This was the most humiliating defeat of all time. Yes, all time. Just look at the circumstances under which the Knicks ran us off the court: We pulled off a big trade and are in a backs-to-the-wall situation where we need to claw out wins almost every night to make the playoffs; Our “star” player just got back to give the team the boost they need; It’s time for us to dig deep, make a stand and send a message to the fans that there’s something to look forward to and that this roster isn’t entirely useless; We’re in the spotlight of the Mecca of Basketball and have a chance to make a statement against a division rival we need to overtake to make the playoffs; All eyes and hopes are on the Bosh-Marion-Bargnani-Calderon lineup which Colangelo hopes to be a staple of the future. Our response? Come out taking jumpers like pansies, check out shortly after, roll over and die, and then let the Knicks run rampage over the dead bodies.
Knicks went up 9-0 after the first two minutes and didn’t look back. The Raptors didn’t care enough to catch them and the Knicks build a 20 point lead at the end of the first quarter by shooting 73% and had 75 points at halftime. We ended up getting our asses handed to us in a game where we were down by as many as 38. No quarter by quarter analysis is necessary, let’s just say the Knicks kicked our asses in every regard and the only thing that went right for us was a pointless 11-0 run at the end of the third quarter which felt like licking ice cream off of dog turd. You can add Wilson Chandler to the list of scrubs that have had career games against us. 32 points including 6 threes, most of them in the first half when the Knicks shot 10 of them. This was definitely worse than Denver, we at least had the altitude excuse to hang on to there.
David Lee who averages 16 points had that many in the first quarter and took it to the Bosh on the boards and the blocks. Bosh’s response was typical trash as usual – settle for jumpers when nobody on your team can buy a basket. Is that what a floor leader and franchise player is supposed to do? Clutch sequences sometimes come early in the game and weathering that first quarter assault by making defensive stands and playing smart offense was what was needed but as usual Bosh didn’t deliver. Lee ate him up by being the aggressor and showing him no respect on either end. Later on with the Raptors down 20+ Bosh cracked a smile with Lee reminding me of one Vince Carter.
Lee is the anti-Bosh. On every pick ‘n roll the Knicks ran, Lee looked to roll towards the basket and make himself available for a pass from Duhon. Every time Bosh sets a screen for the 76.1395% Calderon he pops out to the elbow and receives the most predictable pass in basketball and fakes a shot that everybody wants him to take. Where’s the sense in that? All that stupidity ends up being a reset and wastes time off the clock. Actually, most of the plays we run don’t end up fooling the defense and in the end we go into one-on-one mode with bad results. I don’t know if it’s Triano’s plays or their pathetic execution that’s the problem but rest assured that our offense sucks just as bad as our defense. Of course the effort, intensity and determination is lacking as usual so it doesn’t really matter what you’re trying to do basketball-wise because you’re just not that into it.
The worst moment for me is when a Raptor player realizes too late that he’s supposed to be closing somebody out and then dejectedly makes his way to the shooter at half-speed. As the shot goes in he exchanges glances with a teammate and they both look away knowing that next time down the court they’ll run into the exact same situation again and make the same mistake. Viscous cycle. The other is when Bosh or Bargnani “box out” by turning their backs to their man thinking that he won’t move as the ball bounces off the rim. Lo and behold, the player turns out to be more agile than expected and comes across the lane to collect the offensive rebound.
When was the last time we successfully trapped a guard on the pick ‘n roll? Or even negated it? There’s too much confusion and not enough communication when the screener’s man comes out to meet the ball-handler causing a momentary double team. The rotations behind the play never happen and you’re left to defend a pass back to the pick-setter who is rolling to the rim or the PG splitting the weak double to get into the paint causing havoc. I’m sick and tired writing about this stuff.
We’ll get to the rest of this sorry excuse for a team in a bit but let’s put Bosh out of his misery first. A penguin has a better feel for the game than Bosh, this guy doesn’t know when to dribble, when to drive, when to pass and when to shoot. I’m not joking, the amount of times he picks up his dribble to make the trap easier is sickening, his idea of a strong move against a smaller player is catching the ball, facing him up, acting like he’s going to post him up but then face up again. WTF man? Make up your mind? And stop taking jumpers because that’s what other teams want you to do! Bosh also gets the Miller Lite Smart Player of The Game award by throwing the ball out of bounds on an in-bounds play with 3.5 seconds left thus giving the Knicks possession in the Raptors half of the court. Nate Robinson then drilled a three to add insult to insult. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that he got his ass swatted by Nate. Low-point of his career.
That sound you just heard is Nate Robinson blowing by Parker, Kapono and Calderon all at once to drive the paint and finish as Bargnani was too late/lazy to cover. A normal NBA defense is a lot like a fortress, it’s not just one wall you have to crack. You got to crack the outer wall, then the inner wall, then you meet the cavalry and if you beat them you might have a shot at conquering it. Not the Raptors defense, all you need to do is beat your man off the dribble 20 feet out (very easy to do against Calderon, Parker and Kapono) and you’ll have a clear path to the rim because the rotation will always be late. If by some divine miracle somebody actually steps up to challenge, rest assured that the second rotation will NEVER be there and you’re going to get an open three from the corner. This has been happening so consistently that its become funny. Give credit to Bargnani for actually trying to cover the paint but he’s not blessed with the athleticism, shot-blocking ability or the pride needed by a 7-footer to make the paint his house.
Before we got to Jose Calderon who’s the master of directing traffic without passing the ball, let’s deal with Anthony Parker. It scares me to think that Bryan Colangelo is seriously considering bringing this has-been back next year. All the Raptors except Marion have a love of going under the screen on shooters, it’s because that’s generally the easier option as fighting through a screen, communicating with the hedge-man and recovering is generally considered hard work. Parker is the star in this act of shame; there is no reason why he should be going under screens set for Wilson Chandler and Al Harrington when they haven’t shown that they can drive but have shown that they can shoot. Whatever, I’m too used to his incompetency to complain about it further but let me say that I did see this sorry excuse for an NBAer leave Chandler open on the weak-side to in the third quarter to help out on nobody on the strong-side. The pass went back to Chandler who drained his 64th three of the game. Anthony Parker might play hard but he’s a liability on defense and doesn’t provide nearly enough offense to make up for his crapiness in every other aspect of the game. I’m glad Moon is out, Parker is next on my hit-list.
Can somebody name me a point guard who Jose Calderon can dominate in a game as he leads us to victory? He hasn’t had an impact game since we beat the Bulls and last night was more of the same pedestrian overpaid PG play from Jose. The defense was cheating off of him to help down low on Bosh and he kept clanging those babies early on which is when it mattered. He ended up with 10 useless assists and 2 turnovers which should keep the old AST/TO stat nice and healthy. Roko Ukic has a bigger impact on games than Jose Calderon and that’s a serious statement. Nothing Jose does creates scoring opportunities for his teammates or bothers the defense to a degree where they’ll have to think about helping on him. Put an average defender on him and you have him contained, put a bad one and you’re still likely to even his impact.
Let’s remember that the Knicks aren’t exactly in the same league as the Celtics, they were 22-31 coming into this game and only 2 games better than us and yet they manage to convincingly hammer us. Why? Because they now have an identity and are starting to acquire the personnel needed to personify that identity. You might hate D’Antoni and his no-defense philosophy on basketball but at least he’s got the Knicks playing and believing in a style. They might not win a championship but they’re at least entertaining to watch and genuinely believe in what they’re trying to do. We on the other hand don’t have a clue of our strengths are and are trying to be run ‘n gun and half-court at the same time while doing neither properly.
I have to feel sorry for Shawn Marion, he must be just starting to realize what he’s in for for the next two months. In a game where we couldn’t defend a baby in a three-legged stroller, Marion’s defensive performance stood out. It doesn’t mean anything in the larger context because if all the other pieces in the machine are broken, it doesn’t matter how well-oiled one of them is. Marion was actually able to push Lee further out than Bosh who conceded position too easily too often, and was always helping and recovering on the strong-side, something Parker can learn from. 14 points and 12 rebounds for Marion who’s basically thrown out there and asked to do his thing. Marion’s a very good player but let’s not forget that he’s a system-guy. If he is to flourish in Toronto we’re going to have to play a style that is suited to his game, he’s not a shot-creating wing like Joe Johnson or Hedo Turkoglu, he needs to be part of something larger and something more meaningful if he’s to be utilized effectively. If we’re to play run ‘n gun with Marion we need to get some rebounding in here and ignite a fire under Jose, otherwise the best thing for the Raptors is a sign-and-trade.
The Raptors definitely lack a floor leader and it’s not hard to imagine that it’s missing from the locker-room as well. Bosh isn’t cutting it in either place and I’m tired of him stumbling and bumbling with the ball when we need him to deliver and carry the team. My original opinion on Bosh still stands – not a franchise player but a great second option and one who’s trade value is falling as we speak. As the losing continues teams will figure that he’s going to walk in 2010 and won’t tender the same offers for him as they would’ve done at this trade deadline. If he’s with the team at the start of next season and we struggle, we’re not going to get more than a pick for him at next year’s deadline.
Who knows what Colangelo’s plan with him is, maybe what Stephen A. Smith was saying is true? Maybe Colangelo will try to do all he can to build a solid team for next season but you have to wonder how many players want to come into a situation like this. I doubt Triano stays on past this year, even as an assistant coach. If you want to change the direction and perception of a team you start with a new GM but since we’ve fallen hook, line and sinker for Colangelo, I would expect him to get a big name coach and hope he becomes the attraction that Bosh isn’t. And let’s not forget that Mitchell was fired for being 8-9, Triano’s 13-27.
All playoff talk is insane after this loss, not because its not possible but because there’s no true desire to get there. If this team can’t motivate themselves to compete in a game and setting like this, it’s asinine to talk playoffs. I’ll admit, I was stupidly optimistic and enthusiastic after the trade and hoped it would kick-start them but as we’ve been saying all season long, motivation problems are of the worst kind.
Having said all that, look for the Knicks to be somewhat content after earning a split and probably drop one on Sunday but it doesn’t mean a thing. At some point we’ll have to consider pulling the plug on Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon and give that time to Jawai, Ukic and Banks so that proper evaluation can be performed.
Raps get massacred at the Garden in a game that was over after the first quarter.
78 Raps
Three quarters of garbage time.. Turned it off after the first. This team is a waste of time and I don’t see any solutions in sight, we gotta see Bosh trade scenarios.
props. whole rant is true to the core.
I was not a fan of doing it before but it’s clearly time to put this into a NoseDive & Tank HARDCORE. Raptor’s are playing at career lows. Nobody believes in themselves or the Team as it stands right now. We have to pull the plug. It easy to rip 1 individual player, but it just not a combination that works. We need to salvage for next year.
Congratulations to anybody who seen it coming. I had my hopes ups for the Raps going into the 2nd round when this season started. Now…
There is no longer any untouchables on this squad now. The trade market is wide open next season. Should be interesting, but here we go again Raptor fans.
The perfect storm over came the Raptors ever since the cough….cough…gory days of Wince, Oakley, Davis and my favorite Alvin Williams. Things just haven’t worked out since. Blame this or blame that…. I’m just getting tired of being very patient… very, very patient…
If Bosh will leave and if we are going to boo another parted guy…is it because he quits or is it because he does not know how to stomach a better effort? The laid-backness of Bosh is starting to turn against himself. Twitter, blogging, and constant You-tubing; does Duncan, Garnett, B.Roy, Billups, Iggy, Dwight, Carmello, Derrick Rose, Durant, Kobe, Pau, LeBron, Paul, etc. do that in their spare time and start rolling them in the internet public (except Shoe commercials)? A mentor once told me that what you do away from your work, can shape the way of what you really can be in your 30 yrs of career. (Damn, its been almost 6 months in my career, and I think I gotta change some of my off-work habits, and really work on my career in my spare time and make real mental progress). Chris Bosh is human, and little things like this can really affect the way a how 24 yr old (my age as well) can take his life/career seriously. A 24 year old talent also needs to be surrounded by better examples of teamates so they can always be reminded of how much work they should put in to their spare times and deal with tough problems (eg. Garbo) and be told/mentored how to deal with their spare times (tough-ass, experienced coaches and asst. coaches).
Well said.
Sign Roy Halliday
hallAday you fucking twat – get it right!
STUPID TORONTO SPORTS FANS.
Sine Ray Holiday.
awe. some.
Honestly, it might be tough to boo Bosh if he comes back on another team. Ok, yeah maybe he isn’t giving 100%, but neither is the management and that is what sets up our shit cauldron in the first place.
So what if Bosh Twitters with the odd youtube clip here and there? Shaq acted in movies and made crappy rap albums and he still has his rings.
What are you … working as the BC apologist today?
Are you comparing Shaq… TOP 10 (at minimum) player OF ALL FREAKING TIME to Bosh?
GTFOH!
And Shaq was doing those things while leading the Magic to the Finals.. and winning rings.. not eating the East basement and getting kick out of the 1st round.
shaq is one of the greatest of all time. he can do whatever he desires. bosh is a 2nd tier all-star.
Do I have to spell it out for ya? You honestly think my point was Bosh=Shaq?
Who cares if the guy Twitters and does youtube clips? If he stopped, would he all of a sudden be an MVP candidate? Does he miss practice? Is he making movies or music videos? Is he flying to North Carolina to accept his diploma on the eve of Game 7?
All these guys have extra curricular activities (shoe commercials, public appearances, charitable events, team-related events, upper brass, ganja …). That’s professional sports today. The pro athlete in the modern era. Get used to it.
When your game is average…at best..maybe you should spend a little less time worrying about marketing yourself and focus on winning. Assuming you care that is.
And spare me the modern era as far as distractions are concerned… every era had them.
It’s about dedication. Bosh is not the only one.. but maybe he should look at former players who no look back and cry. Countless of careers wasted because guy were running on talent.
But really with Bosh this is about caring at this point. I’ve said he mailed it in months ago… just can’t wait until he leaves and starts balling. Just like VC.
If we resign Bosh then it may turn out to be a bad move. Probably the only way we will see him stay is if we pay him the max salary, but he’s not worth an average of around $23 million per year. Something around the $17 million mark is more accurate, and would give them more cap flexibility. The only way he commands a max salary is if he can learn a back to the basket post game.
On to the effort issue, on offense, is it me or is Bargnani the only player who wants to drive some of the time, everyone else are pansies
Do or Die! It is this suspect draft class of 2009 that might be the final straw that breaks the camels back as a 1st and 2nd round pick, or if we can trade to draft for two 1st rounders (and not fuck up) in 2010, we might need to let Bosh go and opt out if we can’t give him the system and coaches that make him succeed better. We have to sit Calderon down now this season if he’s not going to get layups (and Jamario Moon-ing his play), and let Roko try to raise his and Marion’s value and interest with a better running game. Screw the playoffs, and start tanking, at least it gives Bosh a reason to underachieve for now.
Haha playoff talk has just become inane?
Playoff talk was silly months ago.
Should’ve traded Bosh, should keep tanking. Let’s get a pick.
Long time reader, first time poster. Great board, I no longer go anywhere else for Raps analysis and discussion.
Now that that’s out of the way … Wow, I’m almost glad that so many games are on TSN2 now. My blood pressure will be much better off not watching the the Raptors.
The Raptors offence is horrible, probably even worse than when Smitch was here. Every play down the court is the same.
1) Calderon brings the ball up court and stops at the top of the arc and directs aircraft the nearest runway
2)Some general rotation/milling/half-assed jogging around by other Raps (to be fair there’s no real need to run hard as there’s no chance of the ball being passed until step 3).
3) Everyone stops moving, ball is passed 8 feet from Calderon to Bosh who is 17 feet from the basket.
I already like Marion and I am really warming to JG, as they are the only two Raptors who move without the ball. The complete lack of motion in the Raps offence is horrifying. The Raps I think are a reasonably skilled shooting team which is masking some of the terrible sets. If they were a normal shooting NBA team, they would average 70 points a game with this offence.
The game was especially frustrating to watch as the Knicks did the exact opposite, constant movement, constant cutting to the rim, exploiting mismatches, hitting the open man. Why the Raps find this so difficult is beyond me.
Oh and one last note. I wish the Raps would stop switching. Their rotations are far too slow so they are constantly leaving people open. Yes I know most of them are bad defenders, but bad must be better than no defender right? And man to man Calderon and Kapono are the only sieves. No one should switch to Calderons man. The bigs should help on forays into the paint, but not switch (ie don’t lose their man). I know this means opposing points will score a lot, but I still feel this is a better situation for the Raps as PG’s typically aren’t great scorers (whereas the guys left open usually are) and they tend to want to pass anyways (use that against them).
Sorry for the length of this post folks, but last night finally broke me.
Exactly right
Arse, remember when after the very 1st pre season game I said.. “Oh so Bosh is a shooting guard, now? This is what we have to look forward to all year?” Still can’t believe it actually happened.
And how do we expect any free agent or current player to take this place seriously when we have an ownership group that doesn’t know what a basketball looks like, a GM who has never won anything in basketball on any level as a player, and neither him or the coach have played a single minute in the NBA. That’s like trusting someone who has never been a soldier to lead you into battle. Probably not the best idea.
Top to bottom on the organizational chart this franchise is a joke. They must be paying English serious money for him to still be around.
This article needs to be mass distributed.
RC Buford/Greg Popovich have not played a single minute in the NBA and they’re doing alright.
Got any others? Pop was an ass. coach in the Army, no? Close with Bobby Knight… who has Triano worked with? Sam? One summer with Shredder? Christ, Pop worked for the CIA and I know he’s got Soviet spy training or something… either way, dude can lead me into battle any day.
RC won a chip with Kansas too…
I didn’t say NBA minutes were the only criteria.. but they are still much better qualified then the two clowns running this gong show.
Orlando, Philly, Jersey off the top of my head…
That’s both coaches and GM’s though. If you’re talking just GM’s with no NBA experience, the list expands considerably.
I don’t think it’s that important.
Jerry Krause? Red fricken’ Auerbach??? Yes, the Raps are crap, but the point that these guys have no NBA playing experience is completely irrelevant.
Are we having a reading comprehension problem.. or are we just clinging on to what we need to for the sake of arguing?
I said won anything on ANY level for the GM… what has BC won? Am i missing something?
And I said coaches with NBA minutes for Triano. How many of those do we have in the L? Gundy? Who else… ? Whoever you come up with, I am willing to bet would get more respect then Triano…. let’s see what you got.
Badasss… NBA playing experience is irrelevant?? Clearly I can make an argument as to how it is and you see that… just wanna hear this argument as how it is not.
I have enjoyed RR by and large but I’m checking out on this season. The only thing worth considering with this team is how to rebuild` See you in the miserable off-season boys.
I’ve enjoyed RR this year so kudos to Arsenalist et al. for their efforts. And kudos to the regulars on the comment board. The only thing worth thinking about for this team is the rebuild so I’m checking out until we can see some indication (on the floor) of how that’s going.
Free Raptors fans!
Sam.. don’t quit on me now, man! I’m surprised Andiamo hasn’t ripped you a new one for not being a TRUE FAN and all.
Plus, the President of the Free Banks movement cannot quit at the start of the campaign. Lots of games left to see that thru.
And we can spend DAYS talking about how to rebuild, no?
REBUILD! HA! Has any team gone from contender talk to rebuild this quickly?
you just cant get my dick out of your mouth flux….i make you emotional.its cool bitch.hopefully one day your nuts will drop.
Sorry to crush you dreams, but as I told you before… I ain’t like that. Stop hitting on me and spare the masses of your fantasies.
Oh and you make me nothing but laugh.. you are the resident clown on here. HORNS UP!! MILLION TIMES BETTER UNDER TRIANO!! WE WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!!! Priceless.
whats that saying flux?,”it takes one to know one”…..u knew the raptors were losers from day one.
“Has any team gone from contender talk to rebuild this quickly?”
It happens all the time… look at Miami, Jersey, Chicago… what do you think Boston is going to look like in 3 years? Remember Golden State beating Dallas? etc.. etc..
This team sucks, but I’d rather they rebuild from scratch. Tank the season!
So Miami, NJ and Chicago were talking contending at the start of they year before their seasons turned into complete garbage? OK.
I’ll give you Chicago a few years ago.. but I don’t recall anyone saying contenders with them. So even that’s reaching.
Maybe if you said Wizards a few years ago… or the Buck with George Karl.
But even those teams made the playoffs. Sooo.. I still contend my point. From 2nd in the East talk to 2nd from the bottom… keep searching boys… I can’t think of a team.
I thought that 1st post got deleted. Ooops
Great post again, and other than a few expletives I couldn’t have said it better. This team is pathetic, and Triano has done nothing really to change anything. He still allows the Calderone Bosh “slow motion” offence. Can someone please tell Bosh Calderone and Triano that I have a PVR if I want to watch basketball in Slow Motion, so they don’t have to do it for me!!
I am sorry to say that I really thought Calderone could run this team but he has been awful, and Bosh is pretty much a pathetic softie. This team needs to be blown up for it to survive starting with Bosh and Calderone…trade them both or at minimum Bosh. And I for one would not keep Bosh for anywhere near the $17 million, let alone $23 million. He’s a $10 million player at best.
Why kid ourselves and bring a fast run and gun player like Marion here to play this type of game. Bosh can never become a faster player. He needs to play on a half court team with someone like Howard commanding the inside so he gets left open 15 feet from the basket.
I also don’t think we have to tank for a draft pick because this sorry squad will do a good enough job while they actually try to win.
I think I could have watched almost anything else on TV last night to find more excitement than this piece of crap excuse for a basketball team. I really like what D’Antoni has done to the Knicks though and while they are not championship calibur they are entertaining and fun to watch, something we have not seen in Toronto in a long long time.
BIGGEST problem is how slow everything is including our defense. Get rid of Bosh and Calderone and start again!!!
WHO ON EARTH IS CALDERONE?????? How does anyone call themselves a fan and they can’t spell the freaking names right?
I wish Nunya was here to lay down the smackdown… I don’t have the skills.
Exclusive comment by me.
I been trying to do my best with my game. You might not believe this is me but to prove it I am here to say I am leaving this crappy place called Toronto and going back to Dallas.
Holla!
Can I pack your bags? Also if I throw in a ride to the airport can you take Calderone and Parker with you?
Rap of the day.
Definitely the blame is to spread around however I was thinking about Bosh’s contribution in 2 key games: Milwaukee and last night. He was absolutely awful and played like a scrub.
For a while now I’m saying don’t let JO expire in our hands and trade one of Bosh or Bargnani.At least we got rid of JO and this summer is the time of choosing between CB4 and AB. Jose is a keeper for a lot of reasons (too many to count for Jose hatefest going on).
This summer we need a new head coach and BC has some tough decisions to make. I hope they will be the right ones because Toronto deserves better.
This team cannot succeed with our bigs 18ft+ away from the basket launching jumpers all game long. The combination of Bosh and Bargs is a colossal failure and if this team is ever to get back to respectability it needs it’s 1st scoring option to come from the wing. If Bosh is going to be signed to a max contract (a mistake IMO) he needs to change the way he plays the game and give up the damn ball.
“Neither Larry Hughes nor Chris Wilcox played, and the same can be said of the Toronto Raptors, a team that barely put up a fight as it was thoroughly outclassed and embarrassed by the Knicks, 127-97, at the Garden.”
From NY Daily News. Ouch.
raptors need to just sit tight….keep the losing record….get a high lottery pick percentage…and if possible…draft blake griffin!!!!….also change the head coach into a decent one…HOPE TO TURN AROUND NEXT SEASON…..If the losing touch goes on to the next season….the one the raptors needs to get rid of is their General Manager!
chris bosh can suck it. seriously.
youre getting paid and youre the “star” (HAHAHAHA), i dont care if most of the dudes are clowns who cant stay in front of their man…either can you, show some class.
the olympics were the worst thing that could ever happen to this dude…hes too concerned with being compared to the real talent of his draft class…but ive got something for him….somewhere between carmelo anthony and darko milicic= chris bosh.
congrats on that.
id just prefer he didnt play…his ego and his lack of accountability bring a terrible team down even further, when a true “star” should lead and inspire.
suck it chris bosh…your classlessness will fetch us nothing in return for the torture it is to watch you play.
The fact that the team sucks is annoying, but what kills is they don’t care. If they don’t, why should we?
Triano’s done his best (if his ejection against the Cavs doesn’t motivate this group of misfits, nothing will) but he’s a goner. I’m hoping tomorrow Bosh mysteriously tweaks his knee and Jose’s hammy “acts up”. They need to be shut down. Let the tanking begin.
I’ve been a fan from day one. This is the most disappointing season ever.
You really rip too much on the Raptors players. These articles would be alot more interesting if they were more than just cracking jokes and making metaphors around the Raptors players being bad. Try to draw some positives, to give some hope and hopefully making the article better to read. I understand making fun of a few players, but there are good players on this roster. Instead of ripping on every single player, point out good performances by some individuals, even if its only for a play or two.
i guess that’s what it’s come to…pointing out the few good plays in a myriad of shyte. like arse said, ‘licking ice cream off a turd.’
“even if its only for a play or two.”
Can you be any more pathetic? Hey guys, c’mon on now.. we should all be thankful these guys can catch, dribble and pass. Seriously, if you only lower your expectations to the bare minimum, you know, putting on their uni the right way, left shoe on left foot, right shoe on right foot, both tied, no snot on their faces… you will see these guys are really All Stars.
btw.. did you miss these when reading or you just reading what you want?
Give credit to Bargnani
My original opinion on Bosh still stands – not a franchise player but a great second option
Anthony Parker… play(s) hard
Marion’s defensive performance stood out.
Marion’s a very good player
Roko Ukic has a big(ger) impact on games
You wanna ready rosy articles about how everything is perfect with the Raptors, the sun is shining, we are a move away from the Finals, the future is bright etc.. you should probably read the TO media. I assume anyway, I wouldn’t know anything about it. And you want hope? Download some BC interviews and play them on loop at your house.
But don’t rip on people here, who offer a balanced view and call it negative.
Nunya is right, some people…
msg to BC: Dont sign CB4
If you think of the season as having been done at the 8-9 mark, perhaps it’s easier to fathom. Last night’s game is so irrelevant in any case. One necessary move has been accomplished this season. That is progress, regardless of the interpretation, ie they reversed the biggest blunder they have ever made. Not that much has changed, a couple little things like Bargs is a bit clearer, and perhaps the pylon too. It’s a deep hole, but they are not in a worse situation now than at 8-9. Still looking forward to the next move. All will be clear after that. The last was just undoing the blunder.
how good is this year’s draft prospects? are there like really good ones like durant, derek rose, brandon roy type of guys? is ricky rubio available?
The Oklahoma CIty Thunder have a much much better roster than ours. THey just had a rough start. and they actually beat us. OUr roster is garbage, full of non-NBA quality type of players. We then should rebuild through the draft. o yeah we traded a first rounder in the marion trade. The only guys worth keeping is marion, bargs, joey, ukic (he really just needs proper mentoring). Dump the rest, send nathan and patrick bryant to the d-league, trade Bosh and Caldero! Caldero is just a backup point guard, (john paxon, steve kerr type) period.
we should have grabbed the opportunity and traded for steve nash when he was very unhappy in phoenix. now, there on a roll again scoring 140 a game. i really like nash because he and coach triano have a great relationship and being the leader of the offense he can turn this team around.
TRADE BOSH!!!
i feel sorry for shawn marion.from d wade to chris botch.from a legit star to a fabricated wannabe…..does chris know that playing d involves body contact and not just standing there arms straight up like a fucking pylon……….did anybody see charlie v last night rip anderson varajao down by the throat and then give big z a throat grip.LOVED IT.milwaukee was getting fucked and he was angry.what does bosh do?he walks around with his faggot ass mane head high tilted back smirk lookin like hes saying”it aint me” with his eyes all glossed over like a baby about to cry.FUCK HIM.if we give this bitch a max contract were fucked.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?categoryid=2459788&id=3923234
Charlie V cares
who the f was that stuttering commentator?
Tribal honking Rap fans are suffering in their abject angst. I actually enjoyed watching the Knicks playing decent bball … and I also enjoy watching the “Surfing” the NBA program on Score with other teams. Unfortunately, most bball games on TV include the Ratpors.
Those that whine and cry about the Ratpors are truly tribal honking fans .. certainly not bball aficionados …!!!!
But one can only be one or the other, right? No chance I could like bball and be a Raptor fan, FAQ? As in appreciate the other teams AND complain about the Raptor mess?
Don’t lie… we know you are suffering too. You said yourself it’s hard to watch a few days ago. It’s ok man… nothing wrong with being a tribal honker. No reason to hide it.
Oh Fluxy … You’ve laid me bare … exposed me for all to see … since we go a long way back to a previous forum existence … drats …!!!!
Perhaps I hide my angst better than most and salve my pain by trying to convince myself that the other team is okay … but it still doesn’t quench my inner pain and anguish … OOooOOooOOoo .. it hurts soooo much …!!!!
That aside .. you will recall that I advocated trading Bosh last season to start the inevitable rebuilding process. All these jokers on the forum … these tribal honkers … were clinging to Bosh like Klingons to their machetes at the start of the season …. but I had the insight, the foresight, the exquisite bball instinct that Bosh had to be traded for a gaggle of decent, athletic players who still had some upside if given enough playing time to learn the game properly.
One surprise was Joey , who I admit was on my must-trade list, but desperate as I am, I’m willing to keep him for another season .. but only one season to see if he has the ‘right stuff’ for us Moronto tribal honking fans … yes I admit it … I’m as decadent as you and Arse and the others … I want a winner so I can feeeeel like a real man ..!!!!
FAQ…my MAN!! All love for you buddy.
Your bball acumen is un-parallel.. this is true. But your manhood depends on the W-L record of the Raps as much as mine… that we cannot deny. This is what bring us all together as fans… of any sport for that matter.
the whole ‘tribal honking fans’ thing? yeah, that’s a little old.
Hit a nerve … ???!!!!!!
not really, it just seems like a cliche at this point. if you’ve read anything i’ve written in the past, i don’t think you could claim me to be a THF…though i suppose the meaning of what constitutes a THF is entirely subjective.
I was just talking to my dad mentioning we are the laughing stock of ANY sports team out there. He’s a Homer Leaf fan & I’m a Homer Raptor fan.
Because the Teacher own the majority of shares for MLSE you we’ll never see a Championship…. only safe returns on investments. Yeeeaaaaa… I’m a Creaton, I’m a Homer, I’m an idiot…. I’ve heard it all before, but I’m excepting it now.
The only way you’ll see Toronto get a bunch of contenders is to start at the top. AXE the Penny Pitching, Binder Holding, Metro Car Driving Teachers.
My next game I attend (If I ever go again) will involve me wearing a paper bag over my head like the Leaf Fans of the Harold Ballard days. I hope I’ll get some supporters.
http://chat.mapleleafs.com/index.php?showtopic=66718&hl=
Start a pandemic… the only way you’ll see change is by the fans showing how much we really give a shit.
I PLEAD TO ANY FANS FROM NOW ON ATTENDING GAMES TO WEAR PAPER BAGS OVER THE HEAD UNTIL MLSE DOES SOMETHING.
Sorry to anyone looking for a positive note… I’ve been a fan from Day 1. My patients are done!
Paper bags in the upper bowl don’t do much. As long as men in suits fill the lower bowl, nothing will happen. I bet 50 people in the lower bowl are equivalent to the entire Sprite Zone section. Someone do the math for me.
With things like TSN2 and gouging ticket prices, is it a wonder why more and more “real” fans are resorting to shady methods of viewing games?
This is dedicated to any Raptors fan looking for something positive for the season. This is a song to help raise anybody hopes. I did not want to be completely negative in my previous post so for anybody still holding on to hope please click the link….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJN3PGqDRNg
I’ve said enough….
lol how bout not buying tickets at all?
This is my first year not going to a game.
I gotta say, I hate Jose Calderon as our starting pg. He doesn’t drive, He’s Injury prone. He’s always clapping on defensive but his footwork and positioning is horrendous.
Trade him to portland for outlaw and some garbage. Draft a pg, dont sign marion and let’s rebuild!
you suck
It seems the Raptors favourite word is ‘rebuild.’ I don’t care Bosh Tweetering or making videos for YouTube as long as his game on the court was top notch, and more so attitude wise. The last time I saw him pissed off was on Jamario Moon, and before that was when he went off on Bargnani in Golden State. I can’t believe he was cracking a smile while we were down 20, just ridiculous.
moon and jo must feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven.check the numbers they just put up for a W today….see what happens when you add complimentary players to a legit stud….can u say,”adding insult to injury”….fuck me.
Yup … see the press report and my Moon comments here:
http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/2009/02/22/linkage-for-feb-21-8am-to-feb-22-12am/#comments
CAN WE STOP TALIKNG ABOUT THIS YEAR IT JUST HURTS TOO MUCH.
OFFSEASON TALK IS MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE?
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE US DRAFT?
I VOTE MEEKS AND OR CURRY (YES MORE SOFT JUMP SHOOTERS) BUT HECK MAYBE ONE COULD BE A REGGIE MILLER OR A RAY ALLEN TYPE (I REALLY LIKE CURRY)
WHAT COULD WE GET FOR BOSH AND CALDERON IN EITHER SEPERATE DEALS OR THE SAME DEAL AND IMO WE SHOULD TRY TO PUT BANKS OR KAPONO IN THE DEALS IF POSSIBLE???
PLEASE SOMEONE ANSWER ME INSTEAD OF TELLING ME HOW THIS IS THE WORST TEAM EVER I KNOW I WATCH EVERY FUKEN MINUTE ALL YEAR OR 99.6% JUST TELL ME WHAT WE SHOULD DO EVEN THOUGH WE KNOW BC MOST LIKELY WONT DO WHAT WE WANT BUT ATLEAST IT IS FUN TO IMAGINE WHAT WE COULD DO IF WE HAD THE JOB THIS OFFSEASON.
GREAT POST BY THE WAY THE SHIT IS LIKE 100% TRUE…..
Arsenalist, I honestly believe that you are the best Raptors beat writer in Toronto. I only wish I could read your articles in print. 100% true, as always. I haven’t seen a beating like that since Reginald Denny! And I was all pumped up about the prospect of seeing Marion and Bosh together for the first time… The Raps no longer care about this season. The truth is, they gave up long ago. Now I am done. No more wasted Friday nights. I’m out. See you next year, boys!
Speaking of Triano, I think it would be hilarious if BC fired him this weekend in an attempt to find another scapegoat. Has any team ever fired two head coaches in a single season? Somewhere, Smitch is smiling ear to ear baby!
PapiJulio I want to say respect for shouting out those of us who could see that this Raps team would be crap. Euro players and boyscouts is no way to build a bball team. I have no idea what “papers” the whole league was looking at that said the Raps would be good. I guess its just that some of us look at the stats that don’t end up on those papers. Stats like chemistry like winnerability. That would be the desire that Kobe, and LeBron have. The I make enough money so that ten generations will never have to worry about anything so the only thing I have to worry about is my insane desire to win. The I’ll strangle my brother and starve my kid if necessary desire to win. This team doesn’t have one, I repeat one individual who has that. And that above any of the other reasons I listed or that others have said is how I knew this team would be crap and is crap.
SEASON: OVER (tank it and get a lottery pick)
TRADE: BOSH (with Kapono and/or Banks as fodder)
RESIGN: MARION (short term deal, mid-level trade exception)
SIGN: coach Van Gundy
GET young quality players like Lee and even Chalmers. Lee is not going to win you a championship. But 2 all-star players (like Marion, not like Bosh), plus 3 quality role players, plus 3 quality rookies who play defense and get after it will put you in the playoffs.
All of this can be had. Colangelo. Blow it up.
BTW – WTF is with the Knicks? Isiah Thomas = worst GM ever, BUT somehow they land Lee, Chalmers, and Robinson? Walsh able to trade away several of the worst player contracts in history at the deadline and we pick up OBryant? WTF???
On Arsenalist’s old blog, others might recall what some of us had to say about the future of the New York Knicks, and where their franchise would likely be, relative to the Raptors.
Seeing what really is … in hoops … involves more than number crunching. : )
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