Yeah, the economy’s crap. Jobs are being cut across the board. 50,000 students are being screwed. We’re smack in the belly of another snowy, frostbitten winter. Our girlfriends are looking less tanned, less toned, and are growing less patient with our TV monopolization. We keep sprouting hairs where no hair should grow. And sure, we’ve won a couple games, but our favourite basketball team is folding like a deck chair, struggling to keep from sinking deeper into the Eastern Conference basement.
Happy frickin’ new year.
When my father was a kid, he’d hop on the bus from Toronto once a month to visit his cousins living in Buffalo. Since he was traveling alone, his parents (my grandparents) made him promise to call once he arrived to say he was safe and sound. So once his aunt picked him up at the bus station and brought him to her place, he’d make his call. But here’s the thing: his aunt and uncle were too cheap to incur the long distance cost. He could have reversed the charges, but his parents were also too cheap to accept the collect call. It’s a ridiculous and petty Catch .22, to which they developed a solution. What they decided is that my father would call the operator and set up a collect call. When it came time to record his name, my father would put on his best woman’s voice and say “Alice Fine” to trick the operator into letting it through. When my grandparents heard the call from “Alice Fine” (”All is Fine”), they’d hang up, knowing he got there safely. And no one had to pay. Over time, “Alice Fine” came to be more than a easy joke to make fun of my grandparents when I felt the need. It came to mean “everything’s okay”.
You’d be remiss to find a silver lining around Toronto these days. Mainstream media, blogs, subway chatter, writing on bathroom walls - it’s all negative. Even with a two game winning streak, the talk is focused on who we should trade and who is overachieving. But I have news for you, Raptors fans: Alice Fine.
When I told people I was writing an article about the need for optimism, I received a bunch of snarky, requisite “it can’t get any worse” type comments. But cross my heart, even as we lose games, confidence, and sanity while watching Will Solomon, say it with me: IT’S. GOING. TO. BE. OKAY. For realsies.
Let’s put aside all the griping and the losses and the injuries and the Solomons and take stock for a second. Where do the Raptors fit as a team? Well, we’re certainly not in the Golden State, Atlanta, Portland, and Memphis group, teams with more young talent than ‘High School Musical’. And it would be disrespectful (not to mention fucking crazy) to insinuate we’re a part of the San Antonio, Boston, Denver, Cleveland, Utah, New Orleans, Houston group – teams with character, chemistry, experience, and discipline.
I think we fall, like most teams, into the mush in middle alongside Philly, New York, Miami, Dallas, Phoenix, etc. We’re not part of the bottom feeders, no matter how many losses we rack up. We’re just not THAT far off.
Two All-Star caliber big men and a dependable, B+/A- point guard isn’t something to take for granted. Great win against Orlando? Positive for sure. Forget the rest of the roster is made up of a mix of bench players and D-League talent, we have a foundation. There are things to be excited for. Looking at the teams with success, the following 3 statements can be made:
1. They’ve been playing together for a while and developed chemistry
2. They have a deep and versatile roster
3. They believe they should win every time they step on the court
The first can only happen over time. We need time for our four new players to get accustomed to playing with everyone else, and time for the whole team to adjust to a new coach and a new system. The second can only happen as a young team matures or a trade is made. Joey has performed better than ANYONE could have imagined, Bargnani has shown flashes, and Roko has nowhere to go but up. I’m not advocating these three as the solution - I think we need to trade for some depth. I’m just saying that no one thought Vujacic, Farmar, or Walton would grow into the valuable role players they have. Rome was not built in a day.
The third statement can only come from within. There’s no question confidence plays a major role in success. Basketball, like life, is a mindfuck. One of the things that has stuck with me is my Grade 8 basketball coach saying that NBA players, when unguarded in practice, should never miss a shot. NEVER. That might be a bit of a stretch, but I would suspect that our team isn’t even shooting 50% in practice these days. Their confidence is shattered, people are pointing fingers and calling them failures and questioning their resolve and none of that is helpful. Today they’re probably feeling pretty good, but if we slip up and let a decent Milwaukee team steal a win? You know we’re back to scowls and shuffling feet.
The big black doom cloud over the franchise is counterproductive. In our defence, when we’re involved in a close game it’s tough to get up and excited, because we feel/know we’re going to lose. But if you’ve predetermined defeat, the game might as well be over. A smart movie once said “if you will it, it is no dream.” As Raptors fans, we need to help them “will it”. Right now we’re doing exactly the opposite, willing our team to losses. Now I know we’re not out there on the court, but we have to have an impact, right?
One of the beautiful and frustrating and amazing things about professional sports is how quickly the tide can turn. Forget Boston for a moment, that was a unique set of circumstances. But teams like Portland and Atlanta this year, New Orleans last year, and the Raptors the year before can make big leaps with a little bit of media coverage. The story gets spun, spreads through the league, and a team grows more confident, gets a taste for the spotlight, and suddenly you believe what everyone else is saying – we’re contenders! Of course, the other end of the teeter-totter is when the whole league is calling you a collossal disappointment. We’ve been privy to both extremes.
And honestly, what fun is being negative all the time? Sports are supposed to be fun, right? Fandom is a marriage, not an affair. It has its rough patches, its disagreements, but also its moments of “holy shit, I fucking love you”. Us Raptors fans are a particular breed, volatile and passionate and reactive, way more “American” than “Canadian”. I’m not saying you hate your country, what I’m saying is that some of you sound like you hate your team. Bring frustrated and disappointed is valid and fair, but hate? If you really, truly feel that way, why put yourself through the torture? There are lots of other teams to hang your hat on. Ones with more interesting superstars, cooler uniforms, and better names.
For those that still believe in the Raptors, that will stay the course during trying time: Alice Fine, friends. We’re not Vancouver or Seattle. We don’t have Isaiah Thomas or Kevin McHale on the payroll. No Raptor players are storming into the crowd to beat up 4 Korners (though, there would be worse things…)
After a boneheaded turnover, a lost double-digit lead, or an ill-advised Bosh/Bargnani/Moon three-pointer, remember: Alice Fine. Even if a few wins make way for a few losses. Say it a few times if you need to. It can be our own ubuntu.
Alice Fine.
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Johnn19
Brian Gerstein
Baadasssss!
Arsenalist
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56 Raps
awesome post, dude!
Alice Fine … will never ever be the equivalent of Ubuntu. : )
Oh, what could have been! … for this Raptors franchise.
Beautiful post man. I mean it this site needs more articles/optimism like this. Alice Fine baby, Alice Fine!
Pretty hopeful post, I like that the optimism isn’t overly exaggerated. Nice read :)
Nice to see the Dinosty back on the article tip.
Pleasure to read, good sir.
Great piece!! Me being a natural/constant optimist, you’ve made me feel proud and given me strength to continue being what I am. ;D
And guys, next time the wifie or the g/f tells you to quit watching the Raps, just look her in the eyes, shine a huge smile and tell her:
“Baby, you know I love so much, but you know I’ve been married to the Raps longer than I’ve been married to you, so… I need to be there for them (just like I’m always there for you when you need me). Thanks babe!!”
Dinosty for RapsRepublic blogger of the year!
I liken a new system to writing the GRE or GMAT. It takes a while to get accustomed to something new, but then it clicks. I have a feeling the boys in red are finding their groove with Triano now. I also have a feeling Roko may get some more minutes. His dribble-drive is key.
Let’s see what happens RAPTORS TRUTHERS!
B
The Bucks are a solid team right now and will give the Raptors a good test on the road. What Milwaukee’s doing doesn’t put them into the category of the upper echelon teams in the NBA but a win there would be a useful measuring stick against the other middle-of-the-pack teams across the league.
Roko needs to drive but people need to fade and move to spots to get kick outs or it will fail fail fail.
He made 2 lucky circus playground shots on drives that ain’t going to go in very often - including that 4th quarter one hand half floater hero-if-it-goes/dumbass-if-it-clanks shot. Let’s wait to see how ROko reacts to being fouled HARD when he drives. If he mans up, then we know he’ll keep doing it.
And he really needs to watch the carrying. The refs love calling rookies on shit like that while they let the Wades get away with it.
Nice to see Lebron get called for the travel at the end of the game - that took guts, which the refs never have. Traveling is such an epidemic in teh NBA it drives me FUCKING CRAZY.
And while I’m rambling, I watched some Court Cuts yesterday and they had a whole montage of crazy putback dunks, 99% of which were really clear over-the-back fouls with people literally climbing the back of the boxing out player - one hand on the shoulder to pull myself up, the other to dunk the ball, but the refs let it go because it was a spectacular play? And then when a player does a lame-o over the back that has no effect on the play and the D player gets the rebound no problem, the refs call THAT ticky tacky pussy foul?
How about once a week you guys should have an open thread for our bitches about various plays that happened that week. You could have a poll for the most bullshitty play of the week.
Totally agree with your article. This team was not ready to “win it all” this year anyways. They have a two-year window with O’Neal. So they play out this year, get used to each other, hopefully get some more playoff experience. Players can develop (Ukic, Solomon, Bargs, Graham). They see what they have at the end of the year, add a (wing) player in the offseason, a draft pick, maybe a little trade, and then they can make a serious run. As stated, they have the foundation, they just have to add the right parts and seasoning.
This season was always considered a thow-away (meaning, we were never built with the pieces to compete for a title).
But things turned ugly when we started loosing U.G.L.Y. and Mitchell had ‘no alibi’.
I know the expected result was to win a playoff round, but sadly I think we’ll need to readjust our expected level of success this season as being another playoff birth to build on.
But as stranger things have occured, my gut tells me the Raps have what it takes to make a run for the 6th seed and another first round match-up against D12 & the Magic.
Yea, I know..it’s just not “canadian” to want to win….it just too ugly to expect anything more than mediocrity…..winning takes effort and the willingness to get mean and god forbid that would ever be encouraged.
If you get angry and push you only get results like the last 2 games where players actually played they way THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYING.
It wasn’t people saying “it’s okay, you’re on a canadian team…. so go out there and be pussies like usual” it was triano finally saying “i give up on you fucking weaklings” and walking away in disgust during huddle.
THAT is what the sentiment is and it is PERFECTLY JUSTIFIABLE because this team of weaklings and chokers has SHOWN that when pushed they CAN play the way they are supposed to play.
The difference between good teams and mediocre teams is that the good teams play like that far more often than they don’t and the mediocre teams can only do it once in a while when they are pushed.
The complacency in this post is typical and also reflects the mediocre raptors tendency to take the foot off the pedal and get arrogant and complacent again…..
Groundhog day….
It is NOT okay to win two fucking games…. this team was expected to make it to the second round in the playoffs and until they do that, you DO NOT stop pushing and demanding…..
That is what it takes to be a winner…that is what is required…..you DON’T fucking stop….
I knew it wouldn’t take long to get back to that smug undeserved complacency….
If you still don’t get that, you are not and have never been much of a success at anything.
KG, is that you? Breathe through your nose, old boy.
Well, I have successfully mastered the use of CAPS lock and punctuation, so I guess I’m not a total lost cause. I’ll teach you any time you want.
Any chance of getting a stream of the game tonight for those who do not have access to Raptors TV?
I’ll find you one. Not to worry.
Thanks Arse!
I’m a bit concerned…I was chanting the Bring Back Delfino mantra to encourage more grit and toughness on defence, as well as his ‘let it fly and ask questions later’ mentality on offence (in contrast to Kapono’s ‘only shoot when I’m wide open and sure I can make it mentality)
Now that it’s actually possible that he could, in fact, return, I’m a bit amazed.
Since my PVR will be useless tonite — going out and I refuse to subscribe to RapTV — can that web feed be recorded?
You’re out of luck there. I could go into recording Justin.tv streams using Replay Media Catcher or finding a stream on TVAnts or something and using CoolRecorder, but short answer is no, you can’t just set something to record at a certain time.
Thanks Arsenalist.
I do have the chance to be there for the start (of the game), and yes I’ve used Realplayer often. Does that change things?
nunya,
Including the veritable absence of cursing … that’s the best comment I’ve read from you yet.
When you say those things, in THAT way, it becomes easy listening to read your thoughts on the Raptors and their future pursuits.
Keep it up, from here forward. : )
… and, by veritable … I only mean in comparison with your customary quota. : )
Nice article, but some of the comments. Why so serious? Here boys, go to this link: http://www.wizznutz.com - I want to see some of that on this site after we lose 10 in a row. Make sure you read the story on Eddie Jordan getting canned.
If I wanted basketball to be all business, I’d cheer for the Celtics!
Sorry, http://wizznutzz.com/ - it’s awesome at least for those who retain the ability to relax the sphincter.
Sam: http://raptorsrepublic.com/blog/2009/01/01/the-raptors-new-years-resolutions/
we have some fun from time to time too here ;)
To the eternally optimistic, Pepto Bismol pouring, Hello Kitty glasses wearing “true fans”:
Sure, the wife is banging your best friend, never puts out, barely cooks and cleans, but hey at least she hasn’t divorced you and taken half, right? Alice Fine, baby. Alice Fine.
I nominate this post for “The Chuck Swrisky Homer of Year” article. A clear forerunner.
The Anti-Canadian, Raptors “Hater for Life”… FLUX.
Word to Nunya Lasik.
Look….it took Anthony Parker playing out of his mind and the Magic being totally unprepared for that (because they, unlike the Raptors know that AP is deadwood) to win that game….
It’s interesting that he thanked god in his little post game speech and said “god is great” because it took god a long time to remind him that his contract is expiring and whatever team he is traded to by Feb is going to drop his ass if he doesn’t re-animate from his vegetative state PRONTO.
(the capitals and non capitals in the above sentence are deliberate)
The moronic Rautins still kept saying that the Raptors needed to go back to Bosh even though it has clearly been established over and over that good teams love it when the entire Raptors organization is focussed on Bosh as the go-to guy because if they do that to the detriment of the rare occasion when another Raptor actually gets hot the Raptors will lose as Bosh is still a world class choker in the fourth quarter against top teams. This was a good win in that he at least kept fighting and driving but he is just as prone to not doing that…when he drives and MAKES a goddamn basket and gets an “and-one” instead of just a foul, I will start to see him as a Superstar.
The Raptors turned the tables on the Magic this time and let Howard get his points, the way Bosh usually does for the Raptors and hey…the Magic lost, just like the Raptors usually do when Bosh scores huge.
Lewis still managed to shoot SIX 3s (hey, Bosh was guarding him) but everyone else other than Howard was pretty much shut down, the way the Raptors usually are….the big exception here is:
The bad games from the usually excellent players on the Magic with a much tougher coach are far less likely to happen again than the sent-from-god performance serendipity bestowed upon Parker.
Until this rally is SUSTAINED over a long enough period that it is clear that everyone plays this way as a habit, like any good team rather than a divine gift, you’d have to be a cretin (ie Swirsky fan) to think all is well.
Since I like facts and hate religion, I’m going with the unlikelihood of these players sustaining this kind of play and other teams being surprised by them too often…(just like that cinderella year).
I still maintain that O’Neal (he never should have been here) has to go or accept being Bosh’s backup and that the Raptors HAVE to go over the cap and bring in All Star level wing players to get anywhere.
…and yes, although I detest Garnett, his attitude IS what is required and what Bosh doesn’t have…news flash…Jordan wasn’t a nice guy either….but Vince Carter is…..
I thought Parker said “God, it’s great…” as opposed to “God is great”. I think it was a sigh of relief more than a shou-out to the almighty. I was going to rewind it and now I wish I had. I hope it was the former. Anyone else hear it?
[shaking head] sigh! [shaking head more]
and nunya, were all those Bulls fans in the 90’s total dicks too? And no shit the caps are deliberate, that’s what we’re laughing at.
[shakes head even more]
Well, i will try to find the middle ground a little bit here, because I am a Buddhist. Well, I’m not, but anyway…there is a lot of hate going on here on these posts, almost like some commenters revel in the Raptors’ mediocrity. I have consistently been unable to understand this mentality.
The Raps as they are, are exactly what I do not want them to be. They are middle of the pack, maybe out of the playoffs kind of team…but, minus yesterday, they are not scrapping together their wins and gaining chemistry - if they do this, then yes, Alice Fine. We would be on the rise.
If they make it in, I do not think they have the capacity to take it to any top 4 team. But that is okay if the Raps show grit and toughness against better opponents even if they lose. Either this, or shut’er down. Bosh can do it, but honestly I do not know if he wants to if the team is collectively passive. He would just be abusing his body. Unfortunately, as the team leader it is his job to set the example.
Would a solid rebounding #3 be great? Hell ya. But, Colangelo, I think will bide his time on a trade - he will not sign anyone that will tie him up past 2010…this was the real reason behind signing JO, just like Iverson for Billups, and he will not risk the ire of the MLSE which will not be making the same profits it always has. I personally am holding out for 2010, to see if Bosh can convince them to bring him some real help, and break the bank. There will be some opportunist that will do it…will it be us?
KD, it was the latter.
In that case, I hope he prays before tonight’s game. He might want to bless Roko’s jump shot while he’s at it.
He said “god is great”
..and Sam…believe me, I know what you’re laughing at…what you don’t get is how little I care and the contempt I feel for the drippy smugness that twats like you ooze….I made that comment in particular because some twat like you would object to “god” not being capitalized.
Do you remember the build-up to the turning of the new century? The hype, the planning, the fear, the apprehension, etc.
Well, it says right here … that such will also be the case for the vaunted 2010 year … in the NBA.
“Those who choose to put all their eggs into a single specific basket that far in the future … along with each of the other franchises in a “closed” environment … will be doomed to mediocrity/failure.
- khandor’s Immutable Laws of the Universe : )
Carpe Diem!
[oozing smugness]
AP prays before every game.. it’s part of his pre-game ritual.
If you go to realgm, there’s a thread about Bryan trying to trade Jermain O’neil at least 6 times or so.
Notice how every player BC has signed, he got rid of the following year or 2 years.
-Delfino
-Garbajosa
-Nesterovich
-Ford
-Dixon
-Kapono
-Oneil
-Bargnani
-Brezec
Where is the continuity with this roster? Why sign these players if you intend on getting rid later? And how many playoff rounds have we won with the above? I do think that Bryan = John Ferguson Jr. With more charisma but still doesn’t know what he’s doing
With Babcock we had players and something to build on. Calderon, Villanova, Bosh, Peterson atleast we were building towards something.
3 years later with Bryan, and he has not signed or drafted 1 game changer or up and coming star.
c’mon joe…
“…I do think that Bryan = John Ferguson Jr. With more charisma but still doesn’t know what he’s doing…”
let’s give the guy a legit chance… BC has been here what three years total (1/2 season in ‘05/06, 06/07, 07/08 and 1/2 season 08/09)… in those 3 years they’ve won a division banner, won a COY, won a EOY (is that the proper acronym?), made the playoffs 2 straight years (missed 5 straight prior) and seems to me the consensus is that they are one or two players away from being a “contender”… to ur point that he has not kept players that he signed (drafted) more than a year or two…
in my humble opinion, i would much rather have a gm realize that what he had tried didn’t work and is willing to try something else all in the name of bettering his team… is that so wrong?
also, BC was on the radio today in t.o. (fan 590) and stated that when he picked il mago over roy, aldridge, gay, etc… he stated that it was a conscious decision looking towards the future of this team, not for the here (then) and now… he even said that he knew that B.roy was gonna win the ROY that year and still chose Bargs. that takes some cajones no?
And finally…
“…With Babcock we had players and something to build on. Calderon, Villanova, Bosh, Peterson atleast we were building towards something.”
ur right… he started something good for this team… but please temper this comment with the HUGE MISTAKES that mr. babcock also made… Hoffa, VC to NJ for two williams’ way past their prime (if they had a prime to begin with), CV, Joey G. and Zo (who didn’t play a second of ball for the Raps). I have no issues with u personally, but i take some exception to comments like Babcock was better than BC… who knows when BC leaves this may very well be the case, but for now I must disagree.
let’s give BC a legit chance… and by no means am i saying the BC hasn’t made mistakes, but so far i don’t really have any big issues with what he’s done… i have a feeling the plan is far more grand than what we see as fans… let’s see it to fruition.
I put Bargnani and Kapono because there only a quick fix solution and not in our long term plans
Listen to BC talk, Bargnani is definately in his long term plans, along with Bosh, Calderon, Ukic, and Delfino.
Those are all Babcock and Grunwald picks though
great article…however i have to respectfully disagree with your statement of vujacic and walton being valuable role players. They are scrubs. LA would get rid of either of those guys in a heartbeat if they could
not sure about that imran, la just gave vujacic a big contract in the summer. if they didn’t want him, they wouldn’t have re-signed him.
as for walton…he’s one of jacksons favourites…scrubs they aren’t my friend. i however wouldn’t trade for them, lol.
I agree Raps Fan. Vujacic is a ‘knock down shooter’ (in Mark Jacksons commentating voice) and Walton is starting for them now at the SF because they value his playmaking abilities over Vlady’s shooting. And I believe that Ariza was the 3rd guy mentioned in that post and he is exactly the type of athlete this (and most) organizations lack.
So Imran, you are a bit off on that one my friend.
Sorry, my bad. It was Farmar instead of Ariza.
Other titles for this post:
BC was right, we were wrong
14 - 20 : the fans fault. really
The Mediocrity Manifesto
Love or Stupidity, both are blind
Grasping at Straws
2 wins a Champion make
Roko is MJ 2.0
It’s OK Johnny, it’s participation that matters.
The Pinto - 121M fix vs 50M payout - let’em burn.
Exclusive - the Silver Lining.
Alice (Fine- on E) in Raptorland
Ubuntu for Losers
How Rome was NOT built
Only on the internet would people visit a place multiple times a day just to claim how much they hate things.
It’s like saying the food at your favourite restaurant has gone downhill, therefore you go even more frequently and order even larger meals, just so you have more to bitch about.
I think this post puts this in perspective and it’s probably the first positive one I’ve seen here. It’s good to be critical, but you also have to see both sides of the coin instead of crying about the end of the world all the time.
Hypocrisy goes both ways for those who claim optimists are “homers”. And yes, that opposite term would be “hater”. If you’re proud of calling yourself a hater, thennn….. well, good luck with that.
Uh, no you dumb cunt..they also pay a lot of money for Raptor tickets and boo in person….
This is just another venue to vent frustration..that too complicated for you?
and no, dumbass, it is not like a restaurant, because there are restaurants on every fucking corner but there is one NBA team in the entire country…should we fly to Portland to support a team worth supporting? If I could I would because I like that team a fuck of a lot more.
Should I throw away hundreds of dollars in tickets because after all, you’re not supposed to expect a win in a professional sports game in Toronto right? You’re just supposed to know that you’re staying under the luxury cap even though you’re giving the owners a shitload of money and the team is profitable?
Hollinger on T-Mac (after the Raptors game):
Simon, spare me.
The point is that after two wins, one vs a team that didn’t even try and another where it was a typical Raptor game, (the only difference JJ misses a wide open 3, not to mention the entire Magic team did in the 1st half - miss OPEN shots) people are being sucked back into believing mediocrity is OK by articles like this. And Christ, Roko (someone no one in the L knows or cares to know anything about) is being touted an ALL STAR after one freaking game, until he is exposed and shut down, when the “optimist” will tear into him like they have Jose. Build them up, tear em down, eh?
After weeks of demanding more, weeks where people that were JO and BC lovers, finally admitted that all is not rosy, they change song to the tune of 2 NOT QUALITY wins while they have forgotten everything and sending the same message they were before - keep feeding us whatever you want MLSE because after 2 wins all is forgiven. We’ll keep taking it.
It irritating. At least the “haters” are consistent. And way to take ONE DAY of my comments and generalize. Wait, I should have expected that, judging by the fandom swing with some people.
Tell me Simon… WTF is fine about 7 games below .500?
Kapono the homo…………get rid of this useless turd! Cut the fuck!
Alice Fine people!!! Alice Fine.. just the bucks.. c’mon we are the champs.. we beat Orlando and the Rocket.. THE CHAMPS!!!!!!
Did anybody read the “Raptors tried to trade O’neil to 6 teams” link,
at the bottom it says that the Raps tried to trade Jason Kapono to the Nuggets for J.R. Smith.
Who in their right mind would believe that? The thought that the Nuggets would take that turd off our roster is absurd. I vote that the Bob Finnigan rumour mill be disbanded.
Statement, the J.R Smith/Kapono proposed trade wasn’t “reported” by Finnigan, it came from a Denver writer, we posted the link a couple weeks ago. That deal is also hard to work financially as pointed out by a poster because of J.R Smith being a BYC player.
I see,
I think it would be immaterial if the deal is hard to work financially because I just don’t buy that the Nuggets would give up a bench option who can provide offense for another bench option who is just offensive.
I’m just venting because I believe that Kapono cost us the Milwaukee game today. He just had an awful, awful game.
Agreed! I watch every Raptor game and Kapono commits a travel in EVERY single game!
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