Linkage for May 30 1pm to Jun 3 4pm

Linkage for May 30 1pm through Jun 3 4pm:

Digital Bosh Fails to Impress if you know a thing or two about developing for platforms like the iPhone, you'd know this sort of application really isn't anything special. Extremely talented musical acts like Soulja Boy and the Pussycat Dolls have used similar applications to give fans and users a decidedly shallow one-stop portal for all their latest info and updates. Bosh's app seems to follow a similar trend, in a way that comes off as more promotional gimmick than innovative app.
What Your Favorite Teams Were Almost Called – WSJ.com Few team names seem quite as dated as the Toronto Raptors'. The team started play in 1995 with a mascot that was obviously a nod to Jurassic Park, which had destroyed box-office records a couple of years earlier. However, looking at the list of names the Toronto franchise could have chosen, the Raptors seems like a terrific choice. The other nine finalists were the Tarantulas, Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs, Scorpions, T-Rex, and Terriers. "The Hogs" makes sense since Toronto's historic nickname is Hogtown, but it lacks a certain menace and would have been catastrophic when the team picked Oliver Miller in the expansion draft. The rest of the finalists, however, look largely like they were culled from a list of things 13-year-old boys think are awesome, so kudos on picking the Raptors name. (This decision might mark the last time a franchise under Isiah Thomas' direction made a wise choice.)

One Small Step in the Off-Season, One Giant Step for the Raptors – RaptorsHQ.com This team needs to lay down some more roots in order to eventually ingrain itself in Toronto’s cultural identity and what better way to do that then to build a bridge to the team’s past by hiring on one of the franchise’s most popular players; a player too who was part of the club’s most successful on-court time period.
The B
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ue Jays made a similar move last year when they brought back Cito Gaston, their manager during the Blue Jays’ two consecutive World Series’ titles. Even before their improved play this season the move worked in the Jays’ favour simply from a PR standpoint. Add in the fact that Gaston has done a solid job in his return and you’ve got a recipe for success.
NBA Mock Draft: The Lottery | Bleacher Report Jrue is the prototypical pick-and-roll guard, and teaming him up with Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani could really benefit him a lot in his first few seasons.
The Raptors can go a few different ways with their selection at No. 9, but since they are in rebuilding mode getting a guy like Holliday, who possesses tremendous upside despite not being “NBA-ready” right now, could really help the franchise gain momentum in the right path.
I don't see Holliday making them good enough to make the post season next year, but he could help them get further and further away from the lottery.
I Hate The Raptors*: Boogie Will Soon Be A ‘Made Man’ ! Williams' career assist average during his 9 years in the NBA was a puny 4.0 assists per game with the highest at 5.7 apg achieved during the '01-'02 season ! A far cry from Jose's assist numbers. Really , what can Alvin pass on to the present PGs of the Raps ? Playing despite having injury. Yes, Alvin likes to play inspite of the pain. Not like the present Raps. They don't like to play with pain … they just like to play like pain in the ass !
Toronto Raptors Could Be Very Busy Making Headlines on Draft Night 2009 | Bleacher Report If Bosh is indeed going to be moved, the NBA draft would be a great night to do it. There have been reports that teams like the Warriors, Bulls, Pistons and Miami Heat have inquired about Bosh.
Word out of Golden State is that any deal for Bosh would likely not include Anthony Randolph, their first round selection last season. The Chicago Bulls are certainly putting Derrick Rose off-limits and the Miami Heat are reluctant to part ways with Beasley with the idea that a player of his calibre on a rookie contract would be an excellent compliment to a potential Wade and Bosh combo in 2010 if Bosh indeed does choose to sign with the Heat.
Deseret News | Interested in Boozer? Be careful According to published reports identified as rumors — we're talking high journalism here — Boozer is being wooed by the Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets and Detroit Pistons. They're not exactly dream teams, are they. Where's Oklahoma City?
Other well-paid veterans at this point in their careers are usually trying to find a winning team; not Boozer. Just show him the money, baby. He wants ca-ching, not a ring.
He might dump the Jazz — who regularly make the playoffs — for the Nets (34-48 last season), the Raptors (33-49) and the Pistons (39-43).
2009 NBA Mock Draft: ATS Consultants » Touthouse Baseball Betting Picks 9) Toronto PG Brandon Jennings Lottamatica Roma 6-1, 170
Comment: The Raptors may lose Chris Bosh to free agency next season or trade him away, but if Jordan Hill is not available, Jennings is the next best thing. He’s still raw and played overseas last year, but he can give the team a change-of-pace guard when Jose Calderon comes out.
Hoops Addict » NBA Mock Draft – June 3, 2009 9. Toronto Raptors – DeMar DeRozan SG/SF
19 years old, 6′7″, 207 lbs.
USC, Freshman
Complex Blog » A History of The NBA’s Sorest Losers CHRIS BOSH
• In early 2009, after a well-past-his-prime Shaquille O’Neal dropped 45 points on the Toronto Raptors in a 20-point blowout, the Raps’ Chris Bosh gave the Diesel credit—for cheating. Perhaps Shaq was guilty of a couple three-second violations, camping out in the lane, but Bosh clearly violated the NBA’s rule that nobody with a vagina should play
Triano, Raptors still working on details – The Globe and Mail Raptors president Bryan Colangelo shot down a report that surfaced earlier this week that Iavaroni’s signing was being held up by the Grizzlies, who are seeking compensation in exchange for releasing their former coach from the final year of his contract.
“It’s not true,” Colangelo said. “It’s absolutely false.”
Dino Nation Blog: Jack Armstrong Coaching Us On NBA Draft 101 So as much as most now after 11 years people think of Jack in terms of the Raptors. He still is very much on top of the NCAA game. In talking with Jack I can't tell you how many times he refers to the many coaches he has known over the years. So who better to get us up to speed on the NBA Draft.
Marion thinking of re-signing, making Bosh happy – Hoopsworld Another name that's being kicked around in this search is Chris Bosh, which is almost certain to be a red herring. Bosh is extremely happy with the success the Toronto Raptors enjoyed at the end of the season, and feels that Shawn Marion might be the piece they've been missing to evolve into a solid playoff team. Marion and his agent have had lengthy discussions with Raptors brass, and the feeling is mutual that they'll get something worked out. Don't expect them to even consider dealing Bosh this summer unless the Marion talks completely fall apart.
The Knicks Blog » Mills Mock Draft V2 9 – Toronto Raptors – Demar Derozan
Derozan is a great prospect, and he can replace Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion with his athleticism, slashing ability, and willingness to D up.
FAN590 – The Good Guys This also got me thinking about my All-Time “good guys”. I’ve been lucky enough to cover the Raptors for 12 years – almost as long as Day 1 guys like Doug Smith and Paul Jones. And I’ve been just as lucky to cover a ton of great guys. Sure, there have been a few (*cough*) speed bumps along the way (See: Voshon Lenard for one), but for the most part, I’ve encountered a ton of solid dudes during my decade+
Here’s a list – that kiiiind of in order – of the guys I’ve had the best relationship with over the years. These are guys who have been not only good to deal with as players but as men as well — on a man to man, 1 to 1 level … even when the conversations or circumstances had nothing to do with basketball:
Doug Smith’s Toronto Raptors blog – Alvin Williams The one thing the Raptors don’t have is any sense of tradition. There are no old Raptors still in the fold – hell, Alvin played here in 2006 and the only guys left from that team are Bosh, Calderon and, maybe Joey – and welcoming one back can’t hurt.
Two, he’s a good basketball mind and the more of those you have, the better. When he played, he “thought” the game as much as played it and if he can impart some of that knowledge to guys like Jose and Roko and whatever rookies they bring in, it has to help.
Third, if players want to whine during the season – and, trust me, they do – I think they’ll find it easier to whine to a young coach two years removed from the game than anybody else. Don’t diminish the need for a sounding board.
Anyway, from conversations I’ve had with a few people who’d know, I expect an announcement Thursday or Friday.
Dino Nation Blog: De Ja Vu Days And Boogie Nights The first news of the off-season that I actually think I am happy about. Alvin Williams could be added to Raptors coaching staff. The former Raptor who was tough as nails is said to be in talks with the Raptors about becoming an assistant coach with the team. If there is anyone that can help this team get tougher and better on defense maybe it is Boogie Williams. Alvin is one guy that I have actually had a chance to meet. He is a low key guy but a very intense guy as well. It was a shame how is time with the Raptors came to an end.
khandor’s sports blog » Original Sin, in Raptorville April 1, 2004 [and, then, Dec 17] will live-on, in infamy … as a sort of very real, cruel JOKE … in the history of this franchise, purpetrated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment [MLSE, i.e. Richard Peddie & Larry Tanenbaum].
DraftExpress: Word on the Street, June 2nd – Iavaroni = $$$ spent by Colangelo..again. •Marc Iavaroni appears to be a lock to secure the lead assistant’s role in Toronto, with the only holdup now being his contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. It seems like Iavaroni and Toronto may be in a similar situation to that of Stan Van Gundy and the Orlando Magic a few years back, when the Miami Heat demanded compensation in the form of a second round pick in exchange for releasing him from the last year of his contract. This time, though, the Grizzlies are reportedly demanding cash, somewhere in the range of a few hundred thousand dollars.
Ohio.com – McManamon: Cavs leaders do postmortem on playoffs Ferry has to find a way to get stronger on the inside, with a player or players who can join Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
There are rumblings that the Toronto Raptors might try to trade Chris Bosh rather than risk losing him to free agency in 2010. If true, the Cavs should be aggressive in pursuing him.
One key is that James said he was pleased with the direction of the team, that it got better last offseason and he expects it will get better this offseason.
FAN590 – Coaches and Workouts The Raptors will continue their pre-draft workouts this week with sessions at the ACC on both Thursday and Friday.
Word is that Jonny Flynn and Jeff Teague will be among the players in Toronto on Friday, while Thursday’s participants still have yet to be confirmed. Jrue Holiday may be one of those players, but we’ll see.
Chris Bosh makes all sorts of announcements — none of which have to do with basketball – Posted Sports "This is exciting," Bosh said in a statement. "Teaming up with Warner to produce my very own CD and DVD, as well as being the first athlete with their very own iPhone and iPod touch application, are just two more ways for fans to get to know me off the court. Entertaining my fans through the use of technology allows me to continue to try and pioneer the digital space for athletes across the world!"
Isiah Thomas working to get ahead of learning curve at FIU – MiamiHerald.com Thomas is going about most of this on his own. With no staff in place just yet, and his last real collegiate experience coming in 1981 when he left Indiana, the hoops legend is laying down the foundation with little assistance.
He feels like he has to, given how much he has to learn.
He feels like he wants to, given how much satisfaction he gets from getting a bit closer to the grass-roots level of the sport.
''It reminds me very much of the situation that I took over in Toronto, where you just roll up your sleeves,'' Thomas said, referring to his days as head man of the expansion Raptors. “No job's too big and no job's too small. You're just trying to get it done.
“You actually get a chance to get your hands dirty and make a difference in someone's life.''
Chris Bosh, Musician? | Toronto Mike’s Blog I haven't seen a Raptor this busy with extracurricular activities since Vince Carter attended his useless graduation ceremony the day of game seven of the conference semi-finals. We all know how that worked out…
Chris Bosh on the Bulls Radar | LayupDrill.com There was also word that came out that the Bulls, who are looking to add a scoring threat in the post, has Bosh high on the list. Toronto would not want the first rumored package of Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich, but prefer having Loul Deng in the deal along with Hinrich and a draft pick. As the draft looms closer, many playoff teams assess whether to use their picks they have this year on a potential contributor, or package them along with a veteran for someone who can step in right now.
Araujo pick set off chain reaction – The Globe and Mail It turns out Kapono was the Raptors first choice. They laid $24-million on him over four years, and there's not doubt Colangelo regrets it.
In some ways this is the Raptors second major sin, and certainly the primary blunder of Colangelo's since he joined the club in 2006.
Posey was heading to Boston – or at least a contender – regardless. So really it was choice between Barnes, Kapono and Pietrus. Barnes and Pietrus ended up with qualifying offers in Golden State. Kapono got paid. Barnes eventually found his way to the Suns, Pietrus finally got his mid-level deal this past summer from Orlando.
TheStar.com | Alvin Williams jacked up to rejoin Raptors Alvin Williams played an integral part in the greatest success the Raptors have known and he wants the chance to help return the franchise to that level.
The iconic point guard – whose clutch deciding-game jumpshot clinched the only playoff series Toronto has ever won, a five-game set against the New York Knicks in 2000 – is in line to join Jay Triano's staff as an assistant coach for skills development, bridging the Raptors' past and future.
"It's just a great opportunity," the 34-year-old Williams said in a telephone interview yesterday. "I just feel like I've been away from the game so long and I want to get back involved in NBA basketball."
TheStar.com | Bosh masters more media The material on the as-yet-untitled DVD will be based on the characters Bosh has developed over the past two years in a series of video clips posted on the Internet, according to a news release. The CD will be a compilation of some of his favourite music, along with new recordings from emerging artists. Bosh is giving new, unsigned artists a chance to submit material for consideration through an interactive form at www.chris-bosh.com.
Just dance to your iBosh | Toronto Sun Yesterday, it was announced that Bosh entered into an agreement with Warner Music Canada to produce a unique DVD and CD to be released this fall.
In addition, Bosh has become the first athlete to launch his own application for iPhone and iPod touch on the Apple App Store.
Basketball-wise, Bosh's latest foray into the business world and his ground-breaking initiative will have no impact on his decision to stay in Toronto, which will be in a position to offer its all-star a contract extension by as early as next month.
What it does reveal is the side of Bosh no one, especially those residing south of the border who cover all things basketball, seems to fully comprehend, or at least want to acknowledge: In today's sporting culture, Chris Bosh is a unique athlete, who isn't afraid to push the envelope.
Bosh won't be pressured into doing anything he doesn't feel comfortable doing.
Warner Music Canada signs Chris Bosh to produce DVD and CD (PDF) Chris Bosh, NBA All-Star and six year veteran of the Toronto Raptors, has entered into an agreement with Warner Music Canada to produce a unique DVD and CD to be released in the fall of 2009.
YouTube – Toronto Raptors Draft History
The Raptor that Never Was: Mickael Pietrus – RaptorsHQ.com All of which adds up to the question: just how much better would the Raptors be with Pietrus?
I don't think it's much of a stretch to say the team would have jumped up by at least a few wins. His "Wins Produced" score after 50 games in the past regular season was estimated to finish around 2.2 however I'd hazard a guess that during the NBA playoffs, that number has been closer to someone like Trevor Ariza, responsible of producing 5.1 wins per season. And to me that number sounds about right when you consider the benefits of his defence at the 2-3, not to mention his toughness and ability to get to the rim.
Obama would take Tyreke – The Globe and Mail Memphis guard Tyreke Evans is among a group of players who might be available when the Toronto Raptors make their pick (No. 9) in the NBA draft. Evans' wing-span was recently measured at 6 feet 113/4 inches, the largest measured of any guard in recent years, including Dwyane Wade. Evans has a big fan: U.S. President Barack Obama recently told the Maloof brothers, who own the Sacramento Kings, that they should take Evans when the Kings pick fourth overall.
American Chronicle | Detroit, New Jersey Mentioned As Boozer Possibilities Also Sunday, the New York Daily News speculated that Boozer might end up in Toronto if the Raptors feel pressure to trade Chris Bosh ahead of possibly losing him as a free agent next summer.
If nothing else, Toronto would be a humorous destination for Boozer, who spends his offseasons enjoying the sun of Miami.
Boozer is expected to opt out but has until June 30 to officially do so. He is due to make $12.7 million next season and voiced his desire to return to Utah after the Jazz were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
NBA free agency series: Atlantic Division – Bright Side Of The Sun The Raptors desparately need a dynamic shooting guard that can score the ball. They can certainly fill that role in the draft with DeRozan or Curry but relying on a rookie to put up big numbers is never a good way to be consistently competitive.
The two names that come to mind are Jamal Crawford and Jason Richardson. I am fairly sure that the Raptors could use a combination of draft pick(s), cap space and minor contracts to aquire either of these players.
RaptorTalk: Bosh Decision Time For Colangelo Is Looming Within the next three weeks, Bryan Colangelo needs to decide if he trades Bosh for the best package available or if he chooses to hold on to Bosh and offer him a max deal in 2010. Of course, we all know that Bosh will not stay in Toronto for anything other than max money – 6 years/ $130 million.
While my personal preference would be to flip Bosh for a package of younger players and/or draft picks – let’s assume Bryan is leaning towards keep Bosh long term.
Vegan Fish Tacos First 2009 NBA Mock Draft and Draft Board « vegan fish tacos Toronto Raptors- Tyreke Evans, SG/PG, Memphis. A pretty solid fit, though there is the possibility of DeJuan Blair if the Bosh situation clears itself up before draft day.
Should The Suns Trade Amare Now? | LayupDrill.com Another interesting irony to this whole story would be if Stoudemire, who told ESPN Radio in New York he was “better than Chris Bosh”, wound up getting dealt for him. The Raptors still feel confident they can, and will come to terms with Bosh this summer. However, if they are not able to, rather than see him leave and get nothing in return, do you do a blockbuster deal with the Raptors and bring in STAT for CB4? If you were the Suns, what would you do?
There will be teams interested in Amare this summer, whether its the Pistons, Hawks, Grizzlies, or the two teams I mentioned above. Phoenix has to decide whether they want to gamble for the sake of winning now, or start establishing the future.
Doug Smith’s Toronto Raptors blog I fully expect news in the next 24-48 hours, specifically about coaches but I also think that now that I’ll have a day or so to work the phones, we might find out what transpired in Chicago and how they’re their draft plans are shaking out.
We are getting down to the time they need to start developing a list of candidates in order, hopefully we can shed some light on that before the finals begin.
Mock Draft 2.0 | The Knicks FanBlog 9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis. Evans had been sliding down the board a bit in recent days as rumors swirled that he was contemplating pulling out of the draft. Then, this week, two things happened: (1) he hired an agent, putting those rumors to rest and (2) he measured 6′5 1/4 at the combine with longer arms than Blake Griffin. We have him two spots lower than we did in our first mock, but only because this time we’re projecting the Warriors to take Clark instead of adding yet another ball-needing guard to their backcourt. He’s a perfect fit for the Raptors, though, as they’re in dire need of a 2 that can create his own shot and take some pressure off Chris Bosh. DeRozan will get serious consideration here as well but Evans’ shot creation skills make him the better fit. And we’ve seen the DeJuan Blair rumors. They make some sense but we don’t believe them just yet.
2009 NBA Mock Draft – Version 2.0 « Boston Celtics: The Big Green Machine 9. Toronto Raptors – Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis
Evans fills the void at shooting guard that the Raptors desperately need to fill. By drafting Evans, they can let Anthony Parker walk and give this kid all the minutes he can handle. If the Raptors choose to bring back Shawn Marion, the Raptors would look poised to be a very good up-tempo basketball team.
Pick Change: previously Earl Clark
Deng to Toronto ? Although Carlos Boozer could be headed to Detroit in a free-agent deal in July, there's a chance he'll end up going to Toronto in a package for Chris Bosh. The Bulls remain interested in Bosh, but Luol Deng would have to be part of a package going to the Raptors. The Raptors, privately, are acknowledging for the first time that they might need to trade Bosh, rather than risk losing him to free agency in 2010.
Sunday Thought – What’s Andrea Bargnani’s Ceiling? – RaptorsHQ.com Does this then mean that I think Andrea is the second coming of Rashard?
Not quite, as obviously Andrea still has some work to do to get to that level, but not only that, with his height advantage and what I believe eventually will be superior low-post play, it’s not impossible that he becomes Lewis version 2.0.
That’s not a bad building block if you are a Toronto Raptors’ fan, one that providing the team doesn’t overpay, could be a major force in the Eastern Conference. The hope is that this off-season he puts in the same amount of work on improving his game as he did last summer, in order to get to this level and beyond.
An early look at NBA draft board | ajc.com 9. Toronto
• Tyreke Evans, 6-6, 215, point guard, Memphis
• The skinny: Evans bolted from Memphis just time to join a Raptors team trying to retool in time to keep Chris Bosh.
NBA Draft – Projecting the top 30 picks in the 2009 NBA Draft 9. Toronto Raptors – DeMar Derozan (SG/SF – USC)
With both Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion likely to leave the team, a swingman makes sense for the Raptors. So would a point guard, to provide insurance for Jose Calderon.
The Top 10 Players the Raptors Should Target in the 2009 NBA Draft | Bleacher Report The following is a listing of ten prospects the Raptors should give a very good look at, and where they'll likely be drafted.
Some of these players will be drafted ahead of the ninth spot and the Raptors would have to trade up a few spots to nab them.
Others will be available later in the first round and could be had by utilizing the money acquired in the Jermaine O'Neal trade to buy a draft pick as team's prepare for a declining economy.
Which Teams Might be Interested in Glen Davis? | Comcast SportsNet New England Toronto Raptors
$47.9 mil
With Chris Bosh, Andre Bargnani, and possibly Shawn Marion, an offer is not likely. They need a defensive stopper in the middle for back up. Yes, even with Patrick O’Bryant on the roster.
2009 NBA Free Agents? Tempting and Troublesome for Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz « Straight to the League The Raptors must decide whether or not to offer a no doubt huge contract to an unsettled Shawn Marion.
If they decide to abandon Marion to pursue his quest for respect/money/star status elsewhere, they simply must look to sign another superstar. Why? If they don’t Chris Bosh is leaving in 2010.
Common agent, common bond for Wade, Bosh? — South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com "I think more emphasis has been put on us meeting than is necessary," Colangelo told the Canada-based Globe and Mail. "It's very routine. It's not like I'm going to be coming out of the weekend with plans to trade or start drawing up an agreement for a contract extension."
Yet nothing is routine when a single agent holds the key to two teams' futures. It is why Heat President Pat Riley acknowledged "other business" in Chicago last week beyond the combine, while declining to go into specifics.
2009 NBA Mock Draft | RotoRob 9. Toronto Raptors: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis – Evans is an explosive scorer who would certainly be an upgrade over the likes of Anthony Parker. Jose Calderon could also get some time off from bringing the ball up, keeping the Raptor rotation fresh. I really like Evans to come in a make an immediate impact in Raptorland if selected here.