It’s been a couple weeks since all the action BC done-did, and having come down from the high of all the activity, I’m looking around and thinking that this is a good start, but this team still has holes. I realize that there could be a move or two to be made, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
BC hasn’t come out and said that he’s done-doin-work, but we are over the cap, the chances of signing & trading either Delfino, Pops or Voshkul for someone useful are zero; and the list of quality players for the backup SF keeps dwindling; we can safely project that this is the roster that will be heading into training. We may add one/both of Delfino and Pops, but I don’t see that translating into any more wins/losses.
I don’t see this team hitting 50 wins, I just don’t. They weren’t a 50 win team last year, and aren’t one again this season, for that, they would need better coaching (I don’t care what Colangelo’s Sr/Jr and Coach K say) and the ability to make defensive stops at critical points of a game (something they have never done, ever).
With that in mind, I was interested in taking a first look at what this team could hope to achieve this coming season. My method is far more art then science, but this is my process:
- I start by examining each player on the roster
- I look at the schedule and decide whether the Raptors will win or lose based on who they are playing, where they are playing, toughness of the schedule, and how likely the Raptor-Killer of that team will have one of those games that sets records or forces us to yank our hair out
- In the event I am on the fence, I flip a coin
Like I said, more art then science…
I have the Raptors making a 12 game improvement to 45 wins this year (individual predictions below). Take the particular wins/losses with a grain of salt, individuals results will vary during year, but there win total wont stray far from 45, a game or two either way.
This picture has nothing to do with the article, but it’s hilarious.
My Highlights:
- 11-5 against the Atlantic
- 30-22 against the East
- 15-15 against the West
- 31-10 at home (seems high to me too, but I stand by my decision)
- 2-13 on three and four game road trips
- 3-3 on Mondays
- 3-6 on Tuesdays
- 13-10 on Wednesdays
- 1-0 on Thursdays
- 11-6 on Fridays
- 2-5 on Saturdays
- 12-7 on Sundays
October 2-0
Wed 28 vs Cleveland W
Fri 30 @ Memphis W
November 8-8
Sun 01 vs Orlando L
Wed 04 vs Detroit W
Fri 06 @ New Orleans L
Sat 07 @ Dallas L
Mon 09 @ San Antonio L
Wed 11 vs Chicago W
Fri 13 @ LA Clippers W
Sun 15 @ Phoenix L
Tue 17 @ Denver L
Wed 18 @ Utah L
Fri 20 vs Miami W
Sun 22 vs Orlando W
Tue 24 vs Indiana W
Wed 25 @ Charlotte W
Fri 27 @ Boston L
Sun 29 vs Phoenix W
December 9-6
Tue 01 vs Washington W
Wed 02 @ Atlanta L
Fri 04 @ Washington L
Sat 05 @ Chicago L
Tue 08 vs Minnesota W
Wed 09 @ Milwaukee W
Fri 11 vs Atlanta W
Sun 13 vs Houston W
Tue 15 @ Miami L
Wed 16 @ Orlando L
Fri 18 vs New Jersey W
Sun 20 vs New Orleans W
Wed 23 @ Detroit L
Sun 27 vs Detroit W
Wed 30 vs Charlotte W
January 8-7
Sat 02 @ Boston L
Sun 03 vs San Antonio W
Wed 06 @ Orlando L
Fri 08 @ Philadelphia W
Sun 10 vs Boston L
Mon 11 @ Indiana W
Fri 15 @ New York W
Sun 17 vs Dallas L
Tue 19 @ Cleveland L
Wed 20 @ Milwaukee L
Fri 22 vs Milwaukee W
Sun 24 vs LA Lakers L
Wed 27 vs Miami W
Thu 28 @ New York W
Sun 31 vs Indiana W
February 7-3
Tue 02 @ Indiana L
Wed 03 vs New Jersey W
Sun 07 vs Sacramento W
Wed 10 vs Philadelphia W
Wed 17 vs Memphis W
Fri 19 @ New Jersey W
Sat 20 vs Washington W
Wed 24 vs Portland L
Fri 26 vs Cleveland L
Sun 28 @ Oklahoma City W
March 7-9
Mon 01 @ Houston L
Fri 05 vs New York W
Sun 07 vs Philadelphia W
Tue 09 @ LA Lakers L
Wed 10 @ Sacramento W
Sat 13 @ Golden State L
Sun 14 @ Portland L
Wed 17 vs Atlanta L
Fri 19 vs Oklahoma City W
Sat 20 @ New Jersey W
Mon 22 @ Minnesota W
Wed 24 vs Utah L
Fri 26 vs Denver L
Sun 28 @ Miami L
Mon 29 @ Charlotte L
Wed 31 vs LA Clippers W
April 4-4
Sat 03 @ Philadelphia L
Sun 04 vs Golden State W
Tue 06 @ Cleveland L
Wed 07 vs Boston L
Fri 09 @ Atlanta L
Sun 11 vs Chicago W
Mon 12 @ Detroit W
Wed 14 vs New York W
105 Raps
“the ability to make defensive stops at critical points of a game (something they have never done, ever)”….this is the most frustrating all all Raptor “defects”. And hopefully that will change this year.
I’ve always played with the mentality that at the end of a close game, on every defensive possession, the only thought in my head is that no matter what MY man will not be scoring. All energy goes into that. I wonder if the Raps think along those lines at the end of games because all too often it seems like they can’t stop anyone from scoring when they really need to.
I think Antonio Davis and JYD and Kevin Willis thought along those lines, no one in recent memory though. That is the proper mentality for a defensive player.
For me, that comes from the coach down. Kevin O’Neil instilled that into the Raptors during his short tenure, that was the only saving grace of that team, its defense. Nothing since…
it really is perplexing isnt it. it seems almost like there avoiding to be the one that gets scored on rather then grinding down and stopping someone…even there fouls arent good ones in the clutch…hopefully that will change but priciples like that come from wanting to play defence…not implementing a system in the fall…although i did watch those clips a couple days ago of old chris bosh and he did seem more committed at that end but perhapos injuries and offensive expectations undressed those expectations…my only hope is turk…who is not a good defender…still wants to win in the clutch (eg. blocked kobe from behind in finals) if he could spread that attitude of not giving up to the rest of the below-average defenders perhaps we could one games…although by winning games i assume they will be 121-119
Nah.. that’s ALL the player.. someone can’t make you play good defence, you simply have to inherently have that pride in you..
I’m not saying the Raptors have anyone like this on their squad, but KG brought over a defensive mentality to the Cs. He got the players to commit themselves to playing solid D. I agree the majority of D comes from within but it’s possible with the right motivators to have external influence. I would hope as professional players most of these guys pledge to step up their defence even a little bit!
Yes defensive effort can be contagious. Bosh COULD and SHOULD be that guy, but he has to lead by example all the time.
Flip a coin? how about, What city would I rather be in? thats always better than just flipping a coin.
Well, no one can say you lack for imagination. Flip a coin?
Why not just go for 41-49 wins and call it a day? And save the coin tosses.
Could we have your coin toss on Bosh’s knee?
I actually like The Captains suggestion, but would alter it to be “where would I rather be right now” as I would pick living in Toronto over most places in the US.
Bosh’s knee will hold up, a moose told me so.
WOW it must be a slow B-ball news month to have this guy make a write up on which games he thinks the raps will win and lose. Christ! sometimes guys you need to get lives!
I’m sure they do have lives, and part of that involves keeping this blog up-to-date. There’s nothing worse than going to a website that hasn’t been updated in days *cough/raptor blog/cough*. So, even though it’s the slow time of the year for the NBA, these guys are still coming up with something for the readers on a day-to-day basis. So, who needs to get the life? The guys who run the blog during the offseason, or the disgruntled readers of said blog?
Gotta agree with Duncan on this one. THere is nothing worse then checking a website specific to a team you love and have nothing to read. I tip my hat to Rapsfan and all the other bloggers on this site. makes good reading with my morning coffee.
also,a guy goes on a website to read a lengthly blog just to comment on how much the blogger needs a life, even though the guy spends his time reading it.
This site is great. A lot better than the ones many other teams in the league have.
How dare you cheat on RR by visiting team’s sites! Cad!
I didn’t read it, I glanced at it and knew it was a waste of time to read. I was disappointed, this site is usually good but this stuff brings it down. Stuff like this is lame and really just knocks this sites credibility. I don’t see how it is informative as it is just random guesses with no real facts. Let the team play some games then judge.
Man… the season doesn’t start till November. We all have to pass the time somehow.
This is a raptors fan site…where people go to get completely irrational and emotional information on how/why the raptors are going to do so much better than ever imagined…endless optimism is what’s fun about being a fan. I’m actually going to print this record off and write about it at the end of the year…Anybody can be pessimistic…it takes a true fan to cheer through the crap and always hope for the best! Go Raptors!!!
oddly enough raptors fans seem to have endless pessimism as well. probably from team officials continually over-hyping mediocre teams. strangely enough the only gm who didnt over-hype us was mr babcock himself. he basically told us that we were going to be garbage and we were. at least he told the truth on way to get his ass kicked out the door
Agree
Gee, thanks for those sentiments Jason. I, for one, appreciate the education on what’s involved in being a real fan. I forget sometimes that I am supposed to know my place and just blindly support management while they deliver one 1st round playoff victory every 15 years. Maybe, if I’m lucky and we keep spending up to the luxury tax, we can make it to the second round again in my lifetime. And who knows? If the fanbase had just been a little more positive in cities like Seattle and Vancouver I bet they might even be basking in the glow of a 33 win season right now – just like we are!!!
I, for one, think its only good to have an opinion if its a positive one. That’s what my boss at work says is the key to our “team’s” success. Don’t bring up things like whether some “teammates” are being overpaid or whether “management” is bankrupting the company, alienating the client base or stealing from the pension fund. I think being a real fan means paying top dollar to to see the “Best Raptor Team” current management claims to ever have assembled (your 2008 Toronto Raptors!!) lose at home by 20 in the dog days of February. I don’t want to ever be accused of joining a chorus of intelligent voices that attempts to pressure management using media outlets to make moves occasionally after years of failure. Clearly fans like you know the real road to success!! Keep “cheering through the crap” Jay!!! If they feed it to you long enough, I’m sure you’ll learn to love it.
Sarcasm aside, I agree with your sentiment. We don’t have to agree with everything the organization is doing… this is the whole point of discussion. I say my piece, somebody else says theirs, we compare and argue but hopefully it’s somewhat constructive and not just somebody blowin’ out their ass.
Its cool if people disagree and present a valid argument but I’m just not feeling the people who are hopelessly pessimistic. If you really feel that way, why are you wasting your time on all these boards? That’s like knowing the Titanic was going to sink and paying for fare anyway!
you could watch them for comic relief i suppose…like the old idea of not being able to turn your head away from a train wreck
Perhaps, but a train wreck happens in seconds, this is years in the making. If you’re focusing on the Raps purely for that reason alone, your life is truly sad.
Fortunately, I enjoy watching two teams fighting it out … and appreciate the actions of the winning team while understanding the shortcomings of the losing team.
I don’t “love” the Raptors, nor any other team … I just see teams of players attempting to solve a problem while entertaining the paying customers and tv viewers.
I enjoy watching the Lakers kick the crap out of the Ratz .. just as much as watching the Ratz surprising us by beating Boston, in Boston.
Tribal honking fans use their team as their excuse for living and fantacizing as they wear team jerseys with their fave baller’s name.
I’ve never bought a jersey in my life.
Honk Honk!
Are hats ok? Bought a couple hats. Just can’t help it, I guess. Love those Raps. (great big HONK.)
ROTFFLMFAO … +1
Regardless of whether or not a person appreciated the article itself (I am one of those that did), there is no question that the best part of this article is the photo of Turkoglu!
Hilarity at its finest.
For anybody doubting Bellini Offence & court vision check the link.
June 27 **2009**. LA vs Golden State. Exibition game.
He undresses Bynum, Kobe & Vujacic with a sweet spin move through the paint to a finger roll (59sec mark). A heads-up Fast-break pass to Wright for the dunk (1:23Mark). Then behind the arc, he does a Triple Pump on Fish and gets him reaching. Shoots a turn around fading 3 ball… nothing but net (2:07Mark). This should shed some light on his offensives abilities.
If The Black Mamba could NOT stop him who can?? The Basketball Gods maybe….?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zB2-XQtv9E
I don’t think many doubt that. Now, dig up some proof of his D and we’re all eyes.
nothing like exhibition games to stir up the dreams of truthers!
I hear Douby is a baller too.
yeah mr golden graham himself always lit up fools in pre-season. not to mention hoffa picking up a triple double…..12 pts, 10 rebs, 12 fouls
Based on this empirical evidence of his greatness, I am now predicting that Belinelli will be a starter and score 20+ points for us. You heard it here first!
On a more serious note, I think we will be in the 42-48 win range, though I do not necessarily agree with the breakdown of wins/losses. In my opinion, this is how the East will end up come playoff time:
1. Boston (I am not at all a fan of them either)
2. Cleveland (VERY closely behind)
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Washington (IF Arenas plays 70+ games)
6. Toronto
7-8 (Two of: Miami, Detroit, Chicago)
I really cannot decide between those three teams for 7-8. I would want to say that Miami as is does not make it, but they have D-Wade. If Derrick Rose takes over and Detroit does not gel (or becomes deficient defensively), than the Pistons could be the odd one out.
Dark horses: Philly and Charlotte.
And in case anyone is wondering, my opinion of the West is:
1. LA Lakers
2. San Antonio (one big injury away from 4th or 5th place)
3. Portland
4. Denver
5. Dallas
6. Utah
7. Phoenix (but MAY move up with run-and-gun and Amaré back in form)
8. Houston
Dark horses: New Orleans, OKC, LA Clips.
mostly agree….id put raps ahead of washington only for the sake of lack of shots to go around
I don’t see much reason to get excited by Washington. They have some nice young talent, but Arenas is too much of a distraction and the coaching move was a bit perplexing given the Arenas injury. They were also pretty horrid defenders last season and it doesn’t seem to have been addressed.
I think its a good break down of standings… but…
I’m not sold on Atlanta… the east was still real weak last year (after the top 3)… I can picture them dropping down a bit with Washington and Toronto improving. Washington all comes down to Arenas 1) not getting injured 2) actually passing the ball
In the west… I don’t see Houston making it at all.
I agree with Hardcore Raps 100% and I think Detroit is the odd team out in the East.
Ummm, that was The Digital Mamba!
So they are handing out championships now in exhibition games?
Don’t make me dig up games where he looks like he shouldn’t even play at the YMCA.
Raul, we all know about your love for European players, but sometimes you are blinded by it.
I meant Papi, sorry.
Not sure where the ‘love’ for Euro players came from?
I may be excited for Barganai, but to say I a have a Love for all Euro player is a stretch. I a BIG fan of HARD Nosed, get into the treches for blood & don’t give-up basketball. Not a big fan of flopper for the call.
Flux, we’ve both been around since the Arsenalist.com days. I value everybody’s opinions. I know you like to ‘Stir the poo barrel’ to see what surfaces. Maybe you’ve been stirring too long can’t smell the roses, only caca. Peace man…
Wait… now that I re-read your comment…did you even check the link man? Because the link obviously shows everybody playing at 100% of there tallent.
I think a great IDEA for this website is to have a Tournment. Hopefully this year they NAIL it like NHL09.
Papi, a 1000 pardons. I really had Raul in mind when typing that.
And I know it may appear I like to stir the pot, but believe it or not its not my intention. I just have a different viewing lens on things, thats all. Like we all do.
No love for my countryman Marco, sorry. I am not buying anything Bryan and Co. are selling until I see it.
Your post seemed to be gushing with love over a few plays in a game where no one cares. Kinda odd.
Honestly I was looking into NBA Live 10. I heard the announcer keep sayin’ Bellini. A hot topic was Bellini for the last bit. I couldn’t help but add some humor to an incredibly speculatory future for Bellini this year.
Your alright in my book Flux. You don’t have your swords drawn on the re-post. My post should be GUSHING with Sarcasm, not love.
On another note….
‘PapiJulio’ wants bragin rights for Playstation3 NBA Live10 when it comes out. I’m taking OnLine challanges now….
D’OH! Missed the tone there, Papi. My bad. LOL.
My video game days are behind me, but I still think of getting a system when there’s no ball on TV.
I went out and bought NBA 2K9 (even tho 2k10 is coming out in a few weeks), just cos I wanted to see the new lineup…but i couldnt trade for hedo…so I drafted a SF, and Bellinelli is starting…he’s pretty good…hahaha
what do you guys think about bringing in Bruce Bowen? I know he’s old, but he could still give the Raptors 15-20 minutes of defense on tier 1 sg/sf. I guess the raptors look at Wright being this guy, but Bowen is a winner, would except a vets minimum (or at least he should), and he can hit the open 3 from the corner.
either that or bring back Pops
I’d prefer to bring in Ime Udoka. Tom Liston dropped a great piece over at AltRaps.com: http://www.altraps.com/2009/08/09/deep-bench-thoughts/
i disagree on this notion….not that i like the idea of bringing in udoka either but bowen is too grey to keep playing not to mention his best years was before the handchecks were being called. and really were worried about defence but we have 3 forwards over 6′10 and demar and wright to be athletic new twos….i would say thats a bonus over aging parker and an inexplicable jamario moon
Yea I love Bowen. I mentioned him in a comment way back.
Does anyone know what his situation is? He ended up in Milwaukee, but is he waived yet? If he is he would be a great addition for this year. And then next year we may be able to find a replacement because he is getting pretty old.
i recall hoopshype.com reporting that he was waived. Bowen also “twittered” that it didnt look like he would be in Miluwakee for the summer.
I remember Kevin oniel wanted VC to be the league leader in steals lol
VC had the ability to be a solid defender. He showed great promise in that department for a couple seasons. Shame…
any KO reference is worth the time to write and if you disagree and i will start screaming and break my desk lamp
VC had the capability to be a much better player than he is (and he is still a very talented player). Outside of my complete and utter disappointment and lack of respect for him… he easily could have been talked about with Wade, Kobe and Lebron.
I always argue this… if he had Kobe’s drive coupled with his own talents, I think VC would have been the best by more than just a little.
Vince had the talent and the natural skill and athleticism to be the best player ever. If he had Lebron or Wade’s work ethic, hell if he had Kobe’s work ethic he would have been scary. Like Jordan-esque
Vince was a natural. came into the league and was dominant. no drive, no ethic, used to frustrate the hell out me. he likes money, and wants to stay healthy as long as possible to protect his asset (skills). unfortunately, his aggression was compromised in the process.
I think we should all consider ourselves lucky enough to have an NBA team. Only 30 cities in the whole North America have NBA teams, and for us (at least me) to have a team playing an NBA game just 20 minutes from our/my house is pretty damn amazing.
Altraps posted that video yesterday, and it actually moved me. Imagine like 15 years ago, we did not have a team. And everyone were so excited just about having a team in Toronto.
I am not saying we are not being taken advantage of by the MLSE, because of the same exact fact, but still we should be happy that our team is having a winning record in the first place.
Haha, I wish to live to see the day the Raptors actually win a title… because as it stands now it is not likely!
Actually, only 29 cities have NBA teams..
Feel lucky, but don’t feel complacent and satisfied!
Actually we don’t have a winning record…..
could some explain that picture of turk? why is it so funny? maybe cause its a monday, and my brains still recovering from excessive jose cuervo intake.
*someone
I don’t know… I would actually think Jose Cuervo would help in explaining the hilarity!
I think thats a fair guess of the number of wins. Kinda surprised by our great home record, and the poor record on long road trips is so typical of the dinos.
In slamming the coaching the writer does “not care” what the Colangelos sr & jr or Coach K says or thinks (about Jay Triano)!!
My my. Taking into consideration that this is mostly an opinion piece I would offer that in order to buttress one’s opinion when disregarding those who have quite a record at the higest levels of the game….he/she must present their own credentials (other than just as an another opinionator or watcher) so as to make such allegation taken somewhat seriously. I dont believe that the piece even mentioned why Triano might not be upto the task.
Fair enough, I don’t care what the Colangelo’s have to say about Triano because of a couple reasons:
1. he’s not the main guy on that olmpyic coaching staff. it is easy to shine when you are tasked with only a specific job, and not the whole duty of managing everything
2. he is colangelo’s guy, so if he could, he would reference a blogger to prove his point that he was the right selection
Same thing goes for Coach K, he is working for the guy, why would he say he isn’t doing a great job. also, at the olympic level, triano is dealing with ELITE players. it’s easy to coach elite players who want nothing but to win. much more then a mod-squad group of players who have trouble understanding each other, no?
I’m not saying that triano is a bad coach. quite the contrary, he has survived regime changes in Toronto, led the Canadian national team, and a coach on the us olympic team. I’m just saying that his selection was a lateral one, at best, from the smitch era.
as far as credentials go, i have none.
I want to see how Triano does with this squad for a season before I form a solid opinion of his NBA coaching abilities.
Triano must also be wondering what he’s gonna do with this disparate bunch of millionaire bballers .. and praying he can pull off a miracle. The power of prayer plus his coaching ‘experience’ will save Triano .. maybe.
Jay Triano in my opinion has shown (and this obviously based only on the positive anecdotal evidence I have seen) that he has the attributes to be a good coach in the NBA. And I may have missed any published negatives.
He speaks/communicates well with his players (they say so) and the media. He is apparently on the same page with his GM (v. important). He has had previous coaching experiences at different levels including international bb which essentially the make up of not just the players but also management to a large degree. He has played at a high level was considered a hard nosed player and leader of the national team.
Regardless of what K and the Cs have to say, the only place he can actually show that he is able to make the adjustments and think strategy (game by game or player deployment) is on the bb floor and in practice sessions. He has only done this as hc for a partial season. As the adage goes, if one doesnt get to show his wares, how does he get the experience and become what maybe a great fit for this particular team. This is in a way a rebuilding/reset type of year.
As far as I am concerned there are probably 5 coaches out of 30 who might be considered difference makers and they are with perennial playoff teams who go deep (I have my doubts about Orlando’s Van Gundy). So if BC looks around and feels there isnt anyone worth pursuing over JT, well then who should it have been? Avery, Saunders, Jordan (I like him)? Are the Raptors going to be a deep playoff team? Or can we all experience a collective, coach and team growth experiment for at least a year. I see where Iavaroni, a decidedly BC protege was not hired as HC. Must say something. BC however has made his share of mistakes but what I like about his management style is that he is not afraid of taking a chance and seems to have a backup plan for his descision making (whether its the cap or the player or in this case the coach). He hired Iavaroni as an asst. coach. So, time will tell.
My op was just to point to what I thought was a somewhat dismissive write about a coach who seems in my view to have the attributes to be a good coach but hasnt really had a full season with a decent team to show that it wasnt his coaching faux pas that were responsible for game failiures. I also appreciate the constraints of time or possible absence of review when putting out an opinion based piece such as you did. Its not easy. Thank you for your efforts.
I guess my problem is that we are yet again dipping into the pool of unproven NBA coaches to take over the reigns. This makes 3 in a row. I appreciate your perspective, and you do make good points. I would argue there are more then 5 coaches that are difference makers, maybe 9 or 10.
This Ratpor team has more new players this season than last season .. and remember what happened? Everybody assumes these guys will jell instantaneously and destroy the opposition no problemo…!!!
The first 18 games take them to the end of November … and I can only see one win … yup … 1-17 by the end of November.
Now if they magically manage to go 2-16 … I will be 100% wrong in my prediction … 3-15 and I’m 150% wrong … feed on that honkers …LOL
I think positive Ratpor fans will either have to get nastier against those who dare be negative or shout louder at games … yeah .. that’s gonna help ….!!!
this article reaks of honesty unfortunatly but i always at least try to convince myself otherwise…the offseason is a better time to be a craps fan then the actual season
I have low expectation of the rebuilding Raptors so I can’t be disappointed come the end of November. Triano will have a challenge if not a problem mixing and matching squads to see who emerges out of the coming mess. I hope the opposing teams are also disorganized at the beginning of the season so the Ratz can steal a few wins for the fans.
Tribal honking fans only have their delusions to hang on … whereas true bball aficionados understand the game.
Sadly, I would not want to go to war with most of the posters on this site.. that would DEFINITELY be a losing bid!
Most of the “posters” on this fine forum are tribal honking fans and believe the Ratpors can do no wrong …. it just happens I disagree and provide my rationale while most of the posters on this site sit in their feeeeelings … honking honking honking … I “love” my Ratpors .. LOL
Do you just cut and paste this crap from one thread to another?
I honestly think you have a LOT of fun being a jerk around here. It’s kind of funny really.
By the way, do you realise that Wizards and Clippers went 3-15 last year, and the Kings went 5-13? And those teams were simply awful last year. Your hyperbole is completely unfounded for a team with this much talent.
Having said that, I think most of us fans here are looking at 40-45 wins as moderately realistic, and 46-50 as a best case scenario.
I would say that 35-40 is the worst case scenario, but consider the following. This is a improved roster from last year. Seeing as we won 33 games, that improvement HAS to put us in the 35-40 wins, at a minimum.
Also, this roster is not only deeper and more talented, but has the potential to work well together; we have a number of great passers to get the ball to solid shooters. We have DD who can drive an be aggressive. We have Turk for some clutch performances. So it is not much of a stretch to say we might win 40-45 and get a 5th or 6th seed in the east.
This year has nothing to do with last year, so stop yer silliness because it’s childish. Triano can’t think like you do .. he understands the problems and challenges to make something of this disparate bunch of bballers.
Projecting 40 to 50 wins for these Ratpors is total fantasy based on your hoping all the new bodies will jell instantly into a functioning team and overwhelm the superior opposition. Not even Triano can delude like you and others on this fine forum … he’s shit scared and hopes they can pull off a few wins by the end of November … otherwise he’s standing on quicksand … believe it.
This is the NBA … and just throwing together a bunch of new bodies isn’t going to produce wins … that’s total fantasy ..!!!!
The core of the team is still the same, plus Turk. Many of the players are/were teammates on other teams. I haven’t heard of any of the players being locker room menaces or selfish players. The overall talent level has risen. 40-50 wins is a perfect projection range.
“This is the NBA … and just throwing together a bunch of new bodies isn’t going to produce wins … that’s total fantasy ..!!!!”
Tell that to the Celtics, circa 2008.
Why is FAQ even on this site.I don’t beleive I have heard him say one thing remotely constructive. He seems to relish the fact that the Raptors are and will be a horrible team this season. I don’t like a lot of teams and I still don’t have nearly as much disdain for them as he has for the Raptors. The fact that he continues to write in shows that he may very well have a severe personality disorder, IMHO.
“Delusionary” NOT “constructive” … that’s what you’re doing because you “love” your Ratpors … so obvious. If the Ratz tank this season, how will you ever be able to wear all that Ratpor gear you bought in public … sheeesh …LOLOL
First of all, I have absolutely no Raptor gear…why would you assume that I do? Second, if they do tank this season, so be it. Why do you feel the need to incessantly diminsh any possibility that they may have a decent year as well as attacking the so called “tribal honking” fans for supporting their team. You seem to have a complete and utter disdain for the Raptors and its fans which doesn’t seem to be normal or healthy. Again, IMHO it would appear that you have a serious personality disorder.
what is really wrong with raptor gear. the claw logo is fashionable. the city it represents is even better.
I’m copy and pasting this into a file, to be trotted out in December.
Be prepared to “eat my shorts” …LOL
“eat my shorts”..how old are you?
Old enough to remember the Bartman, apparently.
If you are wrong in your prediction will you promise to never come on this site again???
Dude you need to find some new tunes to sing. “Gel” “Tribal honking” “Bosh not max player”. You’re like a parrot.
I’m not what one would call a “stats guy” but your math is atrocious. If the Raptors go on a tear and win their first 17 games this season you would still be ‘100% wrong’. But you claim that if they win 3 games you would be 150% wrong? For our amusement can you please explain your formula?
31-10 at home is friggin’ spectacular. I would expect them to have more than 45 wins with a home record like that. In any case, if they do play that well at home, and I hope they do, I’ll have to hit up more than a few games at the ACC this year.
Really going out on a limb here, RapsFan. I like it! But you know the “crow serving” haterz are going to come out.
Go out on a limb or go home right! lol
I’ll eat my crow, always have, and will continue too when I call it wrong.
Hey, you got more jewels then I going out like that no doubt! And by my accounts you eat minimal crow, so should be ok here. We shut down the crow servers last time – get’em this time too, Raps Fan.
Hey FLUX … the Ratpors have no proven productive SG and dubious centers … not to mention their suspect defensive incapabilities. You can run a car or a camel on all fours … but not a bball team …!!!!!
Wanna put yer pecker on the chopping block and prognosticate at least the first 18 games taking the Ratz to the end of November..?? 1-17 sound about right .. or will the pull off a miracle and go 9-9 .. with DeDe burning up the NBA …???!!!!
I was holding off on all NBA related matters until September – ish.
But, for fun, I’ll take a quick look. LOL
K.. super fast look gives me.. 3 wins // 4 ? // and rest highly likely losses.
Bottom line, I am with you. There will have to be a miracle happening in the much anticipated Jay Triano “I never got my chance” Training Camp, where I hear scrubs are turned into All Stars.
And speaking of, it was refreshing to get a text the other day informing me Hedo is setting his priorities and goals straight, by saying his goal is to make the All Star team.
Ok so seriously how many winnable games are there on the Raps schedual?
For me personally i see 60 WINNABLE games im not saying that they will win them im just saying that when i sit down and watch those games i would be mildly suprised to see they lost (this is taking in to account they gel and are playing well). What do you guys think?
I see 82 WINNABLE games … also see 82 LOSABLE games too …. First 18 games to the end of November … 1-17 or does that sound unreasonable to you.
Ok since theres a possibilty for everything, then they could go 1-17(even though they wont)
But i cant take you seriously when you talk like that, i dont know if your really pessimistic, or just stupid or your just being sarcastic.
If your being sarcastic great, i hope you are, but too much sarcasam just makes you look like an idiot…
I main problem is our COACH…we never had a big name coach…
SOrry but Jay is not good. We need a coach like Van gundy