That darned thing you called “effort”, pretty underrated eh?
After what could be described as one of the low points in this franchise’s history, and a subsequent closed door meeting where all the the dirty laundry was aired out, the Toronto Raptors scratched and clawed their way to a 109 – 107 overtime victory. While it was great to see this level of play, especially defensively, it confirms many a fans suspicions that the intensity just wasn’t there for the majority of our games this season. Better late than never, I guess.
After the closed door meeting, Jay Triano mentioned that “0 – 3″ changes would take place in the starting lineup. Swapping out 3 starters would be too much of a change to implement right away. Who deserved most to be relegated to the Bench? Probably Andrea Bargnani. Who deserved to be moved to the starting lineup? Probably Amir Johnson. In the end Triano did nothing, which is a pretty infuriating move. It propagates the notion that Triano does not have the cajones to coach an NBA basketball team. Most now assume that Jarrett Jack’s tirade about “sensitive” players was directed towards Bargnani. This most likely seems to be the case. Triano probably felt that, by pulling Bargnani, he would be confirming that he sides with Jack (and others) on this issue. The coach is too concerned about AB’s feelings and/or confidence it seems. Either that or he feels that Bargnani should be given a chance to re-affirm himself with this new air of accountability that now seems to exist.
In any case, there was definitely an extra spring in the Raptors’ step to open the game. They jumped out to a 10 – 0 run to start the game. Many of us must have forgotten what a good run looks like, because it involves not letting the other team score for an extended period of time. There was a tangible difference in the effort on the defensive end. Players were moving, lunging at shot attempts, there was that energy that good defensive teams possess on that end. That kind of effort is contagious, and it translates to a better tempo and a better effort on offense as well.
Jose got off to his customary energetic start, pushing the ball, and even force-feeding it to DeMar DeRozan on the break. Don’t know why Calderon can’t play uptempo for more that the first 5 min of a game. Still, he had a good game. He shot the ball well, and snuck in for a couple of layups. He struggled at times guarding the 5′5″ wonder, Earl Boykins, but who doesn’t? It’s like a center guarding a quick shooting shooting guard if you think about it.
Jarrett Jack was fired up tonight. He was brought into the game near the 9 minute mark of the first, and he struggled guarding Boykins as well, maybe even more than Calderon did. He had a lacklustre start to the second quarter, letting the Wizards back in the game after building a 10 point lead in the first quarter. You can sense Jack is in some ways feeling the pressure after a day of finger pointing. He now needs to lead by example, and he may have been trying too hard early in the game. His offense struggled most of the game. In overtime, however, it was a different story. Jack came up with a big steal on Boykins and hounded him on every possession. Gilbert Arenas did go off for 34, but the points he scored on Jack were mostly of the deep 3 variety. When Arenas is going off like that, he’s a tough guard for anyone. There was fire is JJ’s eyes after the big steal. He may be a backup, but he just became one of the leaders on this team. Maybe he’s the Charles Oakley that Raptor fans have been yearning for over the last few years.
Hedo Turkoglu sealed the deal with a tough fadeaway jumper with 8 seconds to go in OT. He played one of his better game as a Raptor, and provided the late game finish that fans have been craving for. He ran a well-executed pick-and-roll with Bosh near the end of regulation, which is what we should be seeing a lot more of in those situations. Defensively, he made a big play with 30 seconds left, ripping the ball away from Boykins, who had just grabbed his 8th (!) rebound of the game. He did miss a deep 3 at the end of regulation on a pretty lame play call, but he hit almost the same shot in overtime with 2 minutes to go, putting the Raps up 106 – 102. His intensity was up, and you get the feeling that he was just as fed up as some of the other players on this team were.
The performer of the first half was DeMar DeRozan. I think it’s becoming clearer and clearer that this kid is going to be a player in this league. Building off his performance in the Atlanta game, he scored all of his 16 points in the first half. Triano actually decided to bring him back in early in the second quarter, and he made the most of it. He continued to show that he can get to the line, using his quickly improving ballhandling skills to get to the rim. His ballhandling was the one thing that he would need to succeed, and it looks like it’s coming around nicely. His shot is still in need of improvement, but that’s the one thing that improves with repetition. He already looks like a much more well rounded player than he did at USC. On one play, Bargnani posted up on the right block and found a streaking DeRozan for a quick dunk. It brought a tear to my eye. Bargs was where a center is supposed to be, creating space for our guard, and he finds him for an easy bucket. That’s how basketball is supposed to be played. This team looks so much more complete with legit guard play. DD’s energy level was great as well. His effort had been there all season, but he took it to another level tonight, feeding off his veteran counterparts. Until tonight, it was a dangerous environment for a rookie to develop in. You don’t want him to develop bad habits early on in his career, and continue to propagate the culture of resignation that is creeping into this franchise.
All that being said, DeRozan was absent in the second half. This falls on Triano. Hardly any touches in the 3rd quarter and then he was on the bench for the rest of the game. I realize it’s a trust issue, but it’s not like we were winning without him out there in the 4th. Jay went back to the two-guard lineup in the 4th, which has been just awful so far, whether Jarrett Jack likes to admit or not. Look, I understand you don’t want to play a rookie at critical moments of the game, but you have to have someone who can drive and possibly finish at the rim. Quite honestly, that guy is DeRozan on this team. Already. So DeRozan played less than I’d have liked, and Andrea Bargnani played a lot more then he should have.
All eyes were on Bargs tonight. I’ll admit that I found myself watching him constantly throughout the game, watching his movement, watching his expressions. In the first quarter, you could tell he was busting his ass. He fell trying to body players inside. He got called for a 3-second violation, a rarity for him. We saw him grab a rebound off his own miss, another rarity. We saw him sweat. He posted up consistently, and it was a welcome sight. Il Mago has good passing instincts, and you see that skill ome out when he posts up. Reminds me of Brad Miller during Sacramento’s heyday. It all went away in the second half, unfortunately. Let’s hope it wasn’t a one game thing. You could tell he was getting tired, he struggled to run back sometimes. That’s going to happen when you put more effort in, and it will probably mean that he won’t be able to handle as many minutes, but Jay Triano hasn’t realized that yet. It almost felt like Bargs struggled with the elevated level of play of his teammates. His offense struggled as a result, as he got blocked a few times trying to take the ball inside. He is still not effective enough to score inside on a consistent basis, and he may never be that kind of offensive player. He shot horribly, but hit some big buckets at the end of the game. I still feel that he tries to compensate for his other weaknesses by putting up good shooting numbers. All it does in the end is prove that he is a one-dimensional player. Have to applaud the effort, though. Let’s see if he can keep it up, and more importantly, if any action is taken if he doesn’t.
Lastly, Chris Bosh. What else can you say? Last night was an example of how there is no comparison between this man and Andrea Bargnani. His effort and domination on the boards, many a times cleaning up AB’s misses clearly show that. We are a bad team in spite of Chris Bosh, not despite him. He carried the team on his back, and even came up big in the 4th quarter. He’s not built to take over in the 4th, most post players are not, but his sheer will and determination was inspirational to watch. If his teammates bring even half the effort he brings night to night, success will follow this team.
35 Raps
See guys? The 6-13 Wizards are no match for our capped-out squad when we put out a focused effort, so there’s no need to worry. When the times get tough, Bryan Colangelo – aka “The Architect” – will come out and put all the weight on himself. I even heard that right now, he’s busy orchestrating a 7 team deal that will bring Richard Jefferson to Toronto for Hedo and Jack. When you hear all of the backroom shenanigans and late night dealings required to get this one done, it will really knock your socks off. Everybody will congratulate BC on how he pulled the rug out from some other stupid GM’s feet. I just wish the other GMs would stop letting BC fleece them and play fair.
BTW, I would now officially rather have Devon George than Belinelli. He’ll hurt you less and doesn’t have that “coach killer” potential. Just a thought.
I never heard Colangelo trying to trade Hedo and Jack for Jefferson. You are making this up!
You must be new to the internets. Welcome, and have a pleasant stay!
I agree with your point, but like the Raps, the Wiz don’t resemble their record. Three quarters of that was played without Jameson who for me is more important to that team than Arenas.
We beat a good team last night.
Great read, and although I feel that you are overpraising the Raps a little bit too much, the win was definitely deserved. I loved that line, “That’s how basketball is supposed to be played.” I’m glad that they all brought energy to the game, and with that, our Raptors will be able to win much more consistently to become the 45-win team many expected them to be. It’s just a matter of keeping up the high level of energy throughout the year, which may be a problem.
Overpraise indeed. We blew a large halftime lead and a 5 point lead with 90 seconds left despite the Wizards (Boykins) missing open looks and (Boykins again) handing the ball over. We could just as easily have lost this game as won it.
Wins are wins, but this did not leave me feeling optimistic.
“Wins are wins, but this did not leave me feeling optimistic.”
I have got a same feeling about this. I only hope this is not the best game they can play. If it is, we cannot play majority of the teams in this league.
Last night game was fun to watch, but I would like to see blow out Ws from time to time. There was none so far.
I know its a crazy thought but maybe taking Bargs out of the starting line up actually will once again kill his confidence and Triano is a genius. With Marco not playing so well, Demar still developing and Hedo not scoring as much as we need someone needs to help Bosh carry the scoring load on this team. Maybe someone steps up (probably not) and if Bargs loses his confidence coming off the bench and can’t get his game going suddenly the Raptors offence starts to look pretty pedestrian. That being said, if this is what Jay is thinking it really makes me wonder how a guy with so little self confidence ever managed to become a pro athlete.
Yeah – I’m pretty sure Triano is not a genius. However, given his 25-40 record last season, at least he is delivering this year to his historical average. Which is more than I can say for Hedo, who is really letting the team down with his atrocious fourth quarter play.
I personally do not think Jack(or Antoine Wright for the matter) have earned the right to call anyone out. Where is this defense that these to were supposed to bring?
Since this meeting was closed door, everything you write about it is speculation. Maybe Barg’s told Jack to quit turning it over and to stay in front of his man more. Maybe he grabbed Jose by the neck and said” feed me when I’m inside”. Maybe he interrupted Wright and said “shut the fuck up, what have you done?”.
Who knows. All I do know is we didn’t beat a horrible team last night, we beat one with some talent. It’s a good start.
From what has been gleaned so far, there was definitely a lot aired out that involved Bargs. Everyone assumes he is the “sensitive” one not being called out and not being showed his mistakes on tape. Also, the remark about it being easier for an Italian to communicate with another Italian (or something to that effect) instead of other teammates was pretty interesting.
Anyway, I think he showed that the “sensitive” label is appropriate from his demeanor on the floor last night. He knew he had to show something tonight and he looked really timid and unconfident. I’m convinced that was the reason for his poor shooting average.
Hopefully he can maintain the effort. If he does and his shot gets back to normal he’ll be pretty deadly. Add in a fastly improving DD, an emerging Amir and hopefully better Hedo and we could be OK. Or he could go the other way. Fingers crossed.
Barg’s had a solid game last night. I assure you he won’t shoot 30% for the year. His positional D was solid, not perfect, but if everyone played perfect D we would be having a lot of nothing = nothing games.
I think Barg’s is one of our best outside man to man defenders on the team. He has the speed to contain the opponents bigs. And he leads the team in blocks.
I’m not kidding myself,this team has defensive problems but I do feel Andrea gets blamed too much. I see it more of a chemistry issue involving 5 players, including CB4. Let’s see, this is the fourth year Bosh and Bargnani have played together. How would you rate their chemistry? Does it appear that they like each other even? Part of the blame probably goes to Smitch, Triano’s has had just about as much time we can afford to fix it.
Next stretch of games are big. Tonite’s game worries me, once again a back to back on the road. Good news is the Bulls played last night.
I get the impression that Bargs likes Bosh OK. When he’s asked about CB in interviews he seems to genuinely like and respect him. I don’t think Bosh thinks much of Bargs though. He almost never passes to him. I always felt like the chemistry between the two was terrible. That’s pretty much confirmed in light of the comments that were aired. Bosh, Jack, and Wright (at least) are frustrated by Bargs’ effort and defensive progression (or lack thereof) and the coaches for letting it slide.
I’m starting to join that camp too. Bargs has shown that he CAN do it when he wants to. He has also shown he can improve areas he’s lacking in when he wants to. So why doesn’t he want to more often? I think if he wanted to, he could be as good as Bosh – if not better.
I’m not necessarily knocking him. When I read my old report cards from school, most of them said I could be at the very top of the class if I applied myself more. So why didn’t I? Only a few have the drive to do it and that’s why they excel.
I don’t think Bosh really cares to change Bargs though. More and more I get the feeling each game is just Bosh showing his suitors what he can do for them. Jack on the other hand, is here with Bargs for a few more years if he’s not traded. So I think he wants to help Bargs reach his potential. Let’s hope it happens. When Bargs is on, he’s pretty special to watch.
I think that Jack and Wright have no right to say anything as they cannot compare their skills or effort so far this season to Bargnani’s. Bargnani has been somewhat inconsistent but the team also goes away from him for large stretches. Barg’s defense needs to improve as do his rebounding numbers but he is as good a mam to man defender as this team has. Bosh has a right to speak based on the effort he’s given but chooses not to and chooses not to try to help Bargs either. Bosh could have helped make him a way better player.
I agree.
Before every game Alex English (I think it’s him) spends 15 minutes 1 on 1 with DD in the stands with a laptop reviewing the good and bad from DD’s last game and what he needs to change or do more of.
I think that would be a good thing to do with Bargs regarding his help defense. But it seems like he’s coddled too much and nobody wants to upset him. At least that seems to be the sentiment from Jack.
I’m having lunch with my buddy in a couple of weeks who works with the team and gets to spend a lot of time with them. It will be interesting to get his take on it.
Bargs doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who can’t take constructive criticism, but WTF do I know?
Honestly, I’m getting a little tired with all this talk about Bargs wearing a big diaper. If anything, Triano is under strict orders to start Bargs and also Jay may want to send to message that him and BC are in control of the ship. They are not about to let a bunch of babies, who went to the media to cry, run the team.
According to his Caliper test and this little bit, I have a hard time buying that Andrea is a little sissy.
“The test showed that Bargnani is virtually oblivious to what others think of him. And his tremendous ability to block out such potentially negative pressures enables him to focus completely on the task at hand. So the expectations and anxieties that come with being the No.1 pick, or the only Italian-born player in the league, or even taking a game-winning shot, don’t even register with him.”
Enjoy and stop bashing the kid.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=espnmag/bargnani
i disagree vehemently with you Pizzaman. you’re way off base. sometimes you need guys who know hoops and are born leaders(whether they are ’stars’ or not) to lay down the law. we haven’t had that in t.o. in some time… have jack and ‘toine getting bosh’s back is essential to getting the rest of the troops in line (esp bargnani, who i pray everyday gets traded)… jack and wright won’t be stars, but they can be effective locker room/floor support to ensure everyone who DOES have the talent is using it to the highest effectiveness for the team.
I liked the read, but I don’t think last night proved that “Bargs is a one dimensional player”. He didn’t have a good game, there is no doubt about that, but he was on the boards… which is almost always a positive for this team. If he is willing to get position (and box out) he can rebound, we know his offense is good (I would have said reliable if not for last night) and his man defense is solid…however…
….As many have said before… his help defense has alot to be desired, and he has been very one track minded on offense (and defense to for that matter).
A-Dub calling Bargs a one dimensional player is a joke at best.
Also A-Dub as for who really deserves to be benched from the starting lineup based on all 20 games to date and the performance as averaged out it should read like this in order:
1) Hedo
2) Jose
3) Demar
4) Bargnani
Now I understand you A-Dub and many others was hoping Bargs gets benched and that is your prerogative, but to say he is the most deserving you are dead wrong. Look at all the games and the stats pal.
Also who else on this squad is a starter? Amir is full of energy with tons of potential and I love the guy and he’s the best pick up we’ve seen but he’s not a starter. Jack hasn’t shown starter qualities and Wright should be the team photographer because at best he falls into the 10th man of the year category on this team let alone the spokesman.
Also who else on this squad is a starter? Amir is full of energy with tons of potential and I love the guy and he’s the best pick up we’ve seen but he’s not a starter.
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Agree. At this point and unless he gets everyone knows what, under control he will never be or at least deserve to be a starter.
Kind of like “The Birdman” with a lot more of you what along.
pizzaman, you’ve been drinking the doug smith koolaid.
your perspective on this team is diametricaly opposed to mine. in fact i would say that you’re pov is indicative of an unrefined understanding of basketball.
Can’t you all see what’s behind DeRozan’s situation? Triano just wanting him to play where he is comfortable and not tired. I think they’re planning him to be another part of blockbuster trade at the end of the season. They want the other team to say “Why DeRozan is not playing a lot, if that guy is in our team I’m sure he’ll be explosive. Get me Bryan’s number!”
If Bryan will acquire an excellent player through sign-an-trade or whatever, I’m pretty sure DeRozan will be one of the card Bryan to throw.
One of GM’s job description is to have the ability to play other people’s thoughts. It’s so very obvious that Bryan is playing that game right now — this time by using the “bad chemistry” thing. Who knows Gallinari might be a Raps pretty soon ;)
Name the last “potential allstar” type rookie that got traded in the middle of his rookie season…..
GM’s hold off on trading draft picks with “potential” as long as possible because they are scrutinized every day of their employment and as much as they say it isnt – their #1 priority is NOT making “the big mistake” that cripples their career. Their second priority is winning/amassing talent/etc….
of course bryan is playing games. of course hell know his options with all of his pieces. derozan is 19 years old. rushing him could hurt him wherever he plays. trading dd is pretty stupid thing to even imagine though,
Kids, this post is proof that drugs will damage your brain.
Could there be “no changes to the starting lineup” option on the poll?
That would be my pick.
Agreed they have the best five guys already in the lineup. It’s up to in this order Triano, Bosh, and Jose to make this unit work as one and share the ball, and the blame on defense which has not yet happened. It’s pure bs that Triano has not had tough meetings until yesterday with the way this squad is playing. They can fix this if they want, the fix is not to start bench players and ruin the confidence of the legit starters.
favourite moment of last night when hedo salute the wizard bench right after he hit that 3
My favorite stat of the night comes to rebounds :)
Earl Boykins – 8
Andrea Bargnani – 9
Based on his firat half performance, I wondered if DeRozan might qualify for the offensive half of the offensive/defensive lineups that Jay was using in the last minute or so. A potential slasher on the floor is a useful option.
it seems to make sense to use derozan in the end game offensive lineups. triano likes jock though.
excellent article
Wouldn’t be possible without you support. Thanks guy :)
Sometimes AB looks confident and plays great and other times he doesn’t and just looks kind of scared. I don’t think it’s from lack of effort as much as it is a confidence issue. Maybe he’s just fragile and what you see is what you get…
“All that being said, DeRozan was absent in the second half. This falls on Triano.”
Huh?!?!? I’ve read this a couple of times in the comments section and am truly perplexed. DeRozan played nearly the ENTIRE third quarter, had one rebound, no shots and two fouls. How on earth does this fall on Triano?? It’s not that he played badly in the third quarter, but he certainly didn’t play to the same level as in the first half, hence his lack of production. It’s been Triano’s policy all season to play DeRozan more the more productive he is. He was very productive in the first half and played approximately 17 minutes. In the second half, he faded into the background, and played less.
There seems to be a lot of venom directed towards Triano and, quite frankly, a lot of it is simply made up to make him look bad. I’ve never been one to second guess coaches most of the time because I only know a small part of what’s going on. Like the criticism of him not benching Bargnani after the team meeting. Personally, I was not in the meeting and have no idea what was said. I also don’t know the players nearly as well as Triano, how each of them react to different situations etc. To pretend I do would make me appear rather stupid. Personally, I would have benched Bargnani, but there are a multitude of reasons not to, and can’t argue with Triano for not doing it.
I know there are a few people around here that really, REALLY hate Triano, and a lot of that doesn’t seem to have much to do with basketball, because, while I might not have agreed with everything Triano has done, the reasoning behind it usually makes sense, and he’s impressed me enough that the things I disagreed with I write off to a difference opinion. It certainly doesn’t make him wrong or a bad coach by any means.