Raptors Olympics Fallout

So the Raptors had 3 players in the Olympics on the current roster. Linas Kleiza, Jose Calderon and of course Jonas Valancuinas. Let's first take a look at Jose Calderon who won a silver medal again with Spain. His experience with Spain are a reflection of his time with the Raptors in a way. In 2008 he did not play in the Gold Medal game as he was out with injury. This time around he did play and was terrible in doing so with no points in 17 minutes and found himself glued to the bench for his lack of defense. In addition make no mistake that had Ricky Rubio been healthy, Calderon would have been the back-up for Spain. Just like he will be with the Raptors if in fact he is still a part of this roster by the time training camp roles around. After a brilliant game in the Semi Final vs Russia in the 2nd half he once again failed to deliver in the biggest game for his team. This was the case with the Raptors as well in playoff series with the Nets and Magic. Safe to say his terrible performance in the Gold Medal game did nothing but hurt his trade value for the Raptors. While everyone just assumes Jose will return and accept his fate and not be a problem, I think that is a bit of an optimistic point of view. Calderon would have every reason to be fed up with what has happened with him in Toronto. After being basically traded to Charlotte not that long ago, this off-season he watch his team go all in to get Nash and when they failed agreed to trade a lottery pick in the future to acquire Kyle Lowry. Jose Calderon for his squeaky clean reputation has still driven out indirectly T.J Ford, Jarrett Jack and Jerryd Bayless. All of those scenarios saw him as the chosen starter. The writing is on the wall he will not win this battle with Lowry.

One thing I have learned is the both Calderon and Linas Kleiza care far more about playing good basketball in their national team jersey than they do in their NBA Jerseys. Kleiza was a key part of his squad at the Olympics and put up impressive numbers. However I have seen this movie before and so have you. The year the Raptors signed Kleiza he went nuts for Lithuania in the Euro Basket tournament. He would arrive for the Raptors season and be often injured and seldom a factor. Which pretty much can sum up his entire time with the Raptors. He is here as much to be a buddy for Jonas Valancuinas if for nothing else. So if you think the fact Kleiza leading his team with 13.8 points and having 6.3 rebounds means anything for the Raptors you might want to think again.

That said, most Raptor fans were concerned with one guy at the Olympics and that was Jonas. Some look at his performance and see it as concerning for his NBA Future. Others are still on this Jonas is the next big thing train. He did only manage 4.2 points and 4 rebounds in 6 games. I would say to both sides of the debate it really didn't tell us anything. What everyone seems to conveniently forget is these games are played under FIBA rules which makes these projections of failure or greatness a little out of whack. We could have learned a lot more about Jonas playing in Summer League under NBA Rules against lesser competition but with much more minutes than what we did from 6 games in London. Still maybe this will bring some sanity to what have been unrealistic expectations for the start of his NBA career. Both he and Anthony Davis didn't prove a thing about what they will be in the NBA. I have heard this constant noise about what a great experience this was for Anthony Davis. May I remind you all of the only other college player to be on a Dream Team or Pro U.S roster. That would be Christian Laettner, who was a college superstar at Duke, but in the NBA while he had longevity was far from a superstar in his NBA Career. He played for Minnesota (Drafted 3rd Overall), Atlanta, Washington, Detroit, Dallas and Miami in 17 seasons in the NBA 12.8 points and 6.7 rebounds for his career. He played with all due respect to Kobe, the greatest ever version of the "Dream Team", but it never translated to a great NBA Career. Davis and Jonas for that matter, will succeed or fail this season and it will have very little to do with how they spent their Summer in London barely playing for their respective nations.

Calderon in case you wondered averaged just 7 points and 2.5 assists in his 8 games with Spain. He did manage to not get himself hurt which ultimately is all I care about when any Raptor plays internationally. As for the tournament itself, it has become a complete joke and any time the U.S sends the best possible roster they have available they are going to win. It really is that simple. I enjoyed the Olympics for everything other than Men's Basketball. It was much more thrilling to watch Canadian Women's Soccer for me than any game in this tournament. When Canada has a horse in the race my feelings will change. But as we all know Canada only had an entry on the Women's side of basketball in this Olympics. Hope is high that will change for Rio in 2016. Now with the Olympics behind us we enter the dog days of summer before the NBA Season. Still we had a big Dwight Howard trade finally happen so maybe it will be more exciting than we think. In terms of the Raptors I wouldn't hold my breath I think what you see is what you get at this point.  

Ready Or Bosh Here We Go

So the biggest question will be is if Chris Bosh is able to go tonight vs Portland tonight at the ACC. This will be a tougher challenge then the Wizards or Nets that is for certain. Blazers are 33-26 and unlike the Raptors side on the edge of the playoffs in the West in the 8th spot in the West. Portland is just 5-5 in their last 10 games and enter the ACC tonight with 14-13 road record on the season. Portland had acquired Marcus Camby at the deadline and he may not play tonight as he turned his ankle vs the Nets in a win for the Blazers last night. Andre Miller, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge combined for 75 points against the Nets. The Blazers have been bitten by the injury bug more than a few time in this season but have some how found a way to make it work. Makes you wonder why they would have taken a risk on Marcus Camby who from even the start of his career with the Raptors had his issues with injuries.

Be it a returning Bosh, Bargnani or someone else guarding LaMarcus Aldridge will be a challenge. Not to mention Roy and Miller. Earlier this season Miller went of for 50+ and Roy is also a guy that can go off as a scorer as well. Those 3 were pretty much 75% of the Blazers offense last night. Even with getting rid of what they did to get Camby this team does have a lot of depth not unlike that Raptors. Bayless, Fernandez, Webster and the ageless fab 5 member Juwan Howard give the Blazers lots of capable bodies coming of the bench.

Oh yeah there is some hockey game tonight so only the hardcore folks will be paying attention to Raps. For everyone else it will be some Hockey game between Russia and Canada. In fact if you catch games via the Radio tonight's game has been moved to the Dino Blogger's home town on CHML 900 AM. Which makes total sense because they have had me on as a basketball guest so many times. Oh wait no they haven't. But my hometown does have basketball fans. I will be addressing that issue come March with an event that will be starting in March. Details coming very soon in the Dino Nation Blog about basketball in my hometown.

It won't bother me a bit that Canada is playing Russia at the same time. Many won't believe it but I have not watched 1 second of Canada's Men's Hockey team. The theme of this Olympics has been "I Believe" and there is a song that if you have watched the Olympics you have heard at least 100 times by now. What I believe in is basketball and that is what I do everyday. If you enjoy hockey and care to watch it feel free. I have gotten to the point the over media coverage of hockey has made me tune it out. There is nothing where that is more clear than with the national Men's Hockey Team. I will watch the women play for Gold against the United States but in terms of the men's squad unlike the majority of this nation I am not obsessed with if Canada wins over Russia and goes on to win a medal or not. I am not cheering against them or anything just for me I would prefer to cheer for the rest of team Canada.

For example Joannie Rochette was amazing. To skate with all that she must be feeling I really have no words. Anyone who has lost a parent understands. She is representing this country just days after her mother died in Vancouver as she had just arrived to watch her compete at the games. Joannie's performance last night was good enough to sit in 3rd place. However the courage that she showed will rival anyone in this basketball game tonight or this hockey game. In fact rival isn't even doing it justice. Surpass any performance we will see given her circumstances.

Pro athletes be it in Basketball or Hockey get paid very well to do what they do. Most of these athletes in Olympics do not make big dollars to compete in their sport. But they do not love it any less than pro athletes. I love my country and love basketball that I am proud to say it was invented by a Canadian. You can be a proud Canadian without watching hockey. I know that is a foreign concept for many in this country but it is true.

So be you watching Hockey or the Raptors the Dino Nation Blog will be here for you to make sure you know what went down at the ACC tonight. The indications are Bosh will be doubtful for this one. The idea to save him for when King James and his new friend Antwan Jamison coming to town Friday.

Couple Notes for you all. First some history for you all. I use to be a wrestling fan so I like to think of this as a Mega Powers like moment. The Dino Blogger for the first time EVER crosses the boarder and goes into the Raptors Repulic. Go check out my interview with PH-D Steve who was also my opponent in the Pros vs Joes Contest. Steve won are battle and I am pretty sure will win the contest. Good luck to him and I plan on having him come to visit our site in a future Starting 5. We had come up with this idea based on meeting each other through the contest.

Also I will be liveblogging the next 2 Raps games for The Score so if you must watch the Hockey game you can keep up on Raps with me on the liveblog while you watch. I will have linkage for you later today.

"Jiggly Bits" - Danielle de Graauw

Olympics...what Olympics? As if that statement would get you very far these days. It's hard to talk NBA to the average person with all this excitement going on much less read about it in the paper - other than the NBA stats on the back page. Our athletes deserve all the accolades that four years and sometimes a lifetime of training will bring. Go Canada Go! Now that I have that out of my system, let's get down to business.



NBA Rookie of the Year - And the winner is...Tyreke Evans.

So I hope you all took my advice to think outside the box after last week's NBA trade deadline. Lots more to think about right? So here's what went down in a nutshell: Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez are now Knicks; the Rockets went shopping and came back with Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Hilton Armstrong and a first round pick; the Kings crowned Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Huges. Oh and Tyeke Evans got Rookie of the Year. Woohoo! I know, I know - you'd think my first pick would be Derrick Rose because I have been extolling his virtues as of late but in all seriousness, Tyreke has the whole package and his move with Dejuan Blair and the Rookie All Star MVP trophy really solidified it for me - a class act all the way. I think it would be in the NBA's best interest to attach Tyreke's image to the award, too - sending a message that this is the type of young player they want to attract. Plus with the trades Sacramento has made, the ball will be in his hands more often, hence more opportunities to shine. We can't forget about BBJ (Bucks' Brandon Jennings) but the only way he'd knock Tyreke off the rookie podium is if he starts racking up the points in Milwaukee, thus moving the Bucks up in the East. So really, the NBA Rookie of the Year award is for Tyreke to loose - he really deserves it in my opinion.

Don't mess with a "Bull" in transition

So all this talk about trades, transitions and titles really boil down to this: you call have all the skill and pizazz in the world but if you don't have a good supporting cast around you, you won't be invited to the final show. Now insert the Chicago Bulls just for fun to illustrate. All I have been reading about the Bulls lately is they are in a transition year. Ok, that's fair. So then does this mean that Coach Vinny Del Negro is in transition too? If I were Bulls' management, I would be saying this with my inside voice since they have tickets and merchandise to unload. But think about it - the Bulls make some trades and free up some spending money ($20 million) and Chicago fans have every right to get excited. This doesn't mean that a playoff spot will mean anything more than a time for Rose and the rest to develop and gain experience. I think their goal now should be to work hard and build themselves up to seem more attractive to a big ticket player or at least someone than can help them get over the transition hump.

Speaking of big ticket, do you want to know what I read about Chris Bosh and why he should leave the Raptors? Take into account this journalist is writing for an american publication. So Sam Smith of the Bulls.com says a good reason for Chris Bosh to leave the Raptors is he's in Canada without ESPN. Seriously? This is the best you've got? Do we think Bosh would leave to help someone else win? He's a player who needs a team and a city behind him and that's what he has here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mr. Smith. We stand behind our players and anytime you want to come north of the border to take in a game, you will see why.

This is why the trade deadline makes the offseason so interesting. Look at the free agency history in the NBA. Lebron James is really only approaching his prime years and can be compared to Michael Jordan. MJ was a free agent in 1996 but he wasn't expected to leave Chicago - like Lebron. In 2004, Kobe Bryant was also a free agent but quickly proved L.A. was where he needed to be. I've heard people talk about Lebron going to Chicago but he wouldn't be able to wear the number 23 so please, let's stop perpetuating that rumour.

I'm a new Denver Nuggets Fan

I think the best story coming out of all this wheeling and dealing, lies in Denver. God Bless George Karl for trying to battle the play-offs and cancer at the same time. Five years ago, he had prostate surgery and has been good ever since. Then doctors found a malignant lump in his throat six weeks ago and Karl keeps it to himself - only management knew. Imagine being in this position. You are in contract negotiations with your bosses and suddenly it doesn't matter how many millions you are making. So management supports a one-year contract extension for Karl and the rest of the Denver Nuggets family -the players- are told. I like how the NBA, friends and foes alike, have rallied around him. And how Denver Nuggets management got behind him. If I were him, I think the most difficult thing dealing with all this would be all the questions and pushes for updates on his condition in press conferences and daily dealings with the media. I don't know if I could deal with that and may have kept my mouth shut entirely. Or maybe not. I think the love and support of family and teammates will move mountains for Karl in the next few weeks. It's times like these that make you appreciate what's around you - my heart goes out to George and the rest of the Karl family - close and extended.

CB Shines Among The NBA's Best

What has been a career season for Chris Bosh would continue on through the All-Star Game. Bosh would make 2 free throws to clinch the win for the East as it would turn out. He had 23 points and 10 rebounds with a couple of steals and played just over 29 minutes. He was in the mix for game MVP which would go to D-Wade. It all went down in front of the largest crowd ever to to witness a basketball game with over 108,000 folks on hand. To put that in some perspective that is about 38,000 more than were in attendance for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver for the Olympics. Speaking of those games we won a GOLD...YIPPEE!!! Finally a gold medal on home soil. I happened to be hanging out on a Live Blog with Eric Smith. The people on that liveblog went nuts with pride and it was fun to share that experience. I think it was given the audience something like it would be if Raptors won an NBA Championship.

Think that is what the Olympics are all about creating dreams and bringing people together to share in a national experience from coast to coast. Hopefully as a fan of basketball we as fans can have that kind of experience through the Raptors someday.

All-Star weekend as a whole was not exactly the great show that I had hoped for but the game itself had it end on a high note. It was also great to see on Friday Steve Nash be party of lighting the flame and then less than 24 hours later winning his event at All Star Weekend on All-Star Saturday night. Nash is everything you would want a Canadian to be. He is funny and proud of his country. He competes and gives his 100% and ultimately has had success. Steve Nash is greatest basketball player in the history of this country. You would never know it by looking at him but that is part of what makes it great. Steve Nash has inspired a lot of kids to pick up a basketball and that is great.

It is back to business for the Raptors as they will return to practice and kick off the post All Star schedule on Wednesday vs the Grizzlies. The trade deadline is the following day and it is looking more likely the Raptors are likely to do little if anything before the deadline.

Speaking of deadline you have till that same Thursday to vote for me and the Dino Nation Blog in the Pros vs Joes contest. Also a couple things for those of you that are on facebook. I am trying to get the DNB's Fan Page back on track so come be a part of the DNB experience on Facebook. One other thing on Facebook in that liveblog I was hanging out in the topic of the Raptors TV show once done by Eric Smith and Paul Jones came up. Double Dribble was the show and it was a PTI like basketball program with Paul and Eric as the hosts. I decided that I would start a facebook group to support the idea of bringing the show back and others like it on Raps-TV. I want to see more shows on the Network and who knows maybe someday even my own. But just more basketball content from Canadians by Canadians for Canadians. So if you feel the same join the facebook group and be a part of it.

So for the next couple weeks GO CANADA GO and GO RAPS GO and even a little GO DNB GO with our Pros vs Joes contest. Thanks to anyone that takes the time to vote and support me.

Avoiding International Incidents

Jose Calderon has surgery done on his dislocated finger and is said to be out of commission for 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully the timing of this was not to be ready to play for Spain this summer. Jose needs to take a pass on playing for his national team this season. I am rapidly becoming someone in the camp of Mark Cuban on this whole issue of international basketball. Cuban has long been against the idea of players under contract in the NBA playing in international ball. I am beginning to totally agree. However to be realistic about it, there is no way the NBA is going to pull a 180 and back away from FIBA and not allow it's players to play. David Stern sees the idea of Olympics and to a lesser extent World Championships as a way to market the game globally.You can debate how much good that actual does or does not do for the league. However I am just going to suggest a compromise of sorts. Steve Nash would love this one as it comes from a sport he enjoys...Soccer. In Soccer for the Olympics they have an age limit on who can go to play at the games. I think the age is 25 if I am not mistaken. If you are over 25 you can not play simple as that. Nash as he got older decided to say no thanks to Canada. I was one of few that did not agree with that choice by him. However with this rule there would be nothing to debate on that issue. It would be cut and dry and at least if someone were to be injured playing internationally at least they would be younger and in most cases more likely to heal quicker and hopefully have no long term impact on them. I have said in this blog that it is unfair in a lot of ways to make players decide between country and team. I hear the argument that you are being paid by your club team and that is who you should be loyal too. I tend to agree with that.

However if you were to use hockey as an example and the Washington Capitals or Pittsburgh Penguins wanted to Ovechkin or Crosby not to play in the Olympics it would cause huge debate in this country. In the case of Crosby I could see Pittsburgh jersey's being burned in the streets. Also with the hockey example there is far less time where the players practice as a national team. In Basketball it is an event that goes on yearly basis each summer. When players play for their national teams the club teams get very little say if any in how practices and training is done. They also may want players to focus on certain aspects of the game that may not be the same as a national team would want from them. In hockey basically it is a group that gets thrown together for an event like the world championships that are going on currently. There are not long training camps leading up to that. In fact in some cases if players are eliminated from the NHL Playoffs they are quickly added to the line-up and just join the exsisting team.

If David Stern can determine how old you must be to enter the NBA draft. Why is it not reasonable to have him cap the age in which a player can play for his country while he is under contract to the NBA. It is the best compromise for all. Players would not feel the pressure to decide between country and team. For those who play in Europe and International players it is very hard to say no when the national team calls. Not unlike it is for players in Hockey in this country. If a player of any great skill or talent said he was going to take a pass on the upcoming Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver in hockey in this country he would be public enemy number 1 if he happened to be Canadian. So take the choice out of their hands and cap the age they can play till. It may not make everyone happy but it is the best was to solve the problem.

Speaking of injuries former Raptor Jamario Moon is done for the rest of the playoffs. He has a sports hernia and is set to have surgery which will bring an end to his season. Moon will be a free agent in the summer and will be looking to sign a deal somewhere. He has had a nice run with the Heat and developed some chemistry with D-Wade so Miami may want to have him back. We will see come the off-season.

As for the Heat they are locked in a battle with the Hawks tied at 2. However the series of the playoffs has been the Bull and Celtics. It has been high drama and last night was no different. The teams could not decide things in 48 minutes once again and went to overtime. Celtics ended up in the winners circle and even if they some how get out of this series it seems highly doubtful the will be able to defend their NBA Title. The Spurs joined the Pistons in sitting on the sidelines for the playoffs losing to Dallas is round one in 5 games. The Pistons were swept aside in the East in 4 games to the Cavs. You wonder if in both cases we are seeing the end of eras. The Pistons only managed 1 lone title in the run they had and Spurs have won 3 or 4. They also may not be done as they still have the same 3 core players and could perhaps re-tool and with some luck and health have one last run at it. But the bottom line and feeling you get from the playoffs is that this is Kobe and Lebron's party and everyone else are just guests that will eventually leave.

Both Bryant and James have been for this epic battle it seems all year. They were the 2 front runners in the MVP Debate which should be announced soon and I am thinking with go to Lebron. However most feel that will only serve as motivation for Kobe to win a title. Like he needed anymore after losing last year to the Celtics and looking pretty bad by the end of that series. It is going to be fun to watch and unless Denver, Orlando or someone else have a Magic trick in them it is going to happen.

So hope you are enjoying the playoffs and getting a chance to enjoy some great basketball even if it does not involve the Raptors.