Statistically in every category (50% FG, 40%+ 3-pt, 6.4 rb, 1.0 blks,90% FT) he has improved including rebounding (he is a pathetic rebounder but the numbers have improved including both offensive and defensive rebounds). He can score from any part of the floor and spread the defense.

Another thing to note is that Barg did not play centre when he played in Italy. When he came to the raptors, he was used as a small forward with Smitch yanking him at will and playing time was not given to him to develop. After two years of chaotic development, he then played on the second unit as centre subbing in for Jermaine O’Neal. It was not until the middle of last season that he played as centre for the starting unit. He has not played a lot of time at this position.

Barg will never be a great defender or rebounder. He lacks the instinct to be effective defensively as a centre. But it does not mean that he cannot learn how to play positional defense and improve his rebounding and help defense. Bynum (coached by kareem Abdul Jabbar) and many centres in the league have had special coaches to teach them to excel at their position. The raptors to date have not hired any coach to help him develop at the centre position. Maybe it is time they do. This small investment may pay off for both Barg and the raptors long term.

Man, I am tired of people having such short memories. Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, in the glory days of the run and gun, with Amare, Bell, Nash, Diaw all playing to perfection were one unbelievably dirty hipcheck away from beating the Spurs. This was a series where the Spurs lost their reputation as a classy playoff team, and became the dirty Spurs. Not that the Spurs played poorly – they did not. But the Suns were right in there the whole time.

And don’t think that the Suns, although offence-based were not tough. Nash got bumped, grinded, checked, and he still played MVP caliber basketball. Bell was one of the grittiest 2-guards in the league at that time, even getting under Kobe’s skin a number of times.

Bruce Bowen kneed Nash in the groin, Bowen kicked Amare from behind, Horry thought he was playing football for a play. And what happened when Nash was hip-checked? The Suns lost two valuable players for a crucial game because they left the bench in a fury. And Horry, he got a measly two-game suspension.

If you don’t remember, look it up in google. Oh, and when Horry punched David West in the back in another game against New Orleans, when West was known to have back problems at the time, the crowd chanted ‘Horry’, thus tainting the rep of “Big (Cheap)-Shot Rob”

The Suns were a lot closer to winning than most people care to give credit for. I also happen to think that that recipe, that precise mixture of players with mismatch problems, toughness and agility will not be seen for many many years. Including this year’s version of the Suns, and this year’s Raptors.

it was Bosh and Calderon for Biedrins and Monta Ellis, since it seems Monta is on the block at the moment. Only would have to see Bosh once a year in Toronto… cause you know he would absolutely kill us everytime he played us just like every other spurned superstar of the Raptors lol

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yjlqqjc

The Hornets might do it because CP3 might get tired of their incompetence, mismanagement and the lack of great players to run with and demand a trade. If the Raps were able to keep Turkoglu and some of the bench depth, the Raps would instantly be a contender, with all of their defensive and rebounding woes fixed.

I think CP3 might want to make sure Bosh would be there permanently too though, so I can’t see it happening until the offseason.

For those who are skeptical that CP3 would ever be traded, I point out that Garnett was, Lew Alcindor was, Charles Barkley was, and Drex was. All in similar situations — mismanaged franchises going nowhere. Barkley now says he should have demanded a trade years earlier than he did.

for: Chris Paul and Okafor

Addditionals: throw in Banks and Patrick O’B for someome in return or waive them and sign A.I. Also pick up Gay in the off season!?

Those large purple boxes make it much easier to see which comments you have and haven’t read before.

Excellent changes, much improved.

Not that Amare is a bad player…. but Steve Nash makes those guys play abover their level. Remember Marion?…. need I say more….

The Toronto Raptors:
“Where giving bad teams the confidence to beat good teams happens.”

(Although, I do think Charlotte is a sleeper in the East with Jackson)