Jose Calderon…Que Pasa?Shouldn’t have been that close.
We said that four times last season, and twice so far this year. What does it say about the Raptors when the Heat overcame a 17 point deficit, take the lead, and came within a couple plays/shats to win the game? It say’s there is still a lot of work to do. To the Raptors credit, they ground out a tough game on the second night of a back-to-back, and won two of the last three games.
Bosh was clearly worn down. After 10 games of massive minutes, culminating with 45 the night before, Bosh had a pretty solid game, not by his recent standards, but a solid outing nonetheless (15pts 11rebs). The guy is elite, there is no two ways about it. Fortunately, Bargnani showed up and had a monster game with 25pts 4rebs and 2blks. I was thinking about Bargnani, and if he can drop 18-20 a night, I don’t care how many rebounds he gets.
His defense is much improved this season (still room to grow), but his rebounding leaves a lot to be desired for a 7 footer. I’m reserved to the notion that he just doesn’t have it in him to be a solid rebounder, not in his genes. Seems like the ‘Bargnani @ SF’ experiment will extend at least one more game against Jersey on Friday. Bobby Simmons isn’t the type of player to kill Bargnani at the 3. At least it keeps Moon out of the starting lineup. I still think Moon doesn’t realize this is a contract year for him.
Back to the game…
Dribble penetration was a huge issue tonight (the theme of the season actually), it was what kept Miami in the game. Most of it came from Wade. The guy is incredible, he does whatever he wants within 18 feet. Parker had a tough time with the guy, he had a couple sick cross overs that left Parker frozen. What was unacceptable was the help from Bosh/O’Neal when Wade blew by Parker/Moon. Rotations were late, and weak. A few times, Kapono showed some help, but never committed, which wasn’t surprising, but upsetting nonetheless.
Have to give Parker some credit. It can’t be easy chasing Wade all over the court, take all that abuse, then drop 19 of your own on 5-5 shooting from beyond the arc. He has clearly lost a step, but makes good decisions, is streaky clutch (man is clutch when the Raptors are up, or when it doesn’t matter), and is the best defender on the wing we have.
So we live with Wade doing what he does, what I can’t live with is Chalmers penetrating and kicking to an open shooter on the wing. That happened about 4 times by my count. He’s good player, but not that good. On top of that, it is unacceptable for a team with a $70mill payroll to allow so many open freaking looks.
Great game for Calderon to come back though, and not a moment too soon. He found open shooters, protected the ball, hit a couple key shots, and ran the offense without a hitch. Sadly, he only played 32 minutes, which meant Solomon got about 16. I have to say, I hate the guy. He sucks.
He isn’t worthy of a 10 day contract, much less a backup PG role in the NBA. The only situation I can see him being effective, and used properly is when a foul is needed, or Smitch wants someone to takes someones knees out. In my game notes, I have the following written about him on three straight possession:
- Solomon answers with a brick on the open jumper
- Solomon fouls Wade, then gets T’d up…fucking idiot
- Solomon turns the ball over badly, when it rains it pours, he sucks and needs to be put to sleep asap
15 games. That’s what some were saying around these parts was the amount of time O’Neal should be given before passing judgment. I thought that fair with the caveat that I would need to see some progression in his game during that time. Playing 14 games at a low level, and hitting his stride at 15 was unacceptable in my estimation. I am actually happy that there has been some solid improvement in his game over the last few games.
Not only has O’Neal been able to play more minutes a night, but he seems more comfortable with that turn around jumper. His rebounding numbers, and defense in the block were never a concern for me. The offensive side was the sticking point. It is unreasonable to expect him to be a 20 point scorer (which sucks because that was one of the roles he was supposed to fill this season), but 16pts 9rebs is reasonable, and should be the minimum level of output expected from the guy.
A few random thoughts from the game:
- Obviously Leo’s love affair with Dalembert is over. But the man has found someone else to shower with his verbal fellatio – Joel Anthony…I hate Leo too…cock sucker.
- What is it with these NBA players and that stupid red mouth guard? What is this need to have it stick half way out of your mouth?
- Is it me, or does Beasley not look like a baller. The guy seems better suited to be playing guitar at a grimy Latin bar in South Beach.
- Erik Spoelstra gives me the creeps. Dude is a freaky Steve Buscemi.
- Wouldn’t Chris Quinn be a perfect backup for Calderon?
- Humphries needs more playing time. I hate some of the offensive decisions he makes, but the guy plays hard, fights, claws, bites and wills his way to make things happen. Gotta appreciate that.
There has been a lot of chatter about the Raptors and trades (Wallace, Harrington, anyone really). Dave at NBA Roundtable posted a must read article for any Raptor fan, dude is really thinking out of the box on this one, great read.
AltRaps will be checking in at some point with his Roll Call. Peace…
46 Raps
lol At me being Rap of the Day. Sweet
Yeah I noticed that about Beasley. He just doesn’t look like a ball player. If I saw him on the street I would think he worked at Foot Locker to be honest.
Also its pretty obvious that Leo and Matt don’t like Solomon just by the tone of there voices when its his turn to get some burn. I would think Matt can back up what he says face to face though. Solomon does watch the game afterwards and here’s the play by play.
Anyone notice how Jose went from wearing nike kicks to Li-Ning? Now Baron, JKidd, Battier AND Jose are wearing those chinese shoes!
Anyone notice Bargs still leaves his mouth open during the game
Miami was also on the second night of a back to back..idiot…and Wade completely DOMINATED without looking tired. If I have to hear one more fucking excuse about some Raptor being tired or playing a lot of minutes…..
This was still pathetic…this team can still barely beat bottom feeders.
@dee: those li nings are u-g-l-y. But for the extra ad cash, i dont blame him.
@joey: ya and no didnt notice.
HA, try one more thing, Li Ning = Leaning
I dont think that Miami is THAT much ofa bottom feeder..
I wonder what Solo-man’s face looked like when they went over the tape of his horrific turnover in Miami. In fact, I wonder what it looks like when he watches himself play on a daily basis.
“I have to say, I hate the guy. He sucks.” – Thank you. I don’t understand how anybody can like him, I really don’t. What annoys me even more is how he looks at the refs after ever turnover like he should be getting calls. It’s sad to say, but Parker has definitely lost a step. I don’t know if its age, but its hard to hold it against him when he’s guarding the best player every night.
I think most people look like they have lost a step when they play against wade.
There’s a double standard with this team. We bitch and complain that no one on the team stands up for themselves and when Solomon does it today, he’s a loser that should keep his trap shut. I get it he’s a scrub but had Bosh or Calderon did what Will did today they’d get praised by Matt and Leo for protesting the foul.
Bottom line,dribble penetration,I know its D wade,however we need someone that can throw some cold water on someone,at least slow down the motherfuchers !!!I love Jose,but he got schooled last year against the Magic.BC attempted to stop the bleeding with JO but we need some help in the wings….Thank god Parker woke up,because ,he was due for one big fuckin bitch slap.
Moon does not understand contract year.Two big games,we need to beat the Nets,and earn some respect from the C’s on Sunday.
We need to take this (ugly) win, use it as a momentum starter, slap NJ on the mug and fire off six straight.
Dinoblogger sells out! James Borbaths recent comments regarding his new partnersip with the score.
“… hockey is always going to be the number 1 sport in this country.”
“I am just doing what I can to advance myself and the blog. “
One more thing,the play of our European seasoned backup guard left little for me to be encouraged,it was still the Heat afterall.
We are one Jose twisted ankle away from ping pong balls.
On a side note I think Leo stayed at Anthonys house and blew him all night.
Joey, that is because Bosh and Calderon CAN get away with it. They have rep in this league – Bosh as a genuine all-star and Calderon is at least talked about in several circles of analysts.
Swill on the other hand (what? it fits) has no such thing going for him and as soon as he opens his mouth to a ref, they’re like “What, son? You wanna step? How about I bitch slap your rookie ass with a T to learn you some respect.”
did colangelo actually scout solomon before signing him? Also, how about moon for a backup point guard? Maybe lindsay hunter? Should’ve signed anthony johnson before Orlando got the chance. And how about pursuing mike miller? He cant play defence, but he can score well. I think we can offer parker and maybe solomon for him, and a first round pick, give minny some cap relief
Hey…great site guys…or it has the potential to be, but really cocksucker, fucking idiot… is this good journalism? Why not clean it up and consider we have some young fans of the Raptors you can influence…as well some people out there looking for bloggers/writers whatever that may look away from an unprofessional presentation.
Anyways…take it how you will. I appreciate the effort to deliver basketball content on the Raptors.
Beasley will suck. I watched him @ kansas state, and he’s an undersized 4 that reeks of that, “i dont need to play defence, I’ll just score much more than you” I would’ve chosen russel westbrook/oj mayo if i was miami.
bill: i never claimed to be a journalist, in fact, i’m the furthest thing from it. i appreciate the comment and will take it into consideration.
timeintact: as long as parker doesn’t shoot 15+ shots (unless he’s on fire), i’m ok with what he does. he has a tough job, and plays as well as can be expected.
JK, go easy on DinoNation. He wants to get his foot in the mainstream media and its probably a good move for him. Become part of something recognizable.
Bill, everybody has their own style of writing. Raps Fan gets very angry when watching ball (especially when he’s not taking his meds). His hate for Leo goes back to 1996 and I can understand why he loathes Will. Can’t ask a man to hold his emotions or tongue back, otherwise he just wouldn’t be himself.
Will’s got to go, he’s a liability on both ends and these should me minutes spent developing Roko because we’ve invested more in him than Will for the future.
Wade was impressive, his crossover in unstoppable. If he had stayed healthy in his career, I think him and LBJ would’ve been at par. Without him Miami wins five games a year, if that.
This Raptors team is falling into the same habit as last year: beat the bad teams, lose to the good ones. JO and Calderon need to play 48 minutes for us to have a chance to win. As Raps Fan mentions, the drop-off for going to the bench is just too big. I don’t know if we can sustain this for 82 games without losing very bad games.
I also liked what I saw of Mario Chalmers, this was a good selection by Miami in the second round (34th pick). He’s no All-Star but he can handle the ball, is quick enough to break you down and his jumper’s coming along. Very good drafting by Miami.
thanks arse.
will gets too many minutes. i would rather ukic or parker as backup pg. at least they don’t telegraph jump passes.
the raptors aren’t much better then last season. they improved in the front court, but lost ground in the backcourt and wing.
something that really kills me is that colangelo made it a point to talk about the loss of garbajosa being huge last season, but then did nothing to replace what he did for this season.
Bill…..my bad
d279: i just caught your leo comment…lol
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re: I also liked what I saw of Mario Chalmers, this was a good selection by Miami in the second round (34th pick). He’s no All-Star but he can handle the ball, is quick enough to break you down and his jumper’s coming along. Very good drafting by Miami. – Arsenalist
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I couldn’t possibly disagree more with your perception of Chalmers, based on how he played in last night’s game: Box Score.
I’d even go so far as to suggest that Eric Spoelstra’s decison to use Mr. Chalmers for 28+ MP in this game, when he was playing the way he was last night … was the KEY factor in the Raptors’ victory, from Miami’s POV.
Yes, he was a solid draft choice by the Heat … but the way he’s playing for them, right now, is well beneath the acceptable standard of a Starting PG in the NBA.
Keeping in mind that the Raptors 2 W’s have been against the Heat [Middle or Low End Team], while their L has been to the Magic [High End Team] … using this bigger line-up [with Bargnani, O'Neal & Bosh] has at least addressed their Rebounding Deficiency and their Interior Defense.
If they can use Bargnani, Parker, Calderon and Kapono as Perimeter 3PT-Shooting Threats … they should be able to remain in contention for a playoff spot throughout season.
Can they beat the High End Teams, in this League, using this specific Style of Play?
Time will tell. : )
I enjoyed the Solomon game notes… very funny. Devlin needs to calm down when JO gets a dunk, he’s going to give himself a heart attack (and it’s annoying). I also love how in the matter of seconds he goes from drunkenly bewildered fan voice to Ben Stein talking about Dry Eye.
Best thing about Hump was most of his points came from the FT line and he missed once.
like khandor says, he is what he is. the guy just needs burn, and he makes up for the offensive drop, with his hustle and grind. can’t play bosh for 40+ minutes a night for the rest of the year, not sustainable.
Khandor, why you’ve italicized “Style of Play” in your last comment is something I’ll never figure out.
I don’t think adding Bargnani to the starting lineup has affected our rebounding at all. He’s averaging like 4 rebounds a game is around the same number as Moon. I think in two of the three games he’s started he’s provided a good offensive punch, that’s the reason he’ll likely stay in the lineup, not his defense (which has been decent all year).
Mario Chalmers. To me, he’s quick, tries to play aggressive and can pass. If he can iron out his jumper he’s going to be a good little player. I’ve only seen him twice ever and that’s my opinion of him, take it for what its worth. Is he at this stage better than Will or Roko? You bet and would I have seen the Raptors draft him instead of heart patient? Yes.
Bargs,as a big, poses at least a threat towards rebounding, so JO or Bosh don’t have to fight 2/3 dudes for a rebound, no?
Italics cuz it’s not a style? It’s a freking mess!!
Book-ended … because it relates back to the comment I left yesterday, re: Butch Carter’s segment on the Raptors this week on PrimeTime/FAN590 with McCowan.
‘Style & Content’, my friend … not just one without the other.
Those who may not care for it are welcome to use the ’scroll bar’.
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re: Chalmers
Yes, he’s a better long term prospect than Solomon, and perhaps Ukic as well … but, right now, he is playing very poorly for the Heat, in comparison with Chris [The Mighty] Quinn [who is only average, at best].
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re: I don’t think adding Bargnani to the starting lineup has affected our rebounding at all. He’s averaging like 4 rebounds a game is around the same number as Moon. I think in two of the three games he’s started he’s provided a good offensive punch, that’s the reason he’ll likely stay in the lineup, not his defense (which has been decent all year). – Arsenlist
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It’s not the numbers Bargnani puts up individually that matter most, in this instance, it’s the Residual Effect of having him on the floor together with O’Neal & Bosh AND with Calderon at the PG-spot for 30+ MP which will produce improved Rebounding Differential numbers.
NBA hoops is a ‘5-man Game’ based on individual strengths & weaknesses, in combination with one another, relative to a specific Opponent’s 5-man Unit.
Solomon does not belong in the NBA. If Roko does not emerge as a serviceable backup soon, I am confident BC will address this issue. He has to.
Great game from Bargs. Next step for him, aside from developing consistency, is to figure out how not to disappear for long stretches of the game. It’ll be tough for him though because the 4th quarter revolves around Bosh (aside from the inexplicable C’s game).
Wade is SICK. He made AP and Moon look stoopid on some spectacular plays.
Usually just gloss over Khan’s posts, but this my eye inadvertently caught this gem:
“NBA hoops is a ‘5-man Game’ based on individual strengths & weaknesses, in combination with one another, relative to a specific Opponent’s 5-man Unit.” Gee, thanks for that “golden” nugget of “wisdom”. I feel so incredibly “enlightened”.
Fluxland…you nailed Devlin,I almost pissed myself !!!
BC should sign or draft NBA proven players yet he still doesn’t have a clue.
Bryan:
A player in the American US Draft will have a higher success rate then a player you picked up over in Europe. because of the grind and physicality of the NBA which players in the NCAA are used too playing in big name Colleges. European players have less or no athleticism and rely on 3 point jump shots as there bread and butter. Why is it that many players who made the transfer are scrubs thus far? And Bryan if you want a real assistant who knows the NBA game why not hire Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller? Im sure they would be a lot more usefull then your Italian friend who is not qualified to access true basketball talent.
Someone with your background and acumen should know better
lol…poor joey is really dumb.
joeys real name is jamal.
Joey, how can you be mocking Euro players when the raps have had a whole slew of them that I think have worked out pretty good. Calderon is more than solid, Garbo was a good glue guy, I loved Delfino’s defense and all around game, and Bargani might be improving and is somewhat dangerous when he’s confident. And that’s just from the raps.
The Gasol brothers are good, Fernandez looks cool, Parker is European and is one of the top points in the league, and surely if I wasn’t ultra lazy I could think of another few good guys. Nowitzki for one.
Anyway, the NCAA players fail just as much. It just takes most rookies a couple years to figure out how to play in the NBA, from highschool kids, to college guys, and Euro players. That’s just the way it is.
Hey, why all the hate on Solomon? It’s not his fault he sucks so much.
I do agree with a previous comment, Colongelo should have signed some young or NBDL player. At least you can wait on them a bit. But with Solomon…he’s a THIRTY-ONE year old ROOKIE.
WHAT!? Of course it’s Solomon’s fault that he sucks. Who’s fault would that be? I mean, it’s Colangelo’s and Smitch’s fault for playing and paying the guy. But it’s his fault for failing to be good.
lol. That was a joke, calm down Jord.
Jord you need to do your research and now.
Not one of those players you listed would be a key guy on a championship squad. Fact. How many of them have been passed the first round? They’re bench players that don’t really factor in the overall picture long term there quick fixes at best. I don’t give a shit if Parker was an MVP playing in Israel. Hes the worst starting SG in the League, literally. Why did Detroit get rid of Delfino for 2 second round draft picks? Roko and Solomon, Adams, Moon, Garbajosa are not NBA players they are rental players
If you want to build a long term contender you build through the draft – NCAA talent and NBDL talent who are plying there trade from ex NBA ballers and coaches.
The Euro game is a Jumpshooting, No defense, afraid of contact, who don’t intimidate anyone League. Perfect for Colangelo I guess
Andiamo don’t get cute buddy
hey joey.my nuts on your chin bitch.hows that for cute fuckface?….go be a bigot in your cave cunt….u damn devil.
Andiamo,class act !!!
I’m closing comments because they are going down the drain, sorry to everyone who has a legitimate comment to make. arse will be checking in with a article in a few hours.