direct links there. Busy times with Madness and Raptors but I love it. Basketball from when I have lunch to go to sleep. You can't beat that.