Raptor Fans Are Like Elephants

People have a hard time figuring out Raptor fans. Like why on earth were they still booing Tracy McGrady after all these years. I saw a tweet from someone with the Hawks that stated that Raptor Fans are like elephants they never forget. I think that is kind of true and it is kind of what I dig about writing about this team and for Raptor Fans. To often in this modern world, so much gets forgotten and swept aside. A guy can honestly go to jail and comeback and be a hero in this world. Scandal is only temporary and it steals all the headlines. For whatever you personally think about how Raptor fans act towards guys like Vince Carter, T-Mac and Chris Bosh, it to me will always be cool. It is a collective way of people calling someone out for in their opinion doing them wrong. If it was just a one sided thing I might not be as supportive. Thing is that it isn't. If a guy like Jerome Williams, Morris Peterson or Alvin Williams show up at the ACC they are met with cheers. This is because fans believe that these players and a few others showed them respect. They did it through how they played on the court and how they treated folks off the court. Basically people in Toronto are pretty good at figuring out who is genuine and who isn't.

That leads to what Amir Johnson did last night for Raptor fans and his own fans with his Roll with Amir Event. I can't imagine the likes of Carter, Bosh or McGrady reaching into their pocket and with little fanfare taking out 50 fans for the night on their dime. But not just to give them tickets to a game, but to go out with them after the game and interact with all of them and give them stuff. All just to say thanks for their support and love throughout the season. That is what Amir Johnson has done his last two seasons here in Toronto. While on the floor he models the effort and energy and attitude of Raptor fan favourites of the past. He has taken it to a whole new level off the floor with this event. I have the good fortune to talk with anyone on the Raptors I care to with covering games. That is not the case for fans. It is something I always keep in my heart when I cover games. The average fan getting a chance to talk with an Amir Johnson or a Demar DeRozan is a rare and in some cases once in a lifetime experience.

When Chris Bosh decided to check out for South Beach it created the birth of something new. It was the Young Gunz, better known as the more politically correct Young Onez these days. Amir along with Demar and Sonny Weems took Bosh's exit as an opportunity to embrace Toronto fans. It was what they needed badly after watching yet another star player get what he could out of Toronto and then leave them behind saying thanks for the memories. Toronto needed some players to step up and say they were loved and appreciated and that is what Amir along with Sonny and Demar did. While it has been tough times for the Raptors on the floor in the past few years since Bosh has left, it never stopped these guys from being out front and still there doing their part to embrace fans. It is easy to show love for people when everything is going great and your riding high. It takes some true character and genuine love to do it even when things are not so good.

While the Young Onez may still be miles away from bringing a championship to Toronto they have had an impact on Toronto. Sonny Weems still keeps in touch with all the people that supported him here on Twitter even when he was half a world away playing ball in Europe this past season. Amir Johnson had some personal issues that never were made public other than that. Still, he keeps a smile on his face and goes out of his way to embrace the support he gets from his fans. It is something that even in a season like this Raptor fans appreciate.

The Raptors future on the floor finally seems to be turning in a positive direction. Which is great news for everyone. However, don't forget all that was done by guys like Amir Johnson in the days that were darkest after Chris Bosh left. It should be remembered and cheered as loudly as the boos that rain down on the likes of Bosh, Carter and McGrady. But like that Atlanta person tweeted " Raptor Fans are like Elephants they never forget." Make sure you remember that in terms of Amir Johnson because he more than deserves it.

Sonny Weems Future Likely Not With Raptors

Sonny Weems we still have lots of love for here in the DNB. Recently we showed you the YouTube video of him doing his thing in a dunk contest over in Europe. His agent made an appearance on the Fan 590 show "Hoops" to talk about another client you might have heard of in Jeremy Lin. But after the linsanity topic was done the subject of Sonny Weems came up.

He stated that Sonny will in fact be looking to return to the NBA after his contract in Lithuanian ends some time in May. He also stated that both he and his client were not exactly thrilled with the Raptors. He mentioned the fact that Weems had good performance vs Charlotte where he scored 19 points, followed by James Johnson being acquired via trade and his client was ushered to the bench in favour of Johnson. After Johnson was acquired Weems minutes drastically dipped. The Raptors did decide to make a qualifying offer to keep the RFA rights to Weems. His agent said that decline in minutes combined with his situation with the NBA Lockout and the chance of no season led them to the decision to sign with no out clause to return to the NBA.

He stated that when returning to the NBA that Toronto would not be his first choice for his client to return too. That they would look for deals elsewhere. If the Raptors decided to keep his RFA rights they would still look for a deal elsewhere. If the Raptors decided to match an offer from another team Sonny would return to Toronto and be a professional about it. He also stated how much Sonny still loves the fans in Toronto. It looks like by all accounts that Weem's agent is looking to find a new home for his client. The fact that Bryan Colangelo totally ignored the fact Weems was still an option did not sit well with Sonny as he was watching it, as he has many Raptor Games this season. Here is what I wrote on that at the time.

I have always liked Sonny and we are working on having him as guest when his season is finished in Europe sometime in May. He will always be a guy that I will always still consider part of team DNB even if he isn't a Raptor. Just like I do with T.J Ford, Reggie Evans and others. His agent promises you will see a improved Sonny Weems that will open eyes when he returns to the NBA. That looks almost certain it will not be with Toronto unless something dramatically changes.

Sonny Weems Is Best Dunker In World for 2012

You may have read my rant on the recent All-Star Saturday Night in Orlando. Former Raptor Sonny Weems shows us what a Dunk Contest is suppose to look like.



I saw no stupid gimmick just dunks. Now there are lots of people that might claim to be the best dunker in the world for 2012 but I never saw any of them bothering to show up on Saturday Night in Orlando. While the winner of that contest was more by default. So with that all said Sonny Weems is you Best Dunker in The World for 2012. He still has his rights held by the Raptors and I hope one day we get to see a Derozan vs Weems showdown that involves two guys that keep their dunk contests old school the way it should be.

Lebron James likely should be the Best Dunker in World but just like a shot with the game on the line he took a pass on the NBA Dunk Contest again. Best player in the world has no guts or confidence that he can win. Maybe that is why he still has no NBA Title rings. One of the best basketball stories is the one when Larry Bird walks into the locker room prior to first three point shootout and asks who thinks they are coming in 2nd? That was swag before swag was a word.

We Interupt: Raptors vs Wizards To Bring You Bryan Colangelo

Bryan Colangelo hi-jacked the Raptor broadcast tonight to address the captive Raptor audience. He used the time to talk about his recent trip to check on Raptors 5th pick Jonas Valanciunas. He was as expected extremely positive about his prize draft pick. Even at the expense of current players like Amir Johnson. He said some things about Jonas' defence and said unlike Amir Johnson had been doing. Given the fact Amir has been having some unknown personal issues I found it to be a perhaps unintentional but an uncool thing to do on Colangelo's part. He basically gave a long drawn out promotional speech on how Jonas is going to translate well into what the Raptors are building with Casey. Highlighting his defensive skills and abilities to rebound. No pressure kid you are just suppose to save the franchise. It is going to get to this point.

Here is where things got interesting. The topic of the small forward position came up. Rumours of the Raptors being interested in Wilson Chandler have been flooding the internet of late. He is one of the players that decided to head to China during the NBA Lockout. The name of Andre Kirilenko was also mentioned as a possibility. The was news for an interested listener in Lithuania, it wasn't Jonas checking out what the boss was saying. Sonny Weems was though who is playing over there as he decided to not wait for the NBA Lockout. After the conversation had ended he tweeted to Matt Devlin asking if he had forgot about him? Bryan sure did. The Raptors did tender a qualifying offer to Weems who was a RFA. So much like what the Raptors went through with Carlos Delfino, When Weems would decide to return he would still have his rights held by the Raptors. But based on the conversation Weems later tweeted that looks like he will have to find a new team. It should be noted that Sonny is often checking on his old team over in Europe. In an interview here in the DNB Demar DeRozan said the two still keep in contact as often as possible. Some including me wonder if Weems not being here is at least a small part of the struggles Demar has had this season. It was widely known how close they were when Weems was here. But in an interview with Matt when I suggested the idea he was quick to dismiss it. Whatever the case is with that or the future of Sonny Weems it made for a moment that you could only have experienced with Twitter. Personally I have always loved Sonny. I try to give him a shout on Twitter often like I do with other former Raptors like Reggie Evans and T.J Ford. I would welcome him back to Toronto. Not to say he would fix the Raptors issues at small forward. He would need to prove that. But would I rather have him than say Rasaul Butler? Do I even need to tell you my answer?

The Colangelo show was not done. In talking about Jose Calderon he talked about the need for a point guard of the future. Which might suggest Jose Calderon is the past. Colangelo did not go as far as saying he would move him. But he is clearly shopping for a new younger more modern point guard. There was also talk of Leandro Barbosa. Colangelo claims he has already taken calls about his availability. Colangelo when you were reading between the lines seemed to be angling for a better deal. That is actually our current poll question and last I checked you folks believe both Jose and Barbosa will be gone by the deadline at least the majority of you.

Ironically the two guys Colangelo slagged had big nights as the Raptors won 106-89 over the Wizards. Just the third time the Dinos have been over 100 this year and first without Andrea Bargnani who was also praised by Colangelo. No new info on his injury status. Will have a full re-cap tomorrow as the Raptors head to South Beach for Sunday afternoon reunion with Chris Bosh and all his super friends on Super Bowl Sunday.

"The People's" Face of Franchise in the DNB

I started having access to the Raptors when Demar DeRozan arrived on the scene. Prior to experiencing it for myself I was told what a great kid he was. I remember watching him just fooling around after a training camp practice and being totally in awe of how this kid could fly. I would sit down with him that day and talk, both of us were a bit more reserved in our conversation. Demar was getting use to life in the NBA and I was waiting for someone to tell me that's it your out of here.

Thankfully no one has said that to me. I would also get to know someone who no one really knew much about when he came here in Sonny Weems. One of the coolest things that I have got to see in the past couple years is the special relationship between DeRozan and Weems. They had a great friendship and had fun and competed at just about anything. Weems decided to take his talents to Europe instead of waiting to see how the NBA Lockout played out. But the friendship still continues long distance.

"I have been trying to talk to him as much as I can," DeRozan said. "He has been playing well and I am trying to keep up with him and he definitely misses being here." In terms of the future this could be just a year apart for the two. The Raptors did tender a qualifying offer for Weems and would hold his rights if and when he decided to return to the NBA. That being said with the addition of Forbes and Johnson both under contract beyond this season and in addition to Kleiza it could be tough for Weems fitting in this roster. But no matter where he is playing he will always have DeRozan in his corner and vice versa.

In terms of year three for DeRozan the goals remain the same. " I got two years of experience and I am just trying to learn and understand what it takes to win and help my team win." Part of helping him do that will be Raptors new head coach Dwane Casey who DeRozan was familiar with from working with him at camps in Vegas in the off-season in prior to Casey's arrival in Toronto. "He is a hands on guy and gave me a lot of pointers." According to DeRozan, "It is just a blessing to have him as our head coach now." It obviously was a plus for Casey having two years of working with Demar in Vegas when he was considered for this job in Toronto. He also obviously has the respect of Demar and by the sound of things in training camp the rest of this roster as well.

"Everything is still the same ain't nothing changed with me just trying to get better on that basketball court." DeRozan stated. He might not have changed but everything around him clearly has. He was the guy addressing the fans at the end of last season and he was the guy that welcomed them back. There can be some debate as to who the franchise player is on the court but off the floor the face of the Toronto Raptors is clearly that of Demar DeRozan. Not to mention the fan base that have many wanting to see him take the reigns as the leader of this franchise. A lot to ask of a young man that would be a senior at USC in a different era. But in this modern world of the NBA it is all about making an impact sooner rather than later. The patience of letting a player grow and mature is not what it once was. However the Raptors have done a decent job of that with DeRozan.

DeRozan has always been praised for his work ethic and among the new things he brings to the table for year three is improved range and a better three point shot. This has always been a personal concern of mine. People have been saying about how DeRozan needs to develop that ability to shoot from long range. However, we all saw Vince Carter develop his range and fall hopeless in love with the three point shot, thus losing some of the aggressive driving nature that made him what he was. No chance of DeRozan ever saying dunking is over rated though. He feels his new found range can be a weapon to help him drive to the basket once people respect he can make that shot. "Definitely, I am just adding more weapons to my game and building on it."

Is this new focus on defence going to take some time to get their energy balanced on both ends? DeRozan doesn't think so, "Not at all, there is no way you can prepare for in game shape. It is different from practising and playing against each other all day. I think once we get in the rhythm of going up and down on offence and defence we will get the hang of it." time for that will be short with the season less than a week away. After that, this challenging schedule than kicks in and that is a challenge of it's own. But DeRozan is not looking at it any differently and plans to approach it the same way. "Everybody has been playing this game along time and you approach it as a professional and you just understand what you gotta do and you go out there," DeRozan continues his thoughts on challenge of the schedule, " I approach it like any other season, come in prepared mentally and physically ready and take on the challenge."

To be young and have energy to not sweat this schedule. I am not sure some older guys will look at it the same way. We all heard the comments of Kevin Garnett on the schedule and he seemed to have much more of a problem with it. But even if this was a normal season with a normal schedule it was always going to be a challenge for the Raptors. Demar DeRozan seems ready to accept that challenge head on. We all wait and wonder just how well he will do in his attempt. This will be a big year in terms of how DeRozan is viewed going forward. Can he take it to that next level and be considered a star and the leader of his team or will he just be a good player that continues to improve but requires some people to help him take a team to the next level. Time will tell but there is no question that DeRozan still has the potential for a lot of improvement and growth and has yet to reach the apex of his talent.

Up to this point it has been fun to have a front row seat for the ride. Demar says he is still the same and in many ways he is. But there seems to be a greater understanding of where he is in his journey and a more focused and determined approach. His connection to the fans has given him a ton of support that he openly acknowledges and seems to feed off of it. We have seen it all before with others in the past. But the hope is this ride has a much more positive ending for both fans and DeRozan.

Some Toronto Love From Returning Raptors.

Basketball is back and so are the Raptors. It has been a longtime away from the city for a lot of the returning players and what they missed the most was you. When asked what he missed about Toronto that was Demar DeRozan's answer. "Just the interaction with fans and the support system that they give us. There is nothing like it." Demar continued his thoughts on being back in the city, "It just feels good being in the city and fans seeing you out and getting to play in front of them."

Demar says once this season is done he wants to spend more time in Toronto this upcoming summer. He had talked about having a charity game for fans in Toronto during the lockout that he and Amir were trying to put together. It was a tradition that Vince Carter had started in Toronto and it was briefly continued by Steve Nash for a season. But according to Demar it is coming back, "I am going do it in the summer. Try give back to the city a bit. Bring in some NBA guys and have a game for the fans to watch."

Jerryd Bayless would likely be able to get an invite for that game. He has been pretty vocal about his love for the city and his happiness about being here. What did he miss about being away from Toronto? "Everything, I love the city there is a lot of things to do in the city. It is a place that I want to make my home for a long time and hopeful it is." In terms of his personal goals for the season " Just to win and if we win everything else will take care of itself. I just want to win and be a part of this franchise for a long time and that is my main focus."

The Raptors are happy to be back and happy to have the fans back as well. It was a pretty decent turnout for a pre-season game on Sunday. Part of that was the team they were playing, and the fact this was the lone pre-season home game. But still, the numbers compared to other NBA markets in the pre-season looked a lot bigger than games I saw in other markets via T.V. As an example the pre-season game in Detroit, once one of the strongest NBA markets, but is not as much anymore, it looked like a high school game was being played, not an NBA contest with Detroit and Cleveland.

Will have more on Demar DeRozan in another post. But will share this little bit now. When I asked him how he would pitch Toronto to other NBA Players if asked, he again brought up you folks that cheer on the Raptors. "It is a great city and a very diverse city and the support system from the fans is great." There is no doubt Raptor fans are some of the most passionate and supportive you can find. This is as long as they respect you and like you. When you lose that respect it can be hard to ever get it back. Jermaine O'Neal likely doesn't have the same fuzzy feelings about Toronto as Demar. Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and even Chris Bosh have all still claimed to love Toronto, but the love for them is more in the form of boos than cheers. But for now Demar DeRozan sits in a spot that they all have before him, on the rise and becoming the "People's Choice" as the "Face of the Franchise". The hope is that the next chapter that Demar will write in the coming years has a different result. There has never been a star on the Raptors that has truly embraced fans the way he has. When he and Sonny Weems just showed up to play some ball at a basketball court it was surprising. It is hard to imagine Vince, Tracy or Chris doing that. Raptor fans have to have two hopes in terms of DeRozan. One that he continues to improve and develop into a superstar. After that and maybe more importantly he will remain in Toronto once he does. It will always be a fear in the back of Raptor fans head until someone actually does stay for the long haul.

DNB Back From Vacation

So is in the NBA Lockout over yet? No....well I am back from vacation at least. I have to be honest over the 2 weeks I took a break a lot of stuff did happened. Dwane Casey has his coaching staff with no team to coach. Jonas Valanciunas has been elected to the hall of fame...wait no he won the World Under 19 basketball Championship. He also got many Raptor fans excited about him based on his play. Under international rules against people in his age bracket he dominated. Bryan Colangelo is searching for a G.M? Wait isn't he the G.M? It seems when the smoke clears on this NBA Lockout he might not be. Raptors don't need players or games to make news this lockout is going be great. Oh and speaking of players on the roster Sonny Weems looks like will be taking his talents to Europe. Deron Williams is the biggest name to make the jump so far. But unlike Williams the contract Sonny is taking apparently doesn't have an out clause and will pay him more than what he earned with Raptors last season. In other NBA News Yao Ming has been forced to retire from his injuries.But at least we will always have the memory of Charles Barkley kissing a donkey's backside thanks to Yao. There was also this classic commercial.

As for Yao being in the Hall of Fame if he is it won't be for his play it will be for other reasons which in my view don't make you a hall of famer. But back to Barkley as he is going to be joined by Shaq who is also now among the retired. TNT announced that Shaq will be part of their line-up when and if we are playing basketball again. Barkley seems very excited about the addition he was actually doing an interview on the NFL Network from a celebrity golf tournament. But in terms of the lockout Chuck like most is very grim about any short end to this. The NFL is poised to save the day and the season by finally ended it's lockout it would appear. If people think you will see a similar scene in the NBA with Billy Hunter and David Stern I would suggest you don't hold your breath.

I find this whole situation pretty depressing. I have kind of went through stages of grief to some degree. But whatever emotions we all have had at the end of it is a business. Sports use to be a distraction and a diversion from life. Now all to often it is a reflection of real life.

In terms of the Dino Nation Blog for the remainder of the lockout barring some news of note we will be coming to you every Tuesday and Thursday. I really can't think it is possible to do anything of quality for 5 days a week with very little actual news to go with. So for the remainder of this work stoppage I will be doing blogs on Tuesday and Thursday. We might keep Ryan's DNB Top 10 alive as well after I talk with him and see if he wants to keep it alive during the lockout will let you know.

It is very hard to not take this personally as a fan of the game and also as someone that tries to eek out a living based on the game. But all that being said for me personally I understand why this is taking place and on Thursday will give you my personal take on the lockout. So come back for that. During these tough times for the NBA I urge you not just to support this blog but all blogs. We were not getting rich prior to the NBA Lockout and I fear for a lot of folks the NBA Lockout may see a lot of talented folks have to find something else to do. But in terms of myself I worked far to hard to build the DNB to let it just die. So I am committed to making this work some how, some way.

Starting 5 Season Wrap with Ryan Wolstat.

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

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

2 Seasons Of Covering Raps In The Books.

I could have done a recap of the Raptors glorious win over the Nets that may cost them a spot in the draft lottery order. But after a long and great day in Toronto decided it would be old news by now and with Raptors right back at it tonight with the Bucks what would be the point. So instead of that thought I would share my thoughts as I have come to a conclusion of my second year covering this team with access. I was able to cover even more games this year and build on things from year one.

If I stop and think about all the great players I got to see and or talk with this year it would amaze me. From Steve Nash to Kevin Durant and many more. It really is amazing to have that privilege and be able to call it your job. In terms of Steve Nash, I can tell my grandchildren (assuming I have any) that I got to see Canada's greatest basketball player up close. When the Dino Nation Blog started not sure I could have dreamed for all of these great experiences. I am sure that when the NBA first came to Canada I dreamed of covering it someday. But back in 1994 who even knew what a blog was, who would have though there would be this thing called Twitter. You may have a plan and dreams for you life, but the path you take to get there always has some things you could have never expected.

It is a great experience to get to know players and this season I really got to build relationships with some of the players I have been covering for a couple years now. At the top of that list are Reggie Evans and Demar DeRozan. When I first started covering this team up in Ottawa at training camp a couple of years ago they were first two guys I spoke with. Over those two years I have spoke with both to many times to count. It makes you have a greater appreciation for both their successes and failures. Reggie has had a tough 2 seasons in Toronto and injuries have made it tough for him. But watching him fight back from both gave me a greater respect for Reggie, more than I would have had without having access and knowing him on professional basis. These are some of things I value about having access to the team. It allows you a opportunity to get a better sense of everything to a degree.

In terms of Demar the person I met in Ottawa was a nice young man, that was for all his talent and skill, still a shy person in terms of talking. But he has grown and become much more confident in that respect. I got to see first hand the great relationship he has with Sonny Weems. I also got to see a kid who the first time I talked with him told me "I want to be not just good but great" start the long path to making that reality. I understand how much he wants to succeed and have got to be a spectator to that. Demar will always have a special place in my heart. He came into the NBA as a freshman out of USC in part to make sure his mom got the best care possible. She suffers from Lupus and he wanted to make sure he was able to help provide the best care possible. As someone that has made sacrifices to care for my mother I really respect that. So does it make me root for Demar to be successful? It sure does and there is nothing wrong with that. He works hard and think everyone can agree Demar has taken strides towards the greatness he desires to achieve.

You also learn that all the relationships that you have can be gone like that. I always enjoyed talking with Jarrett Jack and he was there one time I covered a game and was gone the next. It is always a weird feeling when you enter that locker room and their is a new face in the place of an old one. So you start that process of getting to know that new person. Jerryd Bayless is a super young man. He has struggled this year but has started to show some signs here late in the season. Still it remains to be seen how much this means. The one thing I have learned about Bayless is in a season that a team has to endure a ton of losing there is no one that takes that more personally than him in that locker room. It is written all over his face and without him saying a word you can know if the Raptors won or lost.

As I left that locker room and the ACC last night I had a number of thoughts running through my head. Was that the last time I was going to get to laugh at Sonny Weems for some silly thing he did in that locker room? Sonny is always fun loving and always heard in that locker room. He may be the most fun loving guy on this team. Even with his roll reduced by James Johnson it has not stopped Sonny from being Sonny. Logically his future with the Raptors for next season seems bleak. While personally I would love to see him again, I know logically that is probably not likely. It may have been the last time I get to see Reggie Evans in that locker room as well. His situation is a little less clear. Reggie has shown some things that some feel there is a chance he could stay. Time will tell on what ultimately happens.

There was also a strange vibe with everyone I spoke with as it was my last time seeing a lot of these folks for the season. That strange vibe is the fact that everyone I have spoke with to a man or woman seems to feel an NBA Lockout will happen. So it is not just a simple case of see you next season. No one is really sure when that will be and some wonder "if" that will be. Everyone in that bubble that is covering games from staff, to players and folks in media. We all wonder what the future brings with no control or say in it. Everyone has an opinion on it though. But the one thing that would shock almost everyone is if we were playing games in late October to start the season as would be the normal practice.

You have to hope that people will be able to keep going and everyone on the other side comes back to be doing what they do. It is a scary awkward time for everyone. When you think about that it makes the fact the Raptors season itself has been one of the worst ever not mean quite as much. Is a terrible season better than no season at all. As much as this season has been frustrating and a true grind to get through, it is far better to have a season and be able to work. No season is so bad that it doesn't make you want to come back for another.

So I close off this 2nd year of having access with the Raptors hoping there will be another but having no idea when that will. It is a pretty sad way to end a season. A pretty scary summer to look forward too. But all that being said I have been fortunate to have another season covering this team and appreciate the opportunity to do so. Jim LaBumbard has been so kind to allow me that opportunity and ask anyone that works covering this team, you are likely to hear nothing but great things about Jim and I am no different. It was a fun year and I really felt like I belonged this year. Last season was like a blur trying to fit in and feel like I belonged to be there. It takes awhile but I truly feel comfortable now and have got to know lots of great people through it.

Oh yeah and Raptors beat the Nets 99-92.

9 Games To Go, 9 Questions To Answer

With 9 games to go let's take a look at 9 questions about the Raptors future going forward:

1. Bryan Colangelo's future with the Raptors? It has been the question that has hung over this season all year long. It was always suppose to be a formality but it has yet to become a reality. You have to wonder now if we still will see Bryan Colangelo next season. It still seems likely we will. But with the ownership of MLSE very much up in the air with the teacher's pension fund looking to sell their stake in the team it makes things a little less certain. Do we even know if Bryan wants to come back? If there was another opportunity in the league would he take it? There had been thoughts he could go to New York but with Isiah Thomas surfacing again in New York in some unknown advisory roll pretty sure that keeps B.C far away from the Knicks. Before you can answer any other questions you need to answer this one.

2. Jay Triano stays or goes? So many people want to find reasons for Jay Triano not to be fired. You have to figure that if Colangelo were to be gone Jay would be right behind him. Any new G.M that is going to have any real impact would almost 100% want to bring in his own coaching staff. But even if Bryan remains can he afford to stay with Jay Triano? Whatever you want to say about Jay the fact can not be denied that this team has not bought into his defensive system or his system on defence simply doesn't work. You can point the the Raptors lack of talent on that end of the floor as the reason. But it is up to the coach to find a way to make this team at least some what competent in terms of defence. I have yet to find a person that believes Jay Triano is the long term answer for this team moving forward. It is my believe the longer you keep him the more you are just wasting time. In a year that everyone admits was about development, in terms of defence this team has shown none. It has regressed in fact to be one of the worst teams on the defensive end of the floor that this franchise has ever seen.

3. Andrea or Demar? Who is this team ultimately being built around. Is it Andrea Bargnani or Demar DeRozan. Given the lack of improvement of Bargnani as a defender and a rebounder it would be truly scary if it is him. The Raptors also have stayed with Bargnani at the center position which seems to not be a good fit. In DeRozan he has shown a lot of improvement this season. Maybe not as much as people would have hoped for. But enough that you can see a day where people consider him the best player on this team. If you look around the league a team build around a dynamic wing player that is athletic is a lot more common than build around a big man. Other than a few franchises this is the case. The exceptions to the rules are true dominant traditional centers that rebound and defend. Bargnani is not that is he. I said as the start of this year the development of DeRozan was the key to this season. His development was the biggest factor. He needs to take over this team and become it's young leader. Bargnani is just never going to be that for this franchise.

4. Young Onez are one and done? It sure looks that way. Amir Johnson and Demar DeRozan will still be around. But with James Johnson coming on board it would seem that Sonny Weems days as a Raptor are coming to a close. It is something I think will have impact beyond just him being gone. We just got through talking about how important Demar DeRozan is for this franchises future. To toss his best friend over the side will be something that is going to bother DeRozan even if he never admits it publicly. He will say it is a business and will miss Sonny and all of that. But the chemistry and the relationship these 3 players built with each other and fans was something pretty special. While the basketball arguments for why this is happening are obvious, still it is sad that the Young Guns turned to Young Onez appear to be dust in the wind.

5. Reggie Evans say good bye or hello again? It is a very tough choice on what to do about Reggie Evans. When he has been out there he has been a force and a presence. The one guy that when he puts on a jersey on this team you know exactly what you get every single night. But the injuries to his foot are a big concern. He is sitting out with pain in that surgically repaired foot. I love Reggie and I think he adds a tremendous amount of value to this team. But I am very worried about these foot troubles Reggie is having. I am not sure you can be confident he can remain healthy. I know he will work hard. But it may be out of his control. If he was willing to take a short term contract at a very small number I think it is worth it. But if Reggie wants more than that it will have to be elsewhere. Reggie is perhaps my favourite person on this team. I hope for his sake he can be healthy and successful where ever he is playing. I am just not sure it can be here in Toronto. If it is Raptors will have a player that is a guy that commands respect in the locker room and just by his effort challenges others to match it. But to do those things Reggie has to be out on the floor playing and last two seasons that has been a challenge.

6. Draft Who, Draft What? I am pretty certain on what the Raptors need to do here. Point guard is what you want to draft. Assuming the Raptors luck is the same as it was in the season which is bad. That point guard you can watch in Final Four in the form of Kemba Walker. If you can't get rid of Jose Calderon at this point. Walker maybe a better version of T.J Ford and at his best could provide the same one, two punch Raptors had in the Forderon days. Kembaron? Jerryd Bayless has not shown to be a true challenge for minutes or Calderon's job. Kemba Walker will challenge Calderon and has the talent to surpass him. Calderon is just not a starter in this league. Walker has shown to be a tremendous talent and is the darling of March Madness. If the Raptors were to be lucky enough to get the number one pick they would likely have the chance to draft Irving from Duke. The only other player that might interest the Raptors is Harrison Barnes. The dynamic young freshman had a rough start at UNC but took big strides at the end of the season. These 3 players are likely the biggest difference makes the Raptors could hope to acquire in this draft.

7. Trade Bargnani? Many think if Bryan Colangelo is still on board there is no way this happens. Still there was a rumour in a New York paper that Bargnani may in fact be in play for the Knicks. While I don't think the Knicks have a package that would interest the Raptors enough to get Bargnani. After all they gave up a lot to get Carmelo Anthony. But the fact it is out there that Bargnani could be in play is news. I am convinced that unloading him now would be the smart move for this team. If you can find a team that is desperate enough to over look his lack of rebounding and defence for his offence you need to consider it strongly. Other teams have given up on first overall picks before. If you can get some actual value for him before he bottoms out you need to do it. Bargnani has reached the point that it would seem unlikely he finds God and is able to defend and rebound all of the sudden on a consistent basis

8. Ed Davis a part of the solution? It sure seems like it. Now he is not the Chris Bosh replacement that some billed him as when he was drafted. But he offers a solid rebounding presence and can be a decent defender in a good system with other players contributing to that system. He also has the potential to be something that Raptors have not had in a long time. A shot blocking presence that can change shots and block his share of them. Not since maybe Antonio Davis and Keon Clark were putting on the purple have they had this. Davis is not going to be a superstar. But he can be an effective part of a winning formula. Davis has surprised me this season given the amount of time he has missed. But he to his credit jumped into an NBA season and on most nights has looked like he belongs. You hope his development can continue on the right path. With a lock out looming who knows what that would mean for the Vegas Summer League. But DeRozan gained a lot of confidence from his time in Vegas last summer. You hope Davis would get a chance to do the same.

9. How much will the new CBA help the Raptors? When there is a new CBA no matter how it turns out Bryan Colangelo has done a solid job setting the Raptors up to be prepared for it. The general answer to this question for me is pretty simple. The more the owners win the more the Raptors win in terms of the CBA. Here are just a couple examples. If we get a franchise tag added to the mix. This gives you more control to keep your stars here to grow. Demar DeRozan can get better without the fear that he will be leaving. It also would give the team time to prepare should a player want out. It also would provide teams another weapon to avoid situations like the ones we have seen with James, Bosh, Williams, Anthony and Paul. Also if they eliminated the MLE this would cause players to really have to choose between money and winning. Would a guy really take a minimum salary to go play for a contender. Perhaps some older veteran players would but it makes it a much tougher choice for players to turn their back on teams with money to spend. Raptors will have money to spend and if the new system makes it easier for them to spend it. Regardless of the CBA we end up with Raptors are positioned well for it and that credit goes to Bryan Colangelo.

Back To Normal With Something Abnormal

The Raptors get back to some sense of normal life after their London adventure. They return to the ACC facing the Utah Jazz that no longer have Jerry Sloan on the sidelines. Also no Deron Williams as the Raptors are aware from their last two games in England. I have to be honest for myself it is hard to get back in the normal groove. The Raptors might have a little ring rust with all this time off. Practice is great, but it is not a game, just ask Allen Iverson. Raptors road losing streak has reached a team record level, so to be home at the ACC is a beautiful thing. Not that their 12-20 home record is any great accomplishment. Surprisingly though the Raptors are 6-8 at ACC vs West. Andrea Bargnani has the flu or is it flu like symptoms again? I wonder what Amir Johnson thinks about that? He has played trough a lot more than the flu or flu like symptoms this year. Reggie Evans should be back. I have been wrong on this before so I am just going to say I HOPE we see #30 in white tonight.

The Basics: Jazz 33-30 (Since Sloan Left 2-8) Raptors 17-46 ( 2-4 in James Johnson Era)

When Last We Saw Them: It took 3 overtimes in England for the Raptors to fade into the London fog. Bargnani not once but twice had chances to be the hero and win it. DeRozan had one shot as well and failed. Better effort than 1st game in England but the same result in the end an L.

Key Match Ups: Raja Bell hates Kobe Bryant and Demar DeRozan doesn't. Bell and Bryant had got into it on several occasions back in the day. My point is Raja Bell at one time was thought of as a solid defender and it should be a nice challenge for Demar to see how he stacks up against the one time "Kobe Stopper". Devin Harris is no Deron Williams and as such Jose Calderon should have an easier time of it with Harris. Least you would hope that is the case. Paul Millsap is a beast and Amir Johnson, Ed Davis and maybe a returning Reggie Evans, will all get a chance to battle with him. You also have Big Al Jefferson to match up with Bargnani assuming he had his "Chicken Soup" this morning. A huge contrast there and makes for an odd match-up. I could see Jazz using someone else on Bargnani maybe AK-47 might actually makes sense.

Other Things of Note: Dave Feschuk confirms that Sonny Weems is not happy in his article the other day. This is hardly earth shattering news. I had said after the James Johnson trade was done this would happen. I also have noted how Sonny has looked pissed after the first couple games when Johnson first arrived. I feel bad for Sonny who is a good guy. The irony in all this is the game before Johnson came, Weems led the Raptors in scoring with 19. But as the article suggests it is about the other end of the floor as to why Weems finds himself in this spot. Weems does make the point this team has not been good on defence and it is not all on him. Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon not mentioned but we can all imply. Sonny is a good guy and if this is the end of his run with Raptors I hope he is able to find a new home with what he has done in Toronto. By the way after his big comet like debut James Johnson has come back down to earth if you have noticed. In other news, the Raptors sent Solomon Alabi back to the Bayhawks for the 107th time this season. O.K it is actually the 3rd time this year. I am left to wonder now how am I suppose to know when the Raptors have given up. Alabi entering a game has become the Raptors international sign for a white flag. I don't understand the logic in shipping him back and forth between Erie and Toronto. It can't be doing anything good for his mental outlook. Ask Ed Davis about his time in Erie. He will likely have about as positive a response as he did about the prospect for playing for an NBA Team in London.

Where Is It On: Sportsnet 1 (Sportsnet announced a deal to be the Home of the UFC another reason to bump the Raptors to this network in the future)

DNB Has No Re-Cap Due To Flu Like Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raptors Make Some Bad History Happen In Charlotte

Bobcats got off on a 4-0 start and the Raptors were obviously far to excited from acquiring James Johnson but would settle down and get it to 11-10 with Bargs and DeRozan chipping in on the rally. They would take the lead and nose ahead of the Bobcats 16-14. DeRozan promised he would bring it post all star break and so far so good nice finish on the break to make it a 4 point lead. Was a close battle in the first quarter and we were tied at 22 with 4 to play in the first. Bobcats got on a run and took control of the game down the stretch in the quarter as the James Johnson debate ruled twitter. Bobcats were beating the Raptors 33-27 as Twitter was a tweeting about James Johnson (Trending in Canada as pointed out by Scott Carefoot).

Raptors looked like a team coming off the All-Star Break with nothing to play for. The lead expanded to 44-33 for Bobcats. Bobcats playing like a team with some hope still left and the Raptors were playing like a team with none. Clearly the James Johnson trade did nothing to fire up the troops. the beatdown would continue as Bargnani after a good start was ice cold in the 2nd and Raptors were defenceless and down 61-44 at the half.

Things would just get worse for Toronto as Bobcats lead would climb to 21 and D.J Augustin loves to play the Raptors. Like many point guards in the NBA. Triano called a time out trying to rally the troops down 71-55. Jordan sitting on end of the Charlotte bench far less concerned then Triano. Oh and this would be a great time to say thanks a lot for screwing us M.J. I would pay a hundred bucks to see Triano walk over and say that. Talking about the ill fated trade that never was with Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans going to the Bobcats. I am happy about half of that trade not happening bet we all know which half. Better to be bitter at M.J than talk about this game. Stephen Jackson left this game with hamstring injury not that it was helping with Raps down 89-69 after 3.

Really not much left to say in this one Bobcats were shooting 50% and getting to line and hitting going 21/24 at the stripe. Raptors would get as close as 11 but they had dug far to deep a whole to dig out of on this night. I am not sure if this is historic but it is odd. Jerryd Bayless had a double double without making a field goal going 11/12 at the line with 10 assists. Bayless had 4 turnovers as well and fans were frustrated on twitter. But if you truly believe this is about development now you shouldn't be. We all know what Jose is and isn't at this point and Bayless should see an increase in minutes down the stretch of this season. In the end Raptors lose 114-101 to the Bobcats and Charlotte has won all 3 games vs Raps this year.

Sonny Weems led the Raptors with 19 points on a day Raps make a trade for a wing. Could just be a happy coincidence but James Johnson being acquired makes Weems Raptor future even more uncertain than it already was. Weems becomes a restricted free agent after this season while the Raptors will hold an option on the newly acquired Johnson. But that is a story for another day in a season where Raptors have had many lows add tying the teams longest road losing streak to the list with their 11th straight road loss. They would surpass the mark with a loss in London England if they lose on March the 4th.

Start Of A Tough Home Stand For The Raptors

These next 4 games at home are not going to be easy starting with the team with the best record in the NBA on their annual "Rodeo Trip" the San Antonio Spurs. So far the Spurs are 3-1 on the trip after dropping the opener to Portland 99-86 who the Raptors will see Friday, from there the Spurs have beat the Lakers, Sacramento and Portland since. This is right smack in the middle of this 9 game road trip for San Antonio. The Raptors come in off a very ugly loss last night in Milwaukee and have lost 13 of their last 14. But the Raptors are on a one game home winning streak with the win over the T-Wolves. Prior to that they had not won since January 9th vs the Kings. No word on status of Jerryd Bayless tonight who did not travel with the team to face the Bucks. Reggie Evans is still at least a week away by all accounts but is looking pretty good from what people are saying. Let's be blunt about it, the Raptors are in tough tonight matched up with the best team in the NBA record wise this season.

The Basics: Spurs 43-8 (4-3 vs East On Road) Raptors 14-38 (4-4 vs West at Home)

When Last We Saw Them: It was ugly pretty much all night as the Raptors shot a terrible percentage and eventually the Bucks pulled away from the Raptors in this one. Beyond Andrea and Demar the Raptors were hard pressed to get points and only managed 74 points just two off the season low vs Orlando of 72 on January 21st. Andrew Bogut again proved to be a problem for the Raptors and they did not have an answer to stop him or Brandon Jennings in this one.

Key Match-Ups: Matt Bonner has been recently out for the Spurs so Toronto may not have to worry about the Red Rocket. Bonner despite the efforts of The Basketball Jones is not going to the 3 point contest either. Bonner has had a nice season with Spurs and has become a decent player for them. All the Red Rocket love aside the most important guy on Spurs to deal with is Manu Ginobili. Sonny Weems struggled guarding the Bucks wings and this is a step up in class from that. The Raptors will also need to deal with DeJaun Blair who ripped apart the Raptors when the teams met up in San Antonio. All this and you also have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker to account for as well. It is in short going to be a tough night for the Raptors and they may not have a clear advantage in any match-up on the floor. If it is DeRozan that guards Manu that would still leave Sonny with Richard Jefferson to deal with. Nothing easy about this one for the Raptors. A glimmer of hope DeRozan poured in 28 in that 104-95 loss vs Spurs. But the Raptors really got beat badly in that game in the paint by Blair and Manu had a big night as well.

Other Things Of Note: I will be liveblogging this one for the good folks at The Score. Also today on Twitter will be announcing the Trivia Question that can make you our VIP Guest at our (Un) Welcome Back Bosh Party that goes down next week. Reggie Evans is going to be a Dad for the 3rd time and the due date is the day the Heat come to town. Not sure if Reggie will be ready for that game and even if he is may have to tend to the newest member of the family. I offered him my best wishes to him and his family, and do the same here in the Dino Nation Blog. Reggie is a good dude and the Raptors really have missed him. They were 8-11 when the big fella went down, and since things have not been as good with other injuries that followed, and a lot of losses. I am down covering the next game as the Raptors may have Brandon Roy to deal with as well as the rest of the Trailblazers on Friday.

Where Is It On? TSN2 ( Sorry Spurs you are the best team in NBA but TSN has to start getting ready for NHL Trade Deadline I am sure you understand )

Starting 5 With Ryan Wolstat

We have always from the very beginning of doing the Starting 5 tried to bring you many different opinions and viewpoints from the main stream media. While we have been successful in doing that to a large degree, there has been one omission to that. We have never had anyone from the traditional print media to be a guest here. You know newspapers, well that changes today as we welcome Ryan Wolstat from the Toronto Sun to join us in the Starting 5. As with many of the guests we have had got to know Ryan through twitter (@WolstatSun) and eventually we met in covering the Raptors. So it is great to have him aboard and talk a lot about the uncertain yet certain future of the Raptors. That seems confusing, but if you listen to the interview it will not be. We talk about the futures of Bryan Colangelo, Jay Triano and some of the players that make up this roster. If anything we accomplish showing that bloggers and newspaper writers may not in fact hate each other as many assume. It was an enjoyable conversation and hopefully one you will enjoy as well.



Thanks to Ryan for helping us break some new ground with the DNB's Starting 5 and who knows maybe it will open the flood gates to more people from his world coming into our world here in the Dino Nation Blog. One of the great things of having access to games beyond the obvious things you see in talking with players and covering games is being able to build relationships with people in the media. It is something I have worked hard to do, and am so happy that so many people when asked to come join me here, have been happy and willing to do so. Hope to have Ryan join us again and become one of the many regular folks will call on to talk with here in the Dino Nation Blog. Another Ryan in the blog tomorrow as Ryan Richard our DNB Intern makes his debut in audio form, as we start doing a weekly DNB Podcast with myself and one of the members of my loyal staff. That will become a regular weekly feature on Wednesdays unless we have a guest booked to talk with on that day.

Raptor Relief

Let's face it the 13 game losing streak was like a giant gorilla that was hanging on to everyone's back connected with the Raptors. While beating a team that going into last night was 2-22 on the road, and sits last in Western Conference is not reason to have a party or anything. But just to finally put an end to this losing streak was a giant relief and it could been seen on the faces in the locker room post game. Amir Johnson maybe most of all you can feel happy for as he has played through injuries and pain and performed well despite the losing skid. So I asked him the obvious question of how it felt to remove this giant weight off the team's back and his own.

" You mean the loses...It feels good but we need to continuing winning. This is only one game, I guess it is a stepping stone for us. We just need to continue playing hard and keep fighting." Johnson said. He has been playing through so much and it reminds me of the way Alvin Williams use to be in which you would need an army to keep him out of a game. Amir was interested by the comparison, and truthfully for those that can remember how Alvin was, it is one of the highest compliments you could pay someone on this team in my opinion. But Johnson is very matter a fact about the whole thing saying " It is just my personality and my attitude." Johnson continued on to say " I know we had a bunch of injuries. I know we are short. I didn't want to be a player that went down. I wanted to help my team get a win."

While many may question the contract that Johnson got from the Raptors in terms of dollars maybe even the term of that contract. No one can question that he is giving all he has in terms of trying to earn every cent of it. When asked by Holly Mackenzie on why he unlike some other players that have signed big deals, to paraphrase Holly, kind of took their foot off the gas pedal that in that first year of a new contract. She asked why it was different for him and his response was just simply that's me. While you can debate the logic in terms of cap space and what not. You can not really measure what it means to have a guy that plays with such heart and desire every single night. Johnson has done that and along with Sonny and Demar reached out to Raptor fans and tried to embrace them and the city. Something that is needed in what is a tough time for this franchise. But Amir would appear to be a part of it's future and you have to respect all he has done even in these tough times for this basketball team.

Speaking of Demar DeRozan I asked if Sonny Weems was coming along for the ride again for the dunk contest. Last year the dunk he did working with Weems went off the side of the backboard to be finished by DeRozan which earned him a 50. The only perfect score of last year's Dunk Contest. Need a reminder?




But Demar informs me that it will be the other Young One this time, and also from L.A in Amir Johnson that will be coming along with him to All-Star Saturday Night in L.A. What will those two cook up is to be seen. But we had talked to Demar about it, at the time not getting into the Dunk Contest in the DNB, and he said that if he were to get in some how he could come up with a couple ideas. So seemed reasonable to ask how that was going, as his "Coach" for the event Darryl Dawkins was just in Toronto the other day. "It is coming along, I got some good ideas yesterday.I worked on a few dunks." said DeRozan. The Raptors have today off and if you are looking for Demar he is likely hard at work on his plans of beating Blake Griffin. "Since we have the day off I will probably come in and work on a few dunks."

As for the Raptors DeRozan's take on losing streak being over was this "It definitely felt good. Now we are trying to get a win streak going and feed off of that." That might be easier said than done. After a road game with the Bucks on Tuesday the Raptors face the Spurs, Clippers and Heat at the ACC prior to the All Star Break. But if there are going to do it, they will need they the type of play they got from the starting 5 they had last night. DeRozan was encouraged by how the starting unit played having this to say. "We needed that. We definitely were fighting for it. I think that is how we got to play from on because it is fun when we can go out and play like that." There is no question winning is more fun. But for the winning to continue it will take more performances like that to achieve it. The one thing that is clear about this Raptor team is that no one guy is going to be able to do it on his own. Not even Bargnani or DeRozan with out help from the other or the rest of this squad is to the point they can carry a team.

Sonny Weems has been back in the mix. For the first time last night it really looked like the old Sonny Weems we saw near the start of this season. DeRozan is obviously the closest to him on the Raptors so I asked how it felt to see Sonny looking more like himself on the floor. " I still don't think he is to 100% yet. But he is definitely looking good. Once he gets back to playing how I know he can play it is going be great to see." It is also going to be important to see as well S Weems is the one member of the Young Onez that is not under contract for next season. How he plays down the stretch of this year will impact on his future as a Raptor. Obviously DeRozan and Johnson will be leading the rooting section for him to play well and hopefully remain a part of the roster.

Sonny was singing in the locker room after the game that is a clear indication more than anything that the mood has changed for the Raptors. It has been a very tough year for everyone with this team but to their credit they keep fighting hard and were rewarded for it finally with a win. There is a lot of work to be done to improve this team but the group that is the Young Onez have a good attitude about it, and keep fighting an uphill battle with every thing they have. For their sake and everyone else you hope they can improve and help comes along to make this team stronger overall. Calderon and Bargnani both played well and were able to play with the group and give the Raptors a solid effort from their starting 5. While ultimately this is not likely your starting 5 going into the future. All of these guys will need to continue to play well and improve. Calderon and Weems futures might be in some doubt. Weems with his contract and a choice to be made by the Raptors and himself, and Calderon still likely could be moved you could speculate, if the right deal came along or the Raptors were able to find a point guard either in Bayless as a starter or through the draft or trade.

While Lebron and Chris Bosh might have quit on Cleveland and Toronto. The Cavs may have quit on Cleveland altogether. Here in Toronto the Raptors have not quit and remain fighting in a battle that this season is likely not one they can win. But you hope that in doing so it helps grow a mentality that can see them through in future years. I am not going to say that the Raptors can win on February 16th as the Bosh return looms closer. But here is what I can say. Toronto fans will bring it way more in comparison to what the people in Cleveland did, and this team will not lay down and die in playing the Heat. They will fight and give all they have. Which at the end of the day probably isn't enough but that won't stop them from trying. There are no wins based on effort alone, but it is a part of how you get there. Last night the effort was rewarded with a W. Which was a huge relief for everyone from in that locker room to all of you reading this.

Weems Could Return To Face The Dirty Birds.

Well it has been an exciting day. I have joined the world of mobile technology. Yes I finally have a blackberry and that should be helpfully in our coverage of games at the ACC. Which I will be doing Friday as the Raptors take on the Pistons at the ACC. But before we get there, it is Raptors vs Hawks tonight at the ACC. I will be live blogging it for The Score Mobile and The Score.com which you can tune in at about 6:45. Mother nature dealt a blow to the Raptors chances tonight as the Hawks were suppose to play last night but due to bad weather their game was postponed. So no second night of a back to back for them. Raptors took it on the chin 96-78 facing the Hawks earlier in the year. Some more help at least as Sonny Weems has been upgraded to a game time decision for tonight. He has missed 11 games with a bad back. It would be unlikely he starts if he is back in the line-up.

The Basics: Atlanta 25-14 ( Won 9 of last 10) Raptors 13-24 ( 8-10 at ACC)

When Last We Saw Them: Way back on Sunday it was the Raptors able to topple the Kings with no Evans in the line-up for them. Andrea Bargnani and Demar DeRozan both showed up in this one and led the charge for the home side.

Key Match-ups: Mike Bibby has traditional been a Raptor killer be it as a Hawk, King or way back in the day as Vancouver Grizzlies. Jose Calderon will draw the assignment most likely. Bibby was always been able to light it up from 3 point range vs the Raps. Be on RED ALERT in terms of perimeter defence on him. Al Horford is a beast and will be a force on the glass. But not sure if the Hawks will match him up with Andrea Bargnani. They might go the unconventional route and perhaps put the athletic Josh Smith on him. Will see what happens. Joe Johnson and Demar DeRozan makes for an interesting match-up as well with Demar starting to catch fire of late in terms of scoring. Joe Johnson is proving worth the cash despite Raptor fans chanting he was over paid in his last visit to the ACC. He is averaging 18.6 points per game. But he did pour in 24 in the Hawks last game.

Other Things Of Note: I got a blackberry....Oh wait I said that already. Hawks are 12-2 when they shot above 50%. Given the way the Raptors have play defence that is worth noting. In the last match-up vs Toronto the Raptors only scored 11 points in 3rd Quarter and 32 points in that second half which are season bests for the Hawks. Raptors are 5-7 at home vs Eastern Conference opposition. When you think of the Hawks you think about and athletic team that get blocks and steals but stats suggest otherwise. Raptors actually average more steals with 7.3 to Hawks 6 a game and Hawks only average 4.3 blocks a game.

Where is it on?: Scoremobile with Me and TSN 2 on T.V ( The Streak on main stream T.V Dies at 4)

A Christmas Visit From Matt Devlin

Matt Devlin joins us just a few days before Christmas to talk a bunch of things. We start of talking Christmas Shopping and then talk about the Jack Armstrong and Eric Smith CD from Brooklyn to Toronto. Which you can purchase tonight if you track down Eric at the game for just 5 dollars which goes to The Team Up Foundation. You can also get it online if you are not in the Toronto area go to Eric's Blog "The Rap" for details on how you do that. Even get into he and Jack and their Bon Jovi singing that has been a big hit at the ACC this year. But we do get down to basketball as well, with thoughts on tonight's game vs the Pistons. As well as some thoughts on the Young Onez, Andrea Bragnani, Ed Davis and others. Even a little talk about players playing internationally and if that becomes another issue to solve in the CBA. It is a good talk with Matt and hope you enjoy. In getting to more games this year get a chance to get to see Matt more often but have to remind myself to get him and all other regular guests in here more for you folks.






It is always nice to catch up with Matt and as I said at the end of the interview all the best to him and his family. All the best to all of our regular guests and their families in this holiday season. We will have one or maybe two Christmas surprises for you tomorrow so please when you have a couple minutes in this busy time of the year come check those out. One more game to re-cap as well tonight vs the Pistons.

Raptors Go On A Boozer At ACC

It was Andrea Bargnani Bobble Head Night with no Andrea Bargnani. Late word the Andrea Bargnani would not play do to an issue with his left knee. Add this to the mystery foot injury of Jose Calderon that has caused him to miss the last 3 games make it 4 games. Along with Reggie Evans still recovering from his foot surgery and Peja has knee swelling that may well not end till his contract expires. The Raptors instead of having 14 bodies to choose from, Raps were down 2 from what they can dress with just 10 healthy bodies. While Rose and Noah who were said to be game time decisions both decided to play. Add in the fact the Raptors played last night while the Bulls watch from their hotel rooms in Toronto. Chicago coming into Toronto on a big win streak looking to win their 7th in a row and the Raptors coming off a terrible effort in North Carolina. The deck was sure stacked against the Raptors starting a 4 game Pre-Christmas home stand.

I ended up doing this game for The Score so if you would like a blow by blow account at it happened please go check out that Live Blog post facto. I for the terms of the blog will just offer some post game thoughts on this one.

First and foremost I am not going to beat up on the Raptors for tonight. Clearly they were up against it, and a loss like the one in Charlotte angers me far more than anything that happen at the ACC on this evening. Even a full healthy Raptors squad were going to be hard pressed to beat a Bulls team that has been red hot. To rip apart the Raptors would be far from fair in my opinion.

The under manned Raptor but up a game fight at least in the first quarter. That being said they had no answer for Carlos Boozer and that would be an on going theme throughout the evening. Amir Johnson would get 2 quick fouls in this one and that left Ed Davis and Joey Dorsey to fend for themselves with an already under manned front court. I have to say that Ed Davis has really surprised me so far. I never expected him to be this good with all the time he has missed in the last year of his basketball career. Half a college season, all of training camp and all of the pre-season. He sticks to what he is good at and tries to do that well. His first NBA start produced at double double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Jerryd Bayless has been picking up his scoring with out Jose Calderon but he was committing turnovers and not making the number of assists you would expect from your starting point guard. Leandro Barbosa has been doing a good job of adding points coming off the pine. He and Bayless have been playing well together.

The Raptors have never had much success against the Utah Jazz and the Bulls have added 3 players from that Jazz squad in Boozer, Korver and Brewer. All three of them contributed to varying degrees to this win tonight for the Bulls. Boozer just could not be stopped in basically 3 quarters of work he had 34 points 12 rebounds and 2 steals and block. Raptors just had no one that could check him all night long.

Sonny Weems and Demar DeRozan continued to struggle they were a combined 7-22 from field with just 19 points. They also have been struggling on the other end of the floor. While many are calling for their heads, to me it will only be a last resort to see them removed from the starting line-up. While Barbosa likely deserves to start in front of DeRozan he is perhaps the only spark the Raptors have coming of the bench in terms of scoring. Linas Klezia has done nothing to show he is any better than Weems at this point. While I share the frustration of Weems and DeRozan they are suppose to be part of your future and you have to let them grow and develop. If this was not a rebuilding year I would have a different opinion. However, the Raptors have always been saying this is a development year and if that is the case you need to let that happen. I am more confident they will figure things out on the offence and have a greater concern with their defence at this point.

Among the small positives in this one was Joey Dorsey seeing more time and cashing in with 12 points 13 rebounds and a couple blocks. The one thing that I failed to understand was given this game was basically done after 3 quarters is why we did not see Solomon Alabi with the game pretty much decided. If you are not going to play him on a night like this one, when exactly would you do it. Alabi spent some time in the D-League and did ok in his time there. It puzzles me why he never saw 1 second of floor time.

The Raptors made this score closer than what it really was as the Bulls were up 29 and played reserves in the 4th and they did not do well. It ended up a 110-93 victory for the Bulls. Raptors will hope to get healthy for Friday as they will be taking on the Nets. If they do not get healthy they will still be challenged to get a win vs New Jersey. Raptors are really at a point where they could fall of the map unless they turn things around and are able to get a couple wins before Christmas.

Demar and Sonny Back In DNB

It has got to the point that we just can't interview one with out the other. Demar and Sonny did not have a good day vs the Knicks.Both are together now in the Raptors starting line-up and are almost always hanging together. These interviews were conducted pre-game prior the Raptors win over OKC. We ask Demar how things are coming along with hamstring and just in general. Sonny the last time I was down covering a game he was coming off the bench, now in the starting line-up and I asked him if there are any adjustments to that. Also some fun about video games. We check in on how Demar's undefeated but disputed(By Sonny) NBA 2k11 record is doing.

Mr. DeRozan up first

and now Mr. Weems checks in.

Let's hope these two and the Raptors can bounce back again and get things on track in a place that has been hard to win for the Raptors. As I mentioned in our preview the Raptors have not won in Indiana since Feb/2008 and have dropped 4 straight there. Thanks to Sonny and Demar for taking time to talk with me. Always is fun to talk with both of them.