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Bargnani has defended well at the end of close games. He's always been Triano's measuring stick - tap into his potential for 48 minutes a game and you have a good team. Fail to do that and you have a team with a star PF and mediocre, jump-shooting centre.
Unfortunately it looks like Hedo is here to stay. A core that involves Hedo, Bargnani, and Jose MAY get you in the playoffs, but will not do much beyond that.
If Bosh re-signs... BC will have to look at moving Bargnani and/or Calderon to get more athletic multi-dimensional players in return. Unfortunately he will not get fair market value for either of these players, but will have to take what he can get to rid himself of the long-term contracts.
If Bosh re-signs... BC will have to look at moving Bargnani and/or Calderon to get more athletic multi-dimensional players in return. Unfortunately he will not get fair market value for either of these players, but will have to take what he can get to rid himself of the long-term contracts.
that moron Lapo guy should not get away with this.
I'd say lock him up in a sauna with Reggie Evans.
I'd say lock him up in a sauna with Reggie Evans.
What is the point of grabbing offensive rebounds if you can't finish and won't kick out? Reggie's rebounding is hella overrated. He should be glued to the bench.
Kent Brockman: Professor, would you say it's time for our viewers to panic?
Professor: Yes I would, Kent.
Kent Brockman: Professor, without knowing precisely what the danger is, would you say it's time for our viewers to crack each other's heads open and feast on the goo inside?
Professor: Yes I would, Kent.
Professor: Yes I would, Kent.
Kent Brockman: Professor, without knowing precisely what the danger is, would you say it's time for our viewers to crack each other's heads open and feast on the goo inside?
Professor: Yes I would, Kent.
Weems doesn't bring much to the table. Like most of the players not named Bosh, he's a disposable pine-rider.
He has .2 win shares. He hasn't even produced a single win for the team yet.
He has .2 win shares. He hasn't even produced a single win for the team yet.
You know whars funny, Jamario (the bricklayer) Moon started how many games for us last year ? 70 something right ? HE WAS GETTING PAID THE LEAGUE MIN. So lets take the $$ out of the equation okay ?
Sonny should start for 2 reasons:
1) He's hotter than DD right now and DD should 'hopefully' do the same as SW does when he comes off the bench.
2) Give the kid a reality check. DD sounds like a down to earth kid and having him come off the bench I believe would promote more of a sense of urgency out of him.
It would be win-win Jay, comeon !!!
Sonny should start for 2 reasons:
1) He's hotter than DD right now and DD should 'hopefully' do the same as SW does when he comes off the bench.
2) Give the kid a reality check. DD sounds like a down to earth kid and having him come off the bench I believe would promote more of a sense of urgency out of him.
It would be win-win Jay, comeon !!!
It can work both ways - maybe Bargs thinks why should I bother with help defense and rebounds when they never pass me the ball!
Should have moved this game to Buffalo as payback for the Bills stinking up the dome.
I was watching the Birdman's block against Boston. I must say, he sure is very fun to watch, and a win against Boston gives us some joy, so I have to appreciate the guy. But sending the ball to the stands is against one of Red Auerbach's rules (there is a video where he says that after the block you have to "grab the ball"). And that's a thing I like about Andrea: after his blocks, we've often had the ball in our hands (just think at Wright's dunk).
all i got to say is demar hyped himself up too much, saying that he can beat anyone in the dunk contest(micheal) and have such a terrible showing. Cant blame this on kenny, cant blame it on nate, demar just didnt preform like he could. BTW all his game dunks this year were probbaly better than his dunks tonigh, i agree that this was one of the worst contests in recent history, pretty diappointing. Next year: LBJ, Diwght superman Howard, Nate(defending champ unfortunatley) and The Air Up There!! LMAO DONTLETSHANNONDUNK!!!
jack's a better basketball player than jose, and should continue to get more minutes. jose's a GREAT back up point guard and played really well tonight. i wouldn't trade jose and mess up the seemingly perfect chemistry that is developing with this group. but, please don't try and turn this amazing situation into a point guard controversy. Jack is better.
Calderon is a good regular season performer. However, I believe he would get torched in the play-offs (and his previous performances are indicative of this). Calderon thrives in the regular season because his safe passes into the post are not heavily contested. However, come playoff time, when the defense tightens up, these passes are not readily available and are highly contested. Furthermore, Calderon tends to loss his aggressiveness when the other team plays strong D.
I think our current roster lacks toughness on the perimeter. Wright brings that toughness to our team. Unless BC can trade Calderon for a tough lock down perimeter defender at the 2, I say Wright should start come playoff time. IMO, Wright has the necessary attributes to play a substantial role come play-off time and I would be reluctant to trade him.
I think our current roster lacks toughness on the perimeter. Wright brings that toughness to our team. Unless BC can trade Calderon for a tough lock down perimeter defender at the 2, I say Wright should start come playoff time. IMO, Wright has the necessary attributes to play a substantial role come play-off time and I would be reluctant to trade him.
Caron Butler would be great with the raptors because he already knows how to take a back to seat to other scorers(Gilbert A. And Antwan Jamison) It wouldnt make much sense tho unless we got rid of Hedo tho. What about Hedo coming off the bench when he gets back, if Manu Ginobili can do it then Hedo can, It would give Hedo motivation to play hard and it would give us another scorer off the bench. I like Sonny starting at the 3 and I think he and DD's athleticism could cause ppl problems if they started together, not much shooting tho so Idk.......The only way Reggie Evan can live up to the hype is by coming in his first game and punching someone in the face, we're making him out to be Dennis Rodman, I just dont know if he's that serious.
Sorry, why would Colangelo walking be disastrous? His DAD is a rockstar and big name here in the US. Him, not so much.
We constantly get the short end of any trade...we got robbed in the TJ Ford trade to Indiana. Robbed in Marion. Overpaid for Turk. Jumped into hiring Triano prematurely. Jumped into extending Bargs prematurely.
Hiring a big name GM is overrated. Better to hire an assistant GM from a well-run research oriented franchise like the Lakers, Rockets, OKC, Spurs, etc. Pretty much any of the assistant managers at those franchises would love to run a rich franchise like Toronto.
I have very serious questions about Colangelo. He inherited a beautiful situation in 2006. Massive cap space, promising young all-star power forward locked into a cheap contract. Compare it to the job Sam Presti has done since 2007 with his franchise, or how Memphis retooled after dumping Pau.
BTW, all this insecurity about Canada stuff is ridiculous. Toronto is far more desirable a place to live than Indiana, OKC, Utah, or many of the other places that have sports teams. This insecurity complex and paranoia is frankly annoying and self defeating...middle-class Americans and Canadians live almost identical lives.
Don't be so scared...if Colangelo leaves, the Raptors will not die. Just hire a competent assistant GM from one of the best-run franchises in the league, and you'll be fine.
We constantly get the short end of any trade...we got robbed in the TJ Ford trade to Indiana. Robbed in Marion. Overpaid for Turk. Jumped into hiring Triano prematurely. Jumped into extending Bargs prematurely.
Hiring a big name GM is overrated. Better to hire an assistant GM from a well-run research oriented franchise like the Lakers, Rockets, OKC, Spurs, etc. Pretty much any of the assistant managers at those franchises would love to run a rich franchise like Toronto.
I have very serious questions about Colangelo. He inherited a beautiful situation in 2006. Massive cap space, promising young all-star power forward locked into a cheap contract. Compare it to the job Sam Presti has done since 2007 with his franchise, or how Memphis retooled after dumping Pau.
BTW, all this insecurity about Canada stuff is ridiculous. Toronto is far more desirable a place to live than Indiana, OKC, Utah, or many of the other places that have sports teams. This insecurity complex and paranoia is frankly annoying and self defeating...middle-class Americans and Canadians live almost identical lives.
Don't be so scared...if Colangelo leaves, the Raptors will not die. Just hire a competent assistant GM from one of the best-run franchises in the league, and you'll be fine.
The doc asks Hedo a few questions to see if he knows where he is:
Where are you now Hedo?
Elbow
What did you eat for supper?
Elbow
What can you see now?
Elbow
Why can't you follow the movement of my finger?
Elbow.
Ball? elbow.
Where are you now Hedo?
Elbow
What did you eat for supper?
Elbow
What can you see now?
Elbow
Why can't you follow the movement of my finger?
Elbow.
Ball? elbow.
I respect Hedo's game and all, and the Raps need him to play well to make that next step, but the guy is a big time cry baby. Anyone who watches these guys play on the regular would see that he gets the ball more than enough times to make an impact. Truth is he has played like crap all season. He got the ball more last night because he was having a good game. He didn't have a good game because he got the ball more. When Hedo earns the ball by playing to the level he is capable of then he will get it. If he reverts back to Hedo of the first 30 or so games then he has nothing to whine about if his touches get limited. Step up and stop pouting.
The tap out should become a stat - it's just as good as a rebound.
However, a failed tap out where DOH you tap it to the other team should be counted too.
i.e. Amir was 2/3 for tap outs tonight.
And it's as ugly as all hell to watch.
Like a whale reaching up out of the water flailing a weak fin in desperation.
However, a failed tap out where DOH you tap it to the other team should be counted too.
i.e. Amir was 2/3 for tap outs tonight.
And it's as ugly as all hell to watch.
Like a whale reaching up out of the water flailing a weak fin in desperation.
Sorry but that's all bogus. Amir is a bench player averaging 17 minutes a game. He would be averaging 17 minutes a game with or without the fouls, as he should be. It doesn't matter if Amir fouls and he doesn't need to come out of the game if he gets fouls. BUT he's never even fouled out anyway. His fouls are there to use, and they should be used. The Raps as a team do not have a "fouling" problem in that the other team gets the most foul shots in the league or something like that.
Amir has fouls to use...and he should use them. My only problem is that he gets too many ticky-tack fouls. I'd be VERY happy if he got 4/5 hard fouls a game!
Amir has fouls to use...and he should use them. My only problem is that he gets too many ticky-tack fouls. I'd be VERY happy if he got 4/5 hard fouls a game!
Its a zone defense!!!! Setting up the pick n' roll is negated by the fact that its a zone defense. Ever play the game? Screens Don't work on a ZONE. The loss has nothing to do with getting Bogut the ball and everything to do with the fact that the Bucks did not shoot the ball well last night and our perimeter guys closed out. Bosh deserves credit for protecting his zone and preventing offensive rebound opportunities.
My original comment about Bargnani had nothing to do with Bosh, how did he even come up in this discussion. Last time I checked Bosh was not European and my original post had to do with utilizing the zone because the Euro's would thrive in a zone.
My original comment about Bargnani had nothing to do with Bosh, how did he even come up in this discussion. Last time I checked Bosh was not European and my original post had to do with utilizing the zone because the Euro's would thrive in a zone.
1) Only play Hedo to score the 100th Raptor point for free slice of PizzaPizza ... and ask PizzaPizza to pick up his contract.
2) Rasho on the phone talking to his Grandma in Lower Slobovia:
Grandma: Eat good my little boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma.
Grandma: Go to bed early boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma.
Grandma: Save your money, boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma
Grandma: Send me some of those Tim Horton blueberry muffins, boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma
Grandma: .. and tell Triano he's full of sh!t !!!
Rasho: YES GRANDMA !!!!!!!!!!!
3)Strengths: NJ, Philly, Indiana, Washington, Detroit ... Weaknesses: Cavs, Celtics, Hawks, Magic, Heat, Hornets.
2) Rasho on the phone talking to his Grandma in Lower Slobovia:
Grandma: Eat good my little boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma.
Grandma: Go to bed early boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma.
Grandma: Save your money, boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma
Grandma: Send me some of those Tim Horton blueberry muffins, boysik!
Rasho: Yes, grandma
Grandma: .. and tell Triano he's full of sh!t !!!
Rasho: YES GRANDMA !!!!!!!!!!!
3)Strengths: NJ, Philly, Indiana, Washington, Detroit ... Weaknesses: Cavs, Celtics, Hawks, Magic, Heat, Hornets.
So your expectations weren't high, but you're dissatisfied with a team that's over .500 and has won 14 of its last 21? Then surely your expectations have been exceeded, at which point any fan of the team would be happy. Something doesn't add up here.
It shouldn't be difficult whatsoever to divorce the first 20 games from the last 21. 9 new players. Inexperienced coach. Tough opening schedule. All added up for a slow start, which was entirely expected by everyone. Now they're more comfortable with each other, with the coaches, and have a friendlier schedule. They're winning, but it's still not enough to satisfy people because they're 'inconsistent'.
Complaining about the way they're currently playing is simply irrational.
It shouldn't be difficult whatsoever to divorce the first 20 games from the last 21. 9 new players. Inexperienced coach. Tough opening schedule. All added up for a slow start, which was entirely expected by everyone. Now they're more comfortable with each other, with the coaches, and have a friendlier schedule. They're winning, but it's still not enough to satisfy people because they're 'inconsistent'.
Complaining about the way they're currently playing is simply irrational.
Bargs. Illusionary Rebounding
I think we can all agree that the cosmic forces of the universe came together the past two games, resulting in rebound totals from Bargs. we will not see again. The numbers were the result of his greater rebounding effort, two teams without dominant rebounding centres, two wild shooting teams that often shoot before they set up, two weak rebounding games from Bosh etc.
It will be an interesting test on Sunday against Dampier, who while not a dominant centre, is a defensive rebounding type.
The above being said, what I hope Bargs. has gained the past two games is a confidence that if he puts out the rebounding effort and wants the ball, he can get 8-10 boards a game and help the Raps significantly by reducing put backs and offensive rebounds. So mentally the past two games hopefully will have a year long effect.
While hard to complain about last nite, it still bugs me that as hot as Bargs was, the Raps rarely went to him, 13 shots for a guy hotter then Arenas’s pistol is poor recognition.
I think we can all agree that the cosmic forces of the universe came together the past two games, resulting in rebound totals from Bargs. we will not see again. The numbers were the result of his greater rebounding effort, two teams without dominant rebounding centres, two wild shooting teams that often shoot before they set up, two weak rebounding games from Bosh etc.
It will be an interesting test on Sunday against Dampier, who while not a dominant centre, is a defensive rebounding type.
The above being said, what I hope Bargs. has gained the past two games is a confidence that if he puts out the rebounding effort and wants the ball, he can get 8-10 boards a game and help the Raps significantly by reducing put backs and offensive rebounds. So mentally the past two games hopefully will have a year long effect.
While hard to complain about last nite, it still bugs me that as hot as Bargs was, the Raps rarely went to him, 13 shots for a guy hotter then Arenas’s pistol is poor recognition.
I don't know where to start and am almost at a loss for words. Triano had by far his worst coaching game of the year. He easily could have sat down the guys sucking air and played the bench guys that were more than handling their own more. It is a coach's job also to use his timeouts at opportune times to stop runs and/or to rest your tired players.
Yes, Turkoglu's play was so bad in the 2nd half he should have benched himself. The coach has to grow a pair and play to win, not to appease his big contract players. Triano was hired as a Yes man for Colangelo, so it is no surprise. We need a real coach who has won and commands the respect of the players, if he is out there.
Yes, Turkoglu's play was so bad in the 2nd half he should have benched himself. The coach has to grow a pair and play to win, not to appease his big contract players. Triano was hired as a Yes man for Colangelo, so it is no surprise. We need a real coach who has won and commands the respect of the players, if he is out there.
I could just imagine the post-game exchange between Triano and Hedo after the game.
Hedo are you even aware that you played an NBA game today?
"Yes coach"
Did we loose because you can't play D or rebound?
"Yes coach"
Do you lack the necessary athleticism and fitness to contribute to this team?
"Yes coach"
Hedo did we make a mistake signing you?
"Yes coach"
Are you over paid?
"Yes coach"
Have you lost your motivation to improve because you are guaranteed to collect a pay cheque over the next five years?
"Yes coach"
Are you going to cost us games come playoff time because of your lack of intensity?
"Yes coach"
Should we trade you for a bag of potatoes?
"Yes coach"
Hedo are you even aware that you played an NBA game today?
"Yes coach"
Did we loose because you can't play D or rebound?
"Yes coach"
Do you lack the necessary athleticism and fitness to contribute to this team?
"Yes coach"
Hedo did we make a mistake signing you?
"Yes coach"
Are you over paid?
"Yes coach"
Have you lost your motivation to improve because you are guaranteed to collect a pay cheque over the next five years?
"Yes coach"
Are you going to cost us games come playoff time because of your lack of intensity?
"Yes coach"
Should we trade you for a bag of potatoes?
"Yes coach"
There are 2 key collective bargaining issues you need to understand. First there is the cap and the tax threshold. The tax threshold is meaningless from a roster standpoint. The raptors are currently over the cap but under the tax(which is where MLSE wants to be). If a team is under the cap they can sign free agents. If a team is over the cap they can only sign returning free agents(bird rights), the mid-level or bi-annual exceptions or minimum contracts. The raptors would only have 6 mil or so under the cap if Bosh leaves during the season. If they wait till the end of the season and resign Bosh to bring them way over the cap then they get the MLE and can trade Bosh if he really wants to go. Plus Bosh can get more money and an extra year on his contract by resigning. Unless they get one hell of a one-sided offer(and I dont mean Biedrins) Bosh will finish this season in Toronto.
Were we watching the same game.
Johnson didn't play poorly.
He shot 1/2 and played good defense.
What do you mean take advantage.
What a stupid statement.
He played 12 mins. What do you suggest.
He play hog ball and try to score every time
he touches the ball. He's a role player genius.
Maybe they should put you under the bus.
Johnson didn't play poorly.
He shot 1/2 and played good defense.
What do you mean take advantage.
What a stupid statement.
He played 12 mins. What do you suggest.
He play hog ball and try to score every time
he touches the ball. He's a role player genius.
Maybe they should put you under the bus.
I can't believe you're even suggesting Arenas for the Raps. He can liven up the dressing room by shooting a couple of guys. What a primo loser!!
I don't get why so many have so little respect for Jose.
Farmar (weak), Morrison (exp contract... still weak), LA first rounder (weak). Just a crap deal all around.
I think last night was another example of how our defensive issue are NOT EXCLUSIVELY DUE TO JOSE (or the PG position). How people turn their backs to this... because they want to believe (and I don't know why) that Jose is such a bad defender.
How are we not better of with 2 good pgs, and more talent... than 1 good pg and less talent. Really its absolutely ridiculous.
I seriously wish people would stop coming up with Jose deals because they get worse and worse as they go along. How thankful I am that no one around here runs this organization because it would just fall to pieces. (Although it would actually teach them a lesson)
Farmar (weak), Morrison (exp contract... still weak), LA first rounder (weak). Just a crap deal all around.
I think last night was another example of how our defensive issue are NOT EXCLUSIVELY DUE TO JOSE (or the PG position). How people turn their backs to this... because they want to believe (and I don't know why) that Jose is such a bad defender.
How are we not better of with 2 good pgs, and more talent... than 1 good pg and less talent. Really its absolutely ridiculous.
I seriously wish people would stop coming up with Jose deals because they get worse and worse as they go along. How thankful I am that no one around here runs this organization because it would just fall to pieces. (Although it would actually teach them a lesson)
I don't think all the malicious comments towards Calderon are very fair (in general,I'm not saying this article or the above comments are an attack on Jose). I do think though, that Jack is a much better fit in the starting line-up than Jose. Turk has been really impressive running the point-forward position and having he and Calderon on at the same time, as has been mentioned by Chisholm, is redundant. Jose would be great running with the "young guns" as he can keep them somewhat under control, hit them for some sick oops, and his defense won't be as big a problem. Banks has done exactly what we needed him to do, but when Jose comes back, we will be a much better team with him involved in our offense as another offensive weapon in our arsenal. When Jose is on, he is a deadly shooter who makes excellent decisions that would benefit Sonny, Amir and Demar. Lastly, I don't think Jose is the type of person who is going to make a big public stink about not starting, he will accept that role and we will have a better team because of it.
The classiest move would be for Jose to publicly say he wants to work his way back into game shape and his starting position. I think at this point he would be more effective off the bench were he's not facing the other team's starting PG (or they will be worn down grom Jack). Unlike Calderon, Jack's production remains the same if he's facing starters or backups.
It was the combination of a tough schedule and the lack of chemistry with so many newcomers , the lack of experience of a few of these newcomers which added up to a miserable up and down first 30 games . The team appears to be on the right track for the rest of the season . I think that a few critics will never be happy with the team performance till they are good enough to go for a championship. Unfortunately they keep seeing the glass half empty , not half full , their loss.
With the obvious caveat being this was the Nets, this is how the Raptors need to play to be successful. They swung the ball and shared the love on offence. That way everyone put up some points, felt like they were contributing, and that translated to the defensive side of the court for them as well. The comment that Bosh was content to pass out of the double team is key. I see so many parts of the Raptors game breakdown on nights when CB4 wants to dominate the ball on offence. Triano needs to feel the pressure the rest of the season because the pieces ARE there. I would take this team over the 47 win team from 3-4 years back. Jay needs to get more energy out of these guys.
I think it's bullshit that we've played the most games in the nba with a ton of back to backs. What happens later with the schedule, we sit for like 2 weeks while everyone else gets into the playoff picture? It isn't an excuse for the raptors play, but it's still rubbish.
Fire Triano. Put him back on the assistant staff. Play him at PG. I don't care, but he cannot be our head coach. This is one bandwagon I am not getting off of.
Fire Triano. Put him back on the assistant staff. Play him at PG. I don't care, but he cannot be our head coach. This is one bandwagon I am not getting off of.
To quote a classic post by yd tonight>>
"LOL what a mess BC has made of this team, and what a terribly overrated GM he is. He and Triano's only distinction is one was lucky enough to sign Nash and the other to coach him for a few summers. Anything else these 2 clowns have done pre and post Nash has been embarassing and incompetent.
Also LOL at people saying we should blow up this team, BC has pretty much been blowing up this team every summer. Now we're stuck with 3 horrid contracts with Jose, Hedu and Bargs and BC chomping at the bit to add a 4th in giving Bosh a gazillion dollars to save him the embarassment of being known as the guy who caused Bosh to leave at season's end. Yeah let's give Bosh all that money and continue with this legendary "core' for the next few years. BC will be long gone by then anyways, at least hopefully he is.
BTW Barg's defense was so awful tonite it defies description. I've never seen a guy look so lost after 4 seasons in the league but then again why does he give a ****. Like Jose he gets a ridiculous contract for a half season of results and now whatever motivation he had is long gone. Then again Triano gets a contract for a half season of doing nothing so it could be worse."
-Yosemite Dan via RealGM
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!
couldnt have said it any fkn better myself
"LOL what a mess BC has made of this team, and what a terribly overrated GM he is. He and Triano's only distinction is one was lucky enough to sign Nash and the other to coach him for a few summers. Anything else these 2 clowns have done pre and post Nash has been embarassing and incompetent.
Also LOL at people saying we should blow up this team, BC has pretty much been blowing up this team every summer. Now we're stuck with 3 horrid contracts with Jose, Hedu and Bargs and BC chomping at the bit to add a 4th in giving Bosh a gazillion dollars to save him the embarassment of being known as the guy who caused Bosh to leave at season's end. Yeah let's give Bosh all that money and continue with this legendary "core' for the next few years. BC will be long gone by then anyways, at least hopefully he is.
BTW Barg's defense was so awful tonite it defies description. I've never seen a guy look so lost after 4 seasons in the league but then again why does he give a ****. Like Jose he gets a ridiculous contract for a half season of results and now whatever motivation he had is long gone. Then again Triano gets a contract for a half season of doing nothing so it could be worse."
-Yosemite Dan via RealGM
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!
couldnt have said it any fkn better myself
Why are we talking about trading Calderon? Him and Jack do well together, no egos there, they can co-exist, Jack and Jose are class acts, they just want to win!!! What other teams have solid PGs backup/starer, either one of them can start, coach's dream!!! Plus DeMar can handle the ball (did anyone see him in the 3rd (i think) where he danced around all 5 Rockets but missed the lay-up(had that gone in, WoW)!!!!
Why can't we consider trading Turkoglu/Wright/Belinelli/O'Bryant, say to a team like Portland, that wanted Turkoglu so bad! I mean, Turkoglu would absolutely hate the Raptors. I would love to see guys like Outlaw/Pryzbilla/Fernadez/Batum, when they become healthy! I mean they all can play D, super athletic (not Pryzbilla) but he would be solid at C(if CB leaves FA)or not, we can start him and have Bargs do whatever he wants at PF knowing Pryz will clean house! All these guys can shoot the 3, and Portland gets a guy they been wanting!!! I mean, is it wrong to say maybe the Turkoglu signing was a mistake? Just throwing it out there.
.:T:.
Why can't we consider trading Turkoglu/Wright/Belinelli/O'Bryant, say to a team like Portland, that wanted Turkoglu so bad! I mean, Turkoglu would absolutely hate the Raptors. I would love to see guys like Outlaw/Pryzbilla/Fernadez/Batum, when they become healthy! I mean they all can play D, super athletic (not Pryzbilla) but he would be solid at C(if CB leaves FA)or not, we can start him and have Bargs do whatever he wants at PF knowing Pryz will clean house! All these guys can shoot the 3, and Portland gets a guy they been wanting!!! I mean, is it wrong to say maybe the Turkoglu signing was a mistake? Just throwing it out there.
.:T:.
Well, that game played out just about as expected.
This team is about as good with their chemistry as I was in grade 11. (i got a 30% on the first test, and dropped that son of a bitch so fast!)
This team is about as good with their chemistry as I was in grade 11. (i got a 30% on the first test, and dropped that son of a bitch so fast!)
The one thing that scares me as a fan is seeing the Raptors sneak into the playoffs and get hammered in the 1st round. That's a worst case scenario since Miami gets our upcoming draft pick and Bosh may well leave in the off-season in search of a better supporting cast, or just a change of scenery. If that happened, and right now I think it's fairly likely, the Raptors are left with no picks (unless a S & T gets one) and a bunch of money tied up in a team without a star, whether a "franchise player" or something slightly less.
That's why you consider trading Bosh. This team may be mired in mediocrity despite his talents, not because. (New Orleans really looks like it will have the same problem with Chris Paul.) But you probably still have to blow a team like that up and start fresh, through the draft.
And yes, if I'm right, it's on Colangelo, although he might be as qualified as anyone (outside of San Antonio's management) to clean up his own mess.
That's why you consider trading Bosh. This team may be mired in mediocrity despite his talents, not because. (New Orleans really looks like it will have the same problem with Chris Paul.) But you probably still have to blow a team like that up and start fresh, through the draft.
And yes, if I'm right, it's on Colangelo, although he might be as qualified as anyone (outside of San Antonio's management) to clean up his own mess.
whether they won or lost tonite...it was a different team b/c of the chat. this is hopefully the tsn turning point. you ever had the silent treatment with a friend? nothing happens and the vibe keeps going south the longer you don't speak honestly. the team finally spoke honestly for the first time, owned up to their job descriptions that pay them millions, and have now opened the doors to finding their identity. win or lose, i like what happened within the team...you saw the change, the effort, the diving...and it is great that they won...it's a whole new ball-club hopefully.
Triano is out of his element. Every other coach is playing chess, he's playing tic tac toe.
Give me 20 min of playing time, I'll get you 4 offensive boards, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 8 points, (4 fouls).. and a win. #FreeAmir #Hustle
what, pray tell, would you suggest he do? pass up his shots? focus all energy & attention to defense & rebounding? become the player he was with the olympic team? i guess you can look at it as 'padding' his stats, and i'd be inclined to agree with you...if, that is, he was looking entirely at padding his offensive stats. but he's doing the tough stuff...he's banging in the post, he's working, he's showing some effort. he's putting himself out there to be dunked on & kneed in the sack. i mean, let's be honest...bargnani never would have let pierce dunk on him, let alone knee him. of course, that's because he wouldn't have been in the picture. but yeah, let's quibble over WHY bosh is putting up the numbers. it's easier to do that than focus on the guys are doing DIDDLY FUCKING SQUAT.
I think, from now onwards, I will prefer the Punjabi commentary compared to the Devlin drivel.
I think everyone should calm the f*** down. Phoenix is one of the top teams in the league. I think we did a decent enough job on defense. Not good exactly, but not terrible for this team. It was our offense that failed, and I hate to go all smitch here, but we just needed to make shats. If we had shot our normal percentage from 3, we would have won the game. And our misses weren't due to great D on phoenix's part, for the most part they came in the flow of the offense and we just missed 'em. Bosh did a great job on the boards, Bargs was good enough, and Turk just had an off game.
To quote Walter Sobchek: Nothing is fucked here, dude. Nothing is fucked.
To quote Walter Sobchek: Nothing is fucked here, dude. Nothing is fucked.
Just two totally different teams with two totally different philosophies:
Boston - defense
Raptors - offense
Defense wins championships but you can always steal a game in November shooting the lights out, which is a best case scenario for the Raps tonight (and every other night of the season).
Why would the Celtics trade Perkins for Bargs? It makes absolutely zero sense for Boston, and Raps fans are too in love with Bargs to evaluate the trade for what it is. Boston wouldn't do the trade but I"m telling you Colangelo would think long and hard about it.
Perkins is the most underrated center in the league. D-Howard himself says Perkins gives him the most problems.
Perk would also be an amazing complimentary player alongside Bosh as Perk is MORE THAN HAPPY to take opportunistic FGA (as opposed to Bargs who needs the ball/to score in order to be effective).
Question: When Bosh settles for an 18-foot jumper and Bargs is beyond the perimeter who has a prayer in grabbing an offensive rebound? The answer is nobody and that's why the Raps have been amongst the basement dwellers in rebounding.
The worst part about tonight is that it's lose-lose for Toronto.
If they lose - they're obviously digging themselves deeper and deeper below .500
If they win - the fans (and possibly even the team) will make it like a championship has just been won in November. Kind of like when Brad Miller went wild jumping around after he hit what he thought was the game winner. Expectations will once again soar through the roof and the team with 9 new faces and an all-star nearing the end of his tenure with the Raps will once again go back to their old ways (see: Raps vs. Bobcats boxscore).
Boston - defense
Raptors - offense
Defense wins championships but you can always steal a game in November shooting the lights out, which is a best case scenario for the Raps tonight (and every other night of the season).
Why would the Celtics trade Perkins for Bargs? It makes absolutely zero sense for Boston, and Raps fans are too in love with Bargs to evaluate the trade for what it is. Boston wouldn't do the trade but I"m telling you Colangelo would think long and hard about it.
Perkins is the most underrated center in the league. D-Howard himself says Perkins gives him the most problems.
Perk would also be an amazing complimentary player alongside Bosh as Perk is MORE THAN HAPPY to take opportunistic FGA (as opposed to Bargs who needs the ball/to score in order to be effective).
Question: When Bosh settles for an 18-foot jumper and Bargs is beyond the perimeter who has a prayer in grabbing an offensive rebound? The answer is nobody and that's why the Raps have been amongst the basement dwellers in rebounding.
The worst part about tonight is that it's lose-lose for Toronto.
If they lose - they're obviously digging themselves deeper and deeper below .500
If they win - the fans (and possibly even the team) will make it like a championship has just been won in November. Kind of like when Brad Miller went wild jumping around after he hit what he thought was the game winner. Expectations will once again soar through the roof and the team with 9 new faces and an all-star nearing the end of his tenure with the Raps will once again go back to their old ways (see: Raps vs. Bobcats boxscore).
As a fan there are only two types of teams worth following:
1. Watching a youth movement with anticipation, growing with the players etc.
2. Watching a contender compete for a championship
In other words, we don't watch this team with anticipation of what the future will bring and we don't watch this team to see something special...a championship run.
We can't win with horrible defenders at the 1 and 5. Those are the anchor points of a defense.
That's why its time to blow this team up.
1. Watching a youth movement with anticipation, growing with the players etc.
2. Watching a contender compete for a championship
In other words, we don't watch this team with anticipation of what the future will bring and we don't watch this team to see something special...a championship run.
We can't win with horrible defenders at the 1 and 5. Those are the anchor points of a defense.
That's why its time to blow this team up.
I want to get hired as the raps conditioning coach, then Ima take em up to Blue Mountain and run them for 4 days straight..........this team is still outta shape and we are 16 games in........unacceptable......case in point, look at Indiana's effort tonight, they all looked fresh. Comon BC, wheres the accountability!!!!!
I'm not going to apologize for the Raptors defence. Bottom line is that it needs to improve. BUT, people need to stop looking at opponents PPG as a measure of the Raptors defensive efficiency. If we score 74 points in the 1st half...or if any team scores 74 points in 1 half...that means that the pace of play is fairly quick. A quick pace of play means more possessions for BOTH teams and more chances to score for BOTH teams. I believe Indiana was shooting ~42% at half-time which I'd say is not too shabby. It'd be unreasonable to think that a good defensive effort in that half should result in a 74-38 score (for example) because of simply how quickly and easily the Raps were scoring the ball.
If the Raptors control the pace of play, they're going to win games by scoring around 105PPG. It's unreasonable to think that we're going to start winning games 105-85 every night if we start to play better defence. I'd suggest that we focus more on opponents FG%, 3PTFG% and Defensive Rebounds when we discuss the Raptors defence.
Sorry for the rant...
If the Raptors control the pace of play, they're going to win games by scoring around 105PPG. It's unreasonable to think that we're going to start winning games 105-85 every night if we start to play better defence. I'd suggest that we focus more on opponents FG%, 3PTFG% and Defensive Rebounds when we discuss the Raptors defence.
Sorry for the rant...
Defense horrid once again, gave up way to many open threes when everyone knows that will bury you against a team like the magic (not to mention you would think we'd have learned from our first meeting), and the players could not be motivated to put in the effort (mainly defensive) in the final quarter.
At what point do we stop blaming the players and look directly at the coach as the cause of these shortcomings. 9 new players, it's a team wide problem, and defence was actually stressed more than anything throughout training camp. This tells me it is not a personell problem, but a coaching one.
My confidence in Triano is being chipped away at with every game.
I try not to think about this, but I can't help but wonder how things would be with Messina.
At what point do we stop blaming the players and look directly at the coach as the cause of these shortcomings. 9 new players, it's a team wide problem, and defence was actually stressed more than anything throughout training camp. This tells me it is not a personell problem, but a coaching one.
My confidence in Triano is being chipped away at with every game.
I try not to think about this, but I can't help but wonder how things would be with Messina.
Bad ref'ing is alot like a co-worker who schemes to get you fired ... until this person is set straight you gotta treat it as just another challenge to your job. You focus on the job at hand, up your game and it forces you to deliver beyond what's expected -better than expected to surmount this draw-back ...it's not fair, it sucks and it seems impossible to watch your back against things you have no control over.
Raptors losses are marginal enough to CLEARLY have been affected by peripheral issues.
We have 6 more games to the end of the month, a mental time-set to bring it all together ... deal with the refs, work out the game, bench and coach strategies, heal the wounded and BOND as the potential power-house team that's possible for us.
We're just squeeking under the bar! There's an element to each of the up-coming games that gives us an advantage. Time to bring it on home, boys!!
Raptors losses are marginal enough to CLEARLY have been affected by peripheral issues.
We have 6 more games to the end of the month, a mental time-set to bring it all together ... deal with the refs, work out the game, bench and coach strategies, heal the wounded and BOND as the potential power-house team that's possible for us.
We're just squeeking under the bar! There's an element to each of the up-coming games that gives us an advantage. Time to bring it on home, boys!!
Did you see how hard Bosh had to work for his 32 points? I only counted 2 easy baskets for Bosh. The guy is working way too hard to get his points because NO ONE is creating shots for him. Boozer had 22 but was getting so much easier shots because his team creates them for him. Our offense sets are total garbage if Bosh has to keep creating shots from himself 20 feet from the basket.
since we're fascinated w/ salaries & whether guys have 'earned' their dough...do you honestly feel bargs has 'earned' that sweet little extension? sorry dude, but i'd rather pay bosh $20M+ per knowing what he's gonna bring, than be saddled w/ bargnani's soon-to-be $10M+/yr - 5-yr deal, and having to just plain 'ole accept that he's always gonna be below average on the boards, defensively, and that his offensive game is hit or miss. see, when one's arsenal is built around the jumper, when that jumper ain't falling, and he doesn't have the mantality to focus his efforts elsewhere (D, rebounding, hustle, making those around him better, etc.), then he becomes a liability. at the very worst, if bosh's shot isn't falling, you know he's still gonna bring it on the glass, he's still going to give max effort defensively (you can question his effectiveness, but you really can't question his effort), and he's going to try to get to the line.
you can sit back & pick apart bosh's game all you like. when you show no ability to objectively critique other players (esp. your hero), it just shows that you have an agenda. critique equitably, or not at all.
you can sit back & pick apart bosh's game all you like. when you show no ability to objectively critique other players (esp. your hero), it just shows that you have an agenda. critique equitably, or not at all.
We hung in there with a team tied for the best record in the West. We almost won, and except for some especially boneheaded plays by ahem, our 2-guard, and some horrible shooting by Bargnani who should have pounded Frye on the inside, we could have pulled this one out.
It is disappointing because we clearly COULD have won this game but didn't. But, it is also a positive sign that we really COULD have won this game against a very good opponent.
Our defence was not atrocious, and we kept their wings from getting into the game by some nice chases off the three-point line. Anyone who would prefer Frye to Bargnani simply needs to read Triano's quote about how much better people shoot when Nash is on the floor. You think Frye is that good when Dragic is playing?
Tough loss, but a good one.
Oh, ya, and when will Triano get Jack off of that 2-spot? There is plenty of minutes for both of them at the PG.
It is disappointing because we clearly COULD have won this game but didn't. But, it is also a positive sign that we really COULD have won this game against a very good opponent.
Our defence was not atrocious, and we kept their wings from getting into the game by some nice chases off the three-point line. Anyone who would prefer Frye to Bargnani simply needs to read Triano's quote about how much better people shoot when Nash is on the floor. You think Frye is that good when Dragic is playing?
Tough loss, but a good one.
Oh, ya, and when will Triano get Jack off of that 2-spot? There is plenty of minutes for both of them at the PG.
Nash is a special case - a rare breed (and former MVP). But even he's guilty of excessive turnovers as well.
The Davis example (or other risk takers like Arenas and AI) is interesting. Should Jose take more risks and hopefully generate easy baskets?
Usually this leads to much higher turnovers as well. I've been trying to find the data, but a turnover have a higher negative value than that extra assist has positive value. I.e. the extra assist equals 2 points. A turnover means a) you team missed about 1 point on avg (shooting ~50%) and the other team likely made 1 point on avg (I'm betting this is a little higher than 50%, since a decent # of turnovers lead to 2 on 1s, open layups etc - although many are travels etc that lead towards ~50% shooting).
"Look at Baron Last night with some of his dishes into the paint that has led to dunks by the guys."
Baron is a great example. He had 7 assists (whoops Jose had 9!) and 4 turnovers (Jose had zero).
A *very* simple way to look at this is:
Baron's contribution: 17 pts + 7 assists (+14 pts) - 4 TO (-8 pts or more) = 23 pts "influenced" if you will.
Jose's contribution: 18 pts + 9 assists (+18 pts) - 0 TO = 36 pts "influenced".
I'll take "safe" Jose any day of the week.
Oh, Nash (on avg this year): 17.1 pts + 11.8 assists (+23.6 pts) - 4.2 TO (8.4 pts) = 32.3 (so using my very simple method - no better than Jose's performance last night)
Obviously, I have to confirm that a turnover is "worth" 2 points, but I hope the logic is sound (or reasonable at least). And I'm also ignoring rebounds, FG% and other contributions.
(BTW, completely agree with you on AB - had a nice night scoring the ball, but hurt us on TOs, didn't really pass the ball for easy scores and didn't change the possession (or maintain it) by rebounding - only 2 boards all game)
The Davis example (or other risk takers like Arenas and AI) is interesting. Should Jose take more risks and hopefully generate easy baskets?
Usually this leads to much higher turnovers as well. I've been trying to find the data, but a turnover have a higher negative value than that extra assist has positive value. I.e. the extra assist equals 2 points. A turnover means a) you team missed about 1 point on avg (shooting ~50%) and the other team likely made 1 point on avg (I'm betting this is a little higher than 50%, since a decent # of turnovers lead to 2 on 1s, open layups etc - although many are travels etc that lead towards ~50% shooting).
"Look at Baron Last night with some of his dishes into the paint that has led to dunks by the guys."
Baron is a great example. He had 7 assists (whoops Jose had 9!) and 4 turnovers (Jose had zero).
A *very* simple way to look at this is:
Baron's contribution: 17 pts + 7 assists (+14 pts) - 4 TO (-8 pts or more) = 23 pts "influenced" if you will.
Jose's contribution: 18 pts + 9 assists (+18 pts) - 0 TO = 36 pts "influenced".
I'll take "safe" Jose any day of the week.
Oh, Nash (on avg this year): 17.1 pts + 11.8 assists (+23.6 pts) - 4.2 TO (8.4 pts) = 32.3 (so using my very simple method - no better than Jose's performance last night)
Obviously, I have to confirm that a turnover is "worth" 2 points, but I hope the logic is sound (or reasonable at least). And I'm also ignoring rebounds, FG% and other contributions.
(BTW, completely agree with you on AB - had a nice night scoring the ball, but hurt us on TOs, didn't really pass the ball for easy scores and didn't change the possession (or maintain it) by rebounding - only 2 boards all game)
As of now Derrick Rose is NOT one of the more athletic guards in the league.
He has a bum ankle that will not permit him to plant and drive. At no point vs Denver did he even try to turn the corner and drive. Often moving backwards and sideways to create space for himself.
Rose did get 10 points in the 4th quarter on 4 made jump shots. But without him disrupting the defense, the Bulls offense is stagnant. Probably why the Bulls can't score this year.
Good news for Calderon and Jack. Just keep a hand in his face and take away his space.
He has a bum ankle that will not permit him to plant and drive. At no point vs Denver did he even try to turn the corner and drive. Often moving backwards and sideways to create space for himself.
Rose did get 10 points in the 4th quarter on 4 made jump shots. But without him disrupting the defense, the Bulls offense is stagnant. Probably why the Bulls can't score this year.
Good news for Calderon and Jack. Just keep a hand in his face and take away his space.
Hate to admit it, but Hollinger and all the ESPN analysts were at half-right. This team is exactly as schizophrenic as they thought it would be.
I almost ran over Leo Routins on my way to work this morning.
He was walking 2 dogs and carrying one (someone has him whipped) at 6:30 AM on Queens Quay.
Jaywalking bum.
He was walking 2 dogs and carrying one (someone has him whipped) at 6:30 AM on Queens Quay.
Jaywalking bum.
in 07 when tj ford was injured, jose stepped up and showed flashes of being an all star caliber point guard. he shot in the ballpark of .6 .5 and .9 and was recording around 14 assists per game. he cashed in on those few outstanding months, signed a multi year contract and became an nba starter. since then? he's been a hand clapping farce with pointy sideburns who couldn't keep a lampost in front of him on d.
as a starter, hes hurting us. he gets beaten by his man more often than tina turner, and on a team that plays help d like we do thats a huge problem. ben gordon looked like he was running through a layup drill in the first quarter.
unless jose proves he's the player we saw in those tj-less months, and not the one we've seen before and since, then the fact is his game is best suited to being a backup. his offense is predictable but nearly risk free, and if he can catch the defense napping then he's capable of scoring off the drive. as it stands today, antoine wright and jarrett jack form our best backcourt duo, and hopefully triano starts giving them the according minutes.
as a starter, hes hurting us. he gets beaten by his man more often than tina turner, and on a team that plays help d like we do thats a huge problem. ben gordon looked like he was running through a layup drill in the first quarter.
unless jose proves he's the player we saw in those tj-less months, and not the one we've seen before and since, then the fact is his game is best suited to being a backup. his offense is predictable but nearly risk free, and if he can catch the defense napping then he's capable of scoring off the drive. as it stands today, antoine wright and jarrett jack form our best backcourt duo, and hopefully triano starts giving them the according minutes.
Sometimes, defence is innate. Shane Battier is good at D because he wants to play D and he is committed to it.
Jose can't because he doesn't have the athleticism.
Bargs doesn't because he doesn't view it as a priority. Hitting threes is his priority.
So for Jose, it's not really about commitment because he just can't stay with guys like OJ mayo.
For Barg, it's about willingness.
Jose can't because he doesn't have the athleticism.
Bargs doesn't because he doesn't view it as a priority. Hitting threes is his priority.
So for Jose, it's not really about commitment because he just can't stay with guys like OJ mayo.
For Barg, it's about willingness.
fun with numbers:
15. total fouls this season for bargnani.
15. total rebounds this season for bargnani.
can he keep it up?
sweeeeet. currently tied for 31st in rebounding...among centres. of course, he's played more minutes (by far) than any of the guys around him...so, it's actually even less impressive (and you thought that wasn't possible...har!).
but hey, he caught fire in the 3rd, and even looked interested in playing for a while. so it's all good.
i wonder - would anyone here who plays ball actually enjoy having him as a teammate? he only seems motivated when his shot's falling, he's hit or miss game to game, and despite the fact we know he has excellent passing skills, they're on display so infrequently i'm beginning to wonder if he realizes he actually has teammates when he gets the ball. for some reason, he's concluded that the only way he can contribute is by scoring, and that's clearly his focus on nearly every possession.
i play with a guy who reminds me of VL...he's a chucker. you know with 95% certainty that if he touches the ball on offense, he's gonna fire up a shot. he's almost always the last guy back on D, the first guy to leak-out on a shot, and ventures in the key to rebound or defend every 15 minutes or so. he's there for one reason - to get his. i'm not suggesting he (bargs) is that guy (yet), but he's getting closer. i love hearing from the fanboys about how he had a 'great' game - LOOK AT ALL THOSE POINTS!! faaaantastic.
15. total fouls this season for bargnani.
15. total rebounds this season for bargnani.
can he keep it up?
sweeeeet. currently tied for 31st in rebounding...among centres. of course, he's played more minutes (by far) than any of the guys around him...so, it's actually even less impressive (and you thought that wasn't possible...har!).
but hey, he caught fire in the 3rd, and even looked interested in playing for a while. so it's all good.
i wonder - would anyone here who plays ball actually enjoy having him as a teammate? he only seems motivated when his shot's falling, he's hit or miss game to game, and despite the fact we know he has excellent passing skills, they're on display so infrequently i'm beginning to wonder if he realizes he actually has teammates when he gets the ball. for some reason, he's concluded that the only way he can contribute is by scoring, and that's clearly his focus on nearly every possession.
i play with a guy who reminds me of VL...he's a chucker. you know with 95% certainty that if he touches the ball on offense, he's gonna fire up a shot. he's almost always the last guy back on D, the first guy to leak-out on a shot, and ventures in the key to rebound or defend every 15 minutes or so. he's there for one reason - to get his. i'm not suggesting he (bargs) is that guy (yet), but he's getting closer. i love hearing from the fanboys about how he had a 'great' game - LOOK AT ALL THOSE POINTS!! faaaantastic.
Do not blame the players. Blame the coach.
Decisions on which players play with which players
have decided these losses.
Wright is a starter. Playing Calderon and Jack together
doesn't work. Running the pick and roll from the top doesn't
work. Choose a side.
Why doesn't Toronto do what Orlando did last year.
Hedo pick and roll with Bosh and Bargnani playing the role of
Lewis.
How about Weems. Didn't he prove in pre-season he deserves
a look. At least a chance. What kind of dumb a## coach doesn't
give a player a chance when he preforms well.
Defense wins. Isn't that true. But the coach is choosing to play
offensively over defensively.
How many times does this coach look at film. At the end of the game Bosh
isn't the "get a basket player". Unbelievable the Raptors are still
doing that.
These are coaching decisions not player decisions.
Decisions on which players play with which players
have decided these losses.
Wright is a starter. Playing Calderon and Jack together
doesn't work. Running the pick and roll from the top doesn't
work. Choose a side.
Why doesn't Toronto do what Orlando did last year.
Hedo pick and roll with Bosh and Bargnani playing the role of
Lewis.
How about Weems. Didn't he prove in pre-season he deserves
a look. At least a chance. What kind of dumb a## coach doesn't
give a player a chance when he preforms well.
Defense wins. Isn't that true. But the coach is choosing to play
offensively over defensively.
How many times does this coach look at film. At the end of the game Bosh
isn't the "get a basket player". Unbelievable the Raptors are still
doing that.
These are coaching decisions not player decisions.
The reason he didnt get 10 out of 10 is because his shooting was brutal. If they lost this game, people would have pointed to Bosh and his FG percentages. I agree his rebounding was huge, but 28 points on 15 shots in 29 minutes is even more huge. If Bosh wasnt 6-17, then his rating would have been higher. In the end who cares what there rating was, the team won and thats all that really matters.
How am I feeling at the end of this preseason? I am feeling skeptical that Bosh and Bargnani can work together on the defensive end, and that we are going to get schooled for the first little while. Not having a single back-to-the-basket scorer will cause problems for getting our wing players into the mix on the offensive end (i.e. kick-outs are easier when you are already facing other players).
I feel way pessimistic, probably far more than I should. I don't think that the trade for JO was the wrong idea (i.e. two big men that can bang and board, and JO was meant to be a low-post presence) I just think that JO was too old, and too much of a blackhole.
I was high on Bosh and Bargnani being able to work their shit out - but so far I have not seen them both on the same page.
I feel way pessimistic, probably far more than I should. I don't think that the trade for JO was the wrong idea (i.e. two big men that can bang and board, and JO was meant to be a low-post presence) I just think that JO was too old, and too much of a blackhole.
I was high on Bosh and Bargnani being able to work their shit out - but so far I have not seen them both on the same page.
Of all the available options BC had this summer, which coach would have been significantly better than Triano? Any veteran coach would have surely commanded a much higher salary than Jay. Could we have gotten Eddie Jordan? Possibly. Would the on-court production have improved significantly under his watch to justify the additional salary cost? (keeping in mind that we're still paying for Sam Mitchell's salary). I think that's debatable.
The reality is that GM's make basketball decisions balanced with financial considerations.
I think BC hired Jay truly believing he would produce a winning season. I just can't fathom otherwise - especially during such a pivotal year where a bad season will most certainly result in the loss of your franchise player.
The reality is that GM's make basketball decisions balanced with financial considerations.
I think BC hired Jay truly believing he would produce a winning season. I just can't fathom otherwise - especially during such a pivotal year where a bad season will most certainly result in the loss of your franchise player.
The team needs some type of "character" considering how lame the people were last year during the Ukic era. Trash talking is pretty dumb when the guy can't back it up well, but Antoine sure set his own bar very high if he wants to be the main trash talker, he better back it up.
Guys, bicep curls are useless. I am a personal trainer and I never recommend curls. Isolation excersises are an issue of vanity. For clients serious about strength I advise the following: bènch press, dips, shoulder press, squats, deadlifts, pull ups and chin ups. True strength comes from compound exercises. Deadlifts, chin ups and pull ups will hit the biceps hard enough to grow them if you do care about vanity. Strength comes from the core. It is pretty funny to see guys in the gym hitting their biceps all the god damn time. You can also tell who ignores compounds. 155 pound guys who can bench 220 and do do 20 chin ups with a 35 pound attached weight, demonstrate real strength. You think bruce lee did bicep curls?
I always find it amusing that how one incident could completely change the outcome of things. Vince carter's final shot on game 7 of conference semifinals to win us the series, and send the Raptors to the conference finals for the first time in their franchise history. Had he made that shot, god knows how different our franchise would be. Vince's number could have been retired, and Vince could have been the "Legendary Raptor" to be remembered forever. God, this all sounds like a phony epic movie, but this one is real!
.
["... the comment by Jay about how it was positive that we made them shoot from the outside, and how the next step is to deny that. ..."]
Last year we complained that teams scored too easily in the paint. Yet the manner in which the latest game is being reviewed, the emphasis has swung the other way. Apparently the Nuggets scored too much from beyond the perimeter.
In checking Raptor stats, the OPP % for 3 pointers is, or was, at .289. On this given night, Houston was popping them in at a 56.5 % clip. An unattainable average -- at least season wide. As George Bush would say ... not gonna happen.
And Hedo ... 1st game. Bosh 3rd game, but 2nd in a row -- with increased time from his first game. 11 min - 19 min - 28 min ... the latter being the second night of a back-to-back.
I think we forget what pre-season is all about. PRACTICE. MAKE MISTAKES. NO BIG DEAL. And, as FAQ pushes, it`s a lot of new guys.
But, think of a baseball player not trying a new pitch, cause ... well ... it`s a game. And if we don`t win them, people will think bad things - pre-season be damned.
I`m liking these exhibition games, not for resolving the gelling issue - that will take some of the regular season period - but to see guys like Weems, and Amir. Guys who might be that guy off the bench, when a specific position suffers an injury. I`d like to know we have adequate reserves, no matter how deep the pool.
Calderon, Hedo, Bosh, Andrea, and whoever, will find their way. At times I think we`re tainted by last year`s experiment, when we picked up another big. It was a position that wasn`t that weak -- not by the standards of our wings, that is. And we got excited. I know I got excited, not for JO coming, but because it offered Andrea a break. Or a chance to regroup. Possibly, so did BC.
We know we`re not going to the big game, so why act like we should. I want to do well this year, but if advancing the troops means taking some risks, and playing the newer guys, then so be it. Long term can be hard to swallow -- unless you`re a Leaf fan -- but the truth is, getting there, watching the younger guys gain their ability, is what makes winning that much more pleasurable.
The real games are coming. That`s when I`ll get hostile. And probably break my covenant, not to get po`d at one of the new guys when he does something stupid.
As for Jay, blame him for this year. Not last.
RapthoseLeafs (for suffering this long)
P.S.
And by the look of this year ... a real long suffering.
.
["... the comment by Jay about how it was positive that we made them shoot from the outside, and how the next step is to deny that. ..."]
Last year we complained that teams scored too easily in the paint. Yet the manner in which the latest game is being reviewed, the emphasis has swung the other way. Apparently the Nuggets scored too much from beyond the perimeter.
In checking Raptor stats, the OPP % for 3 pointers is, or was, at .289. On this given night, Houston was popping them in at a 56.5 % clip. An unattainable average -- at least season wide. As George Bush would say ... not gonna happen.
And Hedo ... 1st game. Bosh 3rd game, but 2nd in a row -- with increased time from his first game. 11 min - 19 min - 28 min ... the latter being the second night of a back-to-back.
I think we forget what pre-season is all about. PRACTICE. MAKE MISTAKES. NO BIG DEAL. And, as FAQ pushes, it`s a lot of new guys.
But, think of a baseball player not trying a new pitch, cause ... well ... it`s a game. And if we don`t win them, people will think bad things - pre-season be damned.
I`m liking these exhibition games, not for resolving the gelling issue - that will take some of the regular season period - but to see guys like Weems, and Amir. Guys who might be that guy off the bench, when a specific position suffers an injury. I`d like to know we have adequate reserves, no matter how deep the pool.
Calderon, Hedo, Bosh, Andrea, and whoever, will find their way. At times I think we`re tainted by last year`s experiment, when we picked up another big. It was a position that wasn`t that weak -- not by the standards of our wings, that is. And we got excited. I know I got excited, not for JO coming, but because it offered Andrea a break. Or a chance to regroup. Possibly, so did BC.
We know we`re not going to the big game, so why act like we should. I want to do well this year, but if advancing the troops means taking some risks, and playing the newer guys, then so be it. Long term can be hard to swallow -- unless you`re a Leaf fan -- but the truth is, getting there, watching the younger guys gain their ability, is what makes winning that much more pleasurable.
The real games are coming. That`s when I`ll get hostile. And probably break my covenant, not to get po`d at one of the new guys when he does something stupid.
As for Jay, blame him for this year. Not last.
RapthoseLeafs (for suffering this long)
P.S.
And by the look of this year ... a real long suffering.
.
You know, any time I can remember a player being out with injury so that they don't play any games, something has consistently happened. I've seen it happen with Bosh, repeatedly; I saw it last year with JO, we saw it with Ford. It's that they play bad for a while when they come back. We know Jose took the entire summer off, and didn't play basketball before training camp.
So why is this not discussed at all? Why is the speculation that he's 'saving himself'. Isn't the OBVIOUS explanation completely consistent with what we've seen so far? Is there some reason you don't buy it?
It's kind of funny to me, because even after the first game, I was hearing "I know he hasn't played all summer, but you know he really sucked." Well, yeah, duh. Isn't that basically saying "Well, I have every reason to expect him to play bad, and boy, am I SHOCKED at his bad play!". Where's the surprise? He's STILL played better than Jack -- maybe it's your impression Jack is 'more in control of the offense' but Jack has shot terrible and turned the ball over way more than I want.
But even with Jack, I don't care that much yet. Why? There's ANOTHER explanation for why Calderon (and Jack) might be playing bad: we've talked a lot about how this is a team of totally new guys who have no idea how to play together. How is that going to come out? Is it going to affect rebounding? Athleticism? Or is it going to show up with PG's turning over the ball and getting crappy statlines because nobody is comfortable with the offense yet?
So seriously, with Jose and Jack I'll be concerned exactly when the regular season starts.
So why is this not discussed at all? Why is the speculation that he's 'saving himself'. Isn't the OBVIOUS explanation completely consistent with what we've seen so far? Is there some reason you don't buy it?
It's kind of funny to me, because even after the first game, I was hearing "I know he hasn't played all summer, but you know he really sucked." Well, yeah, duh. Isn't that basically saying "Well, I have every reason to expect him to play bad, and boy, am I SHOCKED at his bad play!". Where's the surprise? He's STILL played better than Jack -- maybe it's your impression Jack is 'more in control of the offense' but Jack has shot terrible and turned the ball over way more than I want.
But even with Jack, I don't care that much yet. Why? There's ANOTHER explanation for why Calderon (and Jack) might be playing bad: we've talked a lot about how this is a team of totally new guys who have no idea how to play together. How is that going to come out? Is it going to affect rebounding? Athleticism? Or is it going to show up with PG's turning over the ball and getting crappy statlines because nobody is comfortable with the offense yet?
So seriously, with Jose and Jack I'll be concerned exactly when the regular season starts.
there is a tight battle already brewing for the back-up 3 and the 4 positions and wright hasnt even been thrown into the mix yet. We have a few players with individual talents but none that has yet to show the complete package. our key to sucess in the back-court will consist of a strong balance of athleticism and basketball IQ. it would be nice for derozan to further develop with his athletecism with wrights basketball IQ and with sonny's activeness. the bad thing about it is that good things take time.....
Fortunately for us, math does not work that way. Here is how it actually works:
(p * 1) + (p * 1) = p * (1+1)
And p is the percentage change of the shot going in. Since we know that 1+1 = 2, then shooting two free-throws at 59% is the same as shooting a single two-point shot at 59% (or one three-point shot at 39.3%).
(p * 1) + (p * 1) = p * (1+1)
And p is the percentage change of the shot going in. Since we know that 1+1 = 2, then shooting two free-throws at 59% is the same as shooting a single two-point shot at 59% (or one three-point shot at 39.3%).
Vince was the single most exciting athlete I've ever cheered for as my hometown player
Confidence is a huge issue in sports, especially in basketball. In the NBA, that's why you see players go on hot streaks, good teams coming back in the fourth quarter to win, and shitty players playing awesome for a fluke game (Roko in S.A.).
As for the newly aquired players, it's going to be hard to underachieve as much as they did last year. There's way more depth so way more compitition between the players. In all basketball teams I've played on this always translates to more effort on the court, which is something we didn't see last year. Now I'm not saying I've played in the NBA or anything but the same principles should apply.
As for the newly aquired players, it's going to be hard to underachieve as much as they did last year. There's way more depth so way more compitition between the players. In all basketball teams I've played on this always translates to more effort on the court, which is something we didn't see last year. Now I'm not saying I've played in the NBA or anything but the same principles should apply.
"This scenario is not unlikely to re-occur with the Raptors."
I had to read this sentence three times. It's almost a triple-negative.
I had to read this sentence three times. It's almost a triple-negative.
Euro basketball compared to NBA basketball is very different, but that has to do with the rule differences.
Difference #1) In Euro basketball you can play hardcore Zone D. Perfectly legal. So dribble penetration, especially clean looks at the rim in the paint are hard to come by. Also, you can't really islolate a defender in Zone D.
Difference #2) The 3 point line is closer in Euro. This, combined with zone defense, allows the defense to not get 'stretched' making it even harder to penetrate as you defend from 3-point line and in.
Because of Zone D and not being able to penetrate easily or isolating, the offense depends heavily in movement off the ball, screens, and quick ball rotation to find a hole in the D and to get a clean look at the rim.
I'm only pointing out some obvious differences to help you get a better understanding at why the NBA and Euro basketball are played so differently. Hope it helps.
Difference #1) In Euro basketball you can play hardcore Zone D. Perfectly legal. So dribble penetration, especially clean looks at the rim in the paint are hard to come by. Also, you can't really islolate a defender in Zone D.
Difference #2) The 3 point line is closer in Euro. This, combined with zone defense, allows the defense to not get 'stretched' making it even harder to penetrate as you defend from 3-point line and in.
Because of Zone D and not being able to penetrate easily or isolating, the offense depends heavily in movement off the ball, screens, and quick ball rotation to find a hole in the D and to get a clean look at the rim.
I'm only pointing out some obvious differences to help you get a better understanding at why the NBA and Euro basketball are played so differently. Hope it helps.
I kind of like the fact we have so many new faces.
The culture on this team had to change. I don't really want to hear the old excuses.
So I can't fault Bryan for tossing last years team to the curb. If it wasn't him, I would want his replacement to do the same.
This situation also pushes Bosh and Jose to come into training camp with incentive to adjust to their new teammates. So this camp will require a little more focus from those two. I think that is a good thing! Believe it or not, Vets like to prove a thing or two to rookies as well, new faces sometimes have a positive effect on competition and renewed commitment to responsibility.
Andrea... umm, not his greatest fan, but I hope that the new guys on the team give him an incentive to be more assertive and leave his rookie shell in the past.
The culture on this team had to change. I don't really want to hear the old excuses.
So I can't fault Bryan for tossing last years team to the curb. If it wasn't him, I would want his replacement to do the same.
This situation also pushes Bosh and Jose to come into training camp with incentive to adjust to their new teammates. So this camp will require a little more focus from those two. I think that is a good thing! Believe it or not, Vets like to prove a thing or two to rookies as well, new faces sometimes have a positive effect on competition and renewed commitment to responsibility.
Andrea... umm, not his greatest fan, but I hope that the new guys on the team give him an incentive to be more assertive and leave his rookie shell in the past.
While starting DeRozan would certainly be beneficial to his individual development, the team will suffer through the opening months from October through to the end of November due to the strong wing play of our opponents. Jay Triano's job is to find a balance between player development and winning games, and this year that balance has shifted more towards winning games and being competitive as this year will determine the future of Toronto's franchise for years to come. Plain and simple, we need to get out of November at around or slightly below .500 to be competitive.
Now if it so happens that DeRozan shows excellent defensive prowess in training camp I'd have no problem with starting him, but it's not likely that he'll be able to confidently defend the likes of LeBron, Mayo, Vince, etc.. as a rookie wing.
Most likely Wright starts, with Belinelli backing up the SG spot. DeRozan backs up Hedo at the three, possibly sharing minutes with Wright IF he's not that polished yet.
Now if it so happens that DeRozan shows excellent defensive prowess in training camp I'd have no problem with starting him, but it's not likely that he'll be able to confidently defend the likes of LeBron, Mayo, Vince, etc.. as a rookie wing.
Most likely Wright starts, with Belinelli backing up the SG spot. DeRozan backs up Hedo at the three, possibly sharing minutes with Wright IF he's not that polished yet.
I can't believe that 8 people voted for Carlos Rogers over Mo Pete. It's proof that Carlos and his family are loyal followers of this blog!
4 offseasons ago when we signed BC, did you really think we would find ourselves in this position four years down the road? Coming off a 33 win season and reading a post by Arsenalist about how we still don't really know what we have? I'm trying not to be negative, but I sure have been disappointed by BC a lot in the past. I thought we would have at least won a playoff series by now, considering that 4 years ago he inherited Bosh, Calderon and the #1 pick. I guess we've added Turks under his regime. Could many other GMs done better with 4 years of time to work? I say yes. If that's a negative opinion and not a practical one, I guess I can live with that.
There is not one reader/blogger on this site who know enough about the play of Banks or Carroll to offer a sound judgement.
Two weeks ago we all said Banks is untradable - well BC got rid of himn for someone who, if still with us, contribute more than what Banks would of.
Anyone concerned about the length of Carrolls contract has not been paying attention to the BC years.
Two weeks ago we all said Banks is untradable - well BC got rid of himn for someone who, if still with us, contribute more than what Banks would of.
Anyone concerned about the length of Carrolls contract has not been paying attention to the BC years.
Carroll to provide leadership to Marco is like
Yogi Stewart brought in to provide leadership to POB and Johnson.
Yogi Stewart brought in to provide leadership to POB and Johnson.
This whole POB business was probably Colangelo's worst move of this marvelous summer. (Its good when the worst move involves the 15th man on the roster)
Wasn't his contract 'not guaranteed'? I guess BC figured he needed a Persian Flaw.
Wasn't his contract 'not guaranteed'? I guess BC figured he needed a Persian Flaw.
The Bosh critique which includes a reference to "team defense" is where you make your best point. Individual defense works only for short periods. A long season and frequent lagging by teammates on defense takes its toll on the good individuals. Remember Bosh had a terrific Olympic tournament defensively. It was a short stint and everyone must have been committed to the switches etc.
In the context of the above you could have mentioned a "thumbs" rating on coaching of a system and holding individuals accountable especially now that the team have viable backups.
In the context of the above you could have mentioned a "thumbs" rating on coaching of a system and holding individuals accountable especially now that the team have viable backups.
I'll admit that's a tad embarrassing - his eFG5 on DUNKS is 76% (http://www.82games.com/0809/08TOR13.HTM)
I mean, you know, those rims move on you sometimes and all those camera flashes in your eyes, its tough to shoot a high percentage from zero inches.
#ImeUdokafor15thMan
I mean, you know, those rims move on you sometimes and all those camera flashes in your eyes, its tough to shoot a high percentage from zero inches.
#ImeUdokafor15thMan
Hollinger is one of those losers who stares at stats all game rather then actually watching games. i can guarantee he hasn't watched a raps game in 4 years. dont take anything he says seriously. If you disagree with him hell make some elaborate formula to prove your wrong while he hides behind his laptop while avoiding the sun. Vampire
Not to mention that suggesting Pops, O'Bryant, and Brezec were brought in for their 'toughness' is a complete misrepresentation of those moves. They were all midseason acquisitions, 2 of them involved trading disgruntled/highly ineffective players and the other was signed during a lost season. They were certainly not part of any scheme or vision, simple pawning off one unusable asset for another.
"He's got everything but playoff success" - I guess those conference championships in PHX have been disallowed. Were there recruiting violations? Plus, we all know about the terribly timed bad luck that seemed to hit the team come playoffs.
Further, to say his philosophy now 'starts at the defensive end' is ridiculous. Sure, he may consider defense more now than he did in the past (although that's certainly debatable), it's impossible to argue that his moves originate from a defensive perspective. Bargnani, Bosh, Calderon, Hedo? The 4 highest paid players are not what anyone would call stoppers.
If anything, Colangelo has proven to me that he can adapt. I don't believe for a second that he'd take anything over the run'n'gun, but his tools here don't favour that system so he's built a more half-court team that still has the ability to break out when the opportunity is presented.
"He's got everything but playoff success" - I guess those conference championships in PHX have been disallowed. Were there recruiting violations? Plus, we all know about the terribly timed bad luck that seemed to hit the team come playoffs.
Further, to say his philosophy now 'starts at the defensive end' is ridiculous. Sure, he may consider defense more now than he did in the past (although that's certainly debatable), it's impossible to argue that his moves originate from a defensive perspective. Bargnani, Bosh, Calderon, Hedo? The 4 highest paid players are not what anyone would call stoppers.
If anything, Colangelo has proven to me that he can adapt. I don't believe for a second that he'd take anything over the run'n'gun, but his tools here don't favour that system so he's built a more half-court team that still has the ability to break out when the opportunity is presented.
Don't mean to throw cold water on the upcoming bball season, but epidemiologists are predicting a Swine Flu pandemic starting soon and peaking in the winter months.
As a matter of public health, governments may ban large gatherings since Swine Flu is very hard on younger people.
This would stop bball for 2009-2010 ... and the team owners would have to declare "force majeure" on all their player contracts .. which means no money for anybody. Easy on the multi-millionaires, but tough on the rookies with no paycheck unless there is some kind of player's emergency fund.
I suppose, the games could be played in empty gyms with players wearing masks or something .. and only televised games .. pay-per-view undoubtedly.
No Raptors ... no Leafs ... nothing ... Let us Pray ...
As a matter of public health, governments may ban large gatherings since Swine Flu is very hard on younger people.
This would stop bball for 2009-2010 ... and the team owners would have to declare "force majeure" on all their player contracts .. which means no money for anybody. Easy on the multi-millionaires, but tough on the rookies with no paycheck unless there is some kind of player's emergency fund.
I suppose, the games could be played in empty gyms with players wearing masks or something .. and only televised games .. pay-per-view undoubtedly.
No Raptors ... no Leafs ... nothing ... Let us Pray ...
I like the Singleton suggestion, but waiving Banks does not take is salary off the books. It would serve no purpose other than freeing up a roster spot that we cannot really afford to fill with anyone but a vet-minimum player. Trading Banks is the only option. He could be worth more next season with his expiring contract. Our best tradeable assets at this point are Delfino in a sign-and-trade, and Douby and Ukic. Though Im not quite ready to tie a can to Ukic yet, but if he can be part of a deal that would get us a backup SF who can rebound and play D, it would be worth considering.
The Vince thing is getting old, well pretty old actually, but the big big problem about last year is that our home games (including the one that Vince dunked the game winner) did not give any of our boos any merit due to the fact that our team blew 20 pt leads and just simply lost those both games. I won't tell Toronto to stop booing Vince, they should still because it is fun, but I just didn't want to boo along anymore that year when the case-at-hand was that our team just EPIC fails right in-front us. I know we actually might distract our own team and give VC a boost by booing, but our team has to know that they have a job to and they have to win the game no matter what the fans say!
Regarding Joey Graham:
If you compare Graham and Delfino's Per 36 mins. numbers from their last seasons in the NBA, it goes like this:
Graham: 13.9 Pts, 6.8 Rebounds, 1.1 assists, .542 TS%
Delfino: 13.8 Pts, 6.7 Rebounds, 2.7 assists, .527 TS%
One is an average defender, has a damaged shoulder and is asking for 5M/year.
One is a good defender, makes highlight reel dunks and could be had for the 1.3M veteran minimum.
I'll take Joey G. any day.
If you compare Graham and Delfino's Per 36 mins. numbers from their last seasons in the NBA, it goes like this:
Graham: 13.9 Pts, 6.8 Rebounds, 1.1 assists, .542 TS%
Delfino: 13.8 Pts, 6.7 Rebounds, 2.7 assists, .527 TS%
One is an average defender, has a damaged shoulder and is asking for 5M/year.
One is a good defender, makes highlight reel dunks and could be had for the 1.3M veteran minimum.
I'll take Joey G. any day.
Calderon is not good at playing off the ball. He can catch and shoot from outside the arc. That's it. He doesn't cut, he doesn't come off screens well, he doesn't do much of anything when he doesn't have the ball in his hands.
Never believe anything about Summer League.
Never quote anyone from TSN if it has to do with basketball.
Wait 'til training camp and then it will be clear.
Never quote anyone from TSN if it has to do with basketball.
Wait 'til training camp and then it will be clear.
If you look at last years stats, there's a clear correlation between Bosh being "run ragged" and averaging 25 and 11. I agree with Arse's point about Bosh risking the loss of his quickness should he try to bulk up too much but, more importantly, that quickness is going to fade as he ages anyways.
Bosh is a jump-shooting PF who is able to shine right now because he also happens to be quicker than others. Those qualities alone are not what I find attractive in a power forward unless at least one of his SF and C bookends are the heavy-lifting type.
Also, the KG/Bosh comparison should be done away with. While Bosh said early on that he modelled his game off of KG's, there remain glaring differences. For one, KG has a much better back-to-basket game than...well, Bosh doesn't really have much of one to speak of actually. That same style of offense also allowed KG to become a much more proficient passer than Bosh, thus a better distributer. Finally, Garnett's defense has been dominant at times, while Bosh has NEVER dominated at that end of the floor, nor has he ever been nearly as physical in his play as KG.
I'm annoyed by KG's antics as much as the next guy, but the Bosh comparison doesn't come close to ringing ture, in my opinion.
Bosh is a jump-shooting PF who is able to shine right now because he also happens to be quicker than others. Those qualities alone are not what I find attractive in a power forward unless at least one of his SF and C bookends are the heavy-lifting type.
Also, the KG/Bosh comparison should be done away with. While Bosh said early on that he modelled his game off of KG's, there remain glaring differences. For one, KG has a much better back-to-basket game than...well, Bosh doesn't really have much of one to speak of actually. That same style of offense also allowed KG to become a much more proficient passer than Bosh, thus a better distributer. Finally, Garnett's defense has been dominant at times, while Bosh has NEVER dominated at that end of the floor, nor has he ever been nearly as physical in his play as KG.
I'm annoyed by KG's antics as much as the next guy, but the Bosh comparison doesn't come close to ringing ture, in my opinion.
We should be focusing more specifically on defensive rebounding. Crappy defensive rebounding will kill any team. That's not necessarily the case with offensive rebounding though. You can offset crappy offensive rebounding with an efficient or explosive offensive attack (which I think we're capable of), and still be successful. Just as long as you lockdown the defensive boards. Just look at last year's Magic team or the contending Spurs and Suns teams of the past few seasons for examples.
In that respect, I'm more optimistic about Andrea Bargnani. He's always been a non-existent offensive rebounder, but last year he was a fairly decent defensive rebounder. He doesn't let players rebound over him like in his rookie year and our guards/forwards rebound better because he makes an effort to box out every possession. What he needs to do is become more assertive and have better anticipation this year. It's not enough to box out and let your teammates grab the board. He's strong and athletic enough to take his man out of the play and get that ball himself.
In that respect, I'm more optimistic about Andrea Bargnani. He's always been a non-existent offensive rebounder, but last year he was a fairly decent defensive rebounder. He doesn't let players rebound over him like in his rookie year and our guards/forwards rebound better because he makes an effort to box out every possession. What he needs to do is become more assertive and have better anticipation this year. It's not enough to box out and let your teammates grab the board. He's strong and athletic enough to take his man out of the play and get that ball himself.
oh contraire mon frere,
I think we do need him. Calderon is liable to go down this season for several games, if not games in double figures. Ukic is third string material. We will be over paying for Jack, but if he has a year like he did this last past, we could have a point guard tandem that could be a stable of this franchise long into the future.
I think its risky, considering the cap, but ultimately I think this makes us a much better team
I think we do need him. Calderon is liable to go down this season for several games, if not games in double figures. Ukic is third string material. We will be over paying for Jack, but if he has a year like he did this last past, we could have a point guard tandem that could be a stable of this franchise long into the future.
I think its risky, considering the cap, but ultimately I think this makes us a much better team
What a sweet trade. When I looked and saw BC turned Marion's quickly decaying corpse and Humphires (whose offensive rebounding will be missed, tho not his offensive choices) into Antoine Wright and the 5th guy on that Lakers team, well I almost shit myself.
Antoine Wright is a very good player, a good defender on the wing, cheap AND young. Really? We got him?
Joel Anthony as backup center? He's not great but he's a hometown boy...Rasho "The Human Iceberg" will cost too much.
Brevin Knight as backup PG? I watched a Clippers-RAps game last year at the ACC and the guy is still really quick & very smart.
Still need a decent 3 as a backup tho could still go small as a backup unit, rotate bosh and bargs at the center with ukic, derozen and some combo of delfino/evans/pops.
Antoine Wright is a very good player, a good defender on the wing, cheap AND young. Really? We got him?
Joel Anthony as backup center? He's not great but he's a hometown boy...Rasho "The Human Iceberg" will cost too much.
Brevin Knight as backup PG? I watched a Clippers-RAps game last year at the ACC and the guy is still really quick & very smart.
Still need a decent 3 as a backup tho could still go small as a backup unit, rotate bosh and bargs at the center with ukic, derozen and some combo of delfino/evans/pops.
This trade, if it happens, is simply BC doing a favour for Marion, his Agent, and the Mav's, at no impact to the Rap's except possibly some cash or draft picks, as they cannot take on salary and sign the Turk.
It allows the Mav's to aquire Marion, and gives him more money than the MLE from someone, as the Mavs are using their MLE to offer Gortat, a RFA of Orlando a contract.
There may or may not be a possibility for BC to expand the situation to
include someone else to make cap room to sign FA's.
It allows the Mav's to aquire Marion, and gives him more money than the MLE from someone, as the Mavs are using their MLE to offer Gortat, a RFA of Orlando a contract.
There may or may not be a possibility for BC to expand the situation to
include someone else to make cap room to sign FA's.
Toronto... "where signing semi-washed up Euros happens"..."and the fans are happy about it". 44 wins & the 6th seed, let's get 'em baby!
I like the back-up PG situation if Delfino signs. Another dude on the ball along with Parker and Rokoko is good enough for stretches as long as Uno, Dos 3 is healthy.
10 mil would be worth the money to see the Turkish Jordan hit game winning shots and wag his tongue. Oh yeah, his little jig is priceless.
Rasho's son is Canadian and he would love to come and play in TO again. Plus, he probably knows the Canadian national anthem. That's definetly worth a strong consideration.
Parker isn't going anywhere, he likes Toronto. He told me so, well maybe not me directly. But I was looking right at the TV when he said it into the camera.
Looks like Joey's days in purple, eh I mean red are done. Maybe he could fool BC by pretending to be his brother Steven.
That's what I would do.
EC 2nd round - Here we come!!
10 mil would be worth the money to see the Turkish Jordan hit game winning shots and wag his tongue. Oh yeah, his little jig is priceless.
Rasho's son is Canadian and he would love to come and play in TO again. Plus, he probably knows the Canadian national anthem. That's definetly worth a strong consideration.
Parker isn't going anywhere, he likes Toronto. He told me so, well maybe not me directly. But I was looking right at the TV when he said it into the camera.
Looks like Joey's days in purple, eh I mean red are done. Maybe he could fool BC by pretending to be his brother Steven.
That's what I would do.
EC 2nd round - Here we come!!
He has even said in interviews that when he was at USC he was asked to do different things every night; score, rebound, pass, play defence.
Isn't that also known as... playing basketball?
If all this kid can do is score (and that's unproven) and he needs the ball in his hands to do it (not going to happen) why is everyone so high on him?
Yea, Derozan adds some much needed athleticism, but I just can't see him coming in and having the immediate impact Vince Carter is. I find those analogies kind of strange, considering VC was a pretty darn good college player.
Flynn reminds me a lot of TJ Ford, but in a good way. And that might actually be exactly what this team needs... a TJ like pace changer -- without the drama. And neck brace.
Isn't that also known as... playing basketball?
If all this kid can do is score (and that's unproven) and he needs the ball in his hands to do it (not going to happen) why is everyone so high on him?
Yea, Derozan adds some much needed athleticism, but I just can't see him coming in and having the immediate impact Vince Carter is. I find those analogies kind of strange, considering VC was a pretty darn good college player.
Flynn reminds me a lot of TJ Ford, but in a good way. And that might actually be exactly what this team needs... a TJ like pace changer -- without the drama. And neck brace.
But signing Bosh as a centrepiece of the Raptors whether to a max contract or something less is exactly what I believe condemns the Raptors to treadmill status or something just a little better (maybe perennial second round playoff team). The issue is how good a team can you have when Chris Bosh is, as yertu says, the alpha dog of the team. I don't think you ever make it beyond treadmill status. That's why the Stackhouse example is a good one. Bosh has to be better for him to be "the guy" on the Raptors. He is very good. He's also about as good as he is going to be and no amount of coaching is going to vault the Raptors to contender status without another genuine star player being on the team. Maybe that player is Bargnani, although I think he was drafted to replace Bosh more than complement him.
If Babcock had dealt with VC the way Kupchak dealt with Kobe, we might be singing a slightly different tune as Raptor fans. Of course, Babcock would still have had to luck out with the equivalent to the Gasol trade.
If Babcock had dealt with VC the way Kupchak dealt with Kobe, we might be singing a slightly different tune as Raptor fans. Of course, Babcock would still have had to luck out with the equivalent to the Gasol trade.
I think the major support behind Derozan is the fact we have no wings signed for next year and he bring in some qualities that the Raptors need. I am unsure what I would do if I was in BC's shoes between drafting a wing like Dero or trading down. I see significant value in trading down as there are many similarly skilled players available mid to late first round. If we can pick up another late first rounder and buy one more, then thats three depth positions filled with quality at the rookie scale. Also, with a team like Toronto, it would be best to accumulate assets by trading down.
1. Teaching the Raptors how to play tough, fundamental defense
2. Peterson, Curry, JYD
3. Chris, you have proven to be one of the better players in the league. This front office, despite its countless mistakes, is striving to create an elite team around you. You are not in the realm of LeBron or Kobe, a player who can will his team towards a win, but you need a bit more help to get success. With that in mind, you should consider staying in Toronto and not taking the max. You are the face of the franchise and have always tried your best for Toronto. Us fans appreciate that, especially coming off of the Vince Carter ordeal. Please, please stay for less than the max and convince one of your buddies (Johnson etc.) to come over. We are a few pieces away from being an elite team.
2. Peterson, Curry, JYD
3. Chris, you have proven to be one of the better players in the league. This front office, despite its countless mistakes, is striving to create an elite team around you. You are not in the realm of LeBron or Kobe, a player who can will his team towards a win, but you need a bit more help to get success. With that in mind, you should consider staying in Toronto and not taking the max. You are the face of the franchise and have always tried your best for Toronto. Us fans appreciate that, especially coming off of the Vince Carter ordeal. Please, please stay for less than the max and convince one of your buddies (Johnson etc.) to come over. We are a few pieces away from being an elite team.
The bottom line though is that the same xenophobia exhibited by members of the American media exists in the mind of American players as well. There's not a particularly legitimate reason that American FAs aren't attracted to Toronto, but unfortunately that's the way it is. Some of them view Canada as a foreign place that's a lot more different from the US than it actually is. So as frustrating as it is for us to read "why would he want to sign THERE..." stuff, what's even more frustrating is that NBA players are reading that stuff and agreeing with it, to some degree.
And the Detroit rumours have nothing to do with Bosh's willingness to play there. They are a team that could potentially offer the Raps an attractive package for Bosh. If that package is good enough, I don't think BC will be too concerned about sending Bosh to run down city or to a team with a depleted core.
And the Detroit rumours have nothing to do with Bosh's willingness to play there. They are a team that could potentially offer the Raps an attractive package for Bosh. If that package is good enough, I don't think BC will be too concerned about sending Bosh to run down city or to a team with a depleted core.
Reggie Evans' contract lasts for the same amount of time as Kapono's does, and is almost a couple million less in 2010-2011. So to be honest, even if Evans doesn't contribute AT ALL, I think this is a decent trade. However, I think Evans will add some rebounding and toughness and this will be a pretty good trade. The Raptors have enough shooters, but they need more rebounding and toughness, Evans adds some of that. Trading a defensively retarded turnover prone non-shooting three point specialist for someone that can do anything counts as a good trade in my books.
I'm afraid all our discussions on building a team for a championship are in vain.
I think the Lakers, Celtics and Lebrons will monopolize the fight for a title over the next few years, just because of the talent level they attract and the unlimited cash their owners are ready to spend around their stars. Sure there will be second tier pretenders every year in the mould of the Magic, Nuggets and Rockets.
Ultimately, I think that the fight for the small market teams or messed up ownership teams is delusional. No more San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. I don't even trust the Blazers to make the jump and keep all their pieces.
When it comes to the Raptors, keep Bosh.. surround him with talent, but it's not gonna be enough to go to the finals, i'm afraid.
The age of the dynasties is back!
I think the Lakers, Celtics and Lebrons will monopolize the fight for a title over the next few years, just because of the talent level they attract and the unlimited cash their owners are ready to spend around their stars. Sure there will be second tier pretenders every year in the mould of the Magic, Nuggets and Rockets.
Ultimately, I think that the fight for the small market teams or messed up ownership teams is delusional. No more San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. I don't even trust the Blazers to make the jump and keep all their pieces.
When it comes to the Raptors, keep Bosh.. surround him with talent, but it's not gonna be enough to go to the finals, i'm afraid.
The age of the dynasties is back!
Pity the draft pick rookie being thrown into the current Ratpor roster of miscreants. The Ratpors are pregnant and ready to be blown up and reborn.
phdsteve or Arsenalist,
I will make you this standing offer, in effect until 12 noon, June 26, 2009.
I will wager that the Oklahoma Thunder neither drafts nor trades for James Hardin in the upcoming NBA Draft.
If I'm right, you owe me $100 [or a nominal amount of your own choosing].
If I'm wrong, I owe you the same $100, instead.
[If I'm wrong, I will pay you via Paypal. Likewise, if you're wrong, you will pay me the same way.]
Deal, or No Deal?
[Personally, I think that Arsenalist will decline my offer; but, phdsteve, I'm not quite so sure about you.]
I will make you this standing offer, in effect until 12 noon, June 26, 2009.
I will wager that the Oklahoma Thunder neither drafts nor trades for James Hardin in the upcoming NBA Draft.
If I'm right, you owe me $100 [or a nominal amount of your own choosing].
If I'm wrong, I owe you the same $100, instead.
[If I'm wrong, I will pay you via Paypal. Likewise, if you're wrong, you will pay me the same way.]
Deal, or No Deal?
[Personally, I think that Arsenalist will decline my offer; but, phdsteve, I'm not quite so sure about you.]
Why doesn't anybody ever write long articles about trading Andrea Bargnani to get Chris Bosh some real help in the middle? Does anybody really feel safe building a team around Andrea Bargnani?
I choose to build around the better player, every time. Why trade Bosh, your best player, unless he is on a downswing or you can for sure get equal value? Since when is getting even 80 cents on the dollar EVER a good trade?
I choose to build around the better player, every time. Why trade Bosh, your best player, unless he is on a downswing or you can for sure get equal value? Since when is getting even 80 cents on the dollar EVER a good trade?
If Colangelo for some stupid reason decides to sign Bosh for the full max, I will shoot myself. You're defintely right about how crippling one of those contracts can be, and Bosh is not worth the full max. I personally think we could build around Bosh, Bargs, and Calderon, but without the right pieces that can be pretty futile. A trade would be nice, but not for a player in my opinion. We should trade for picks and cap space and rebuild a la Portland or OKC. And hire a new GM, since I don't want Colangelo anywhere near a totally rebuilding team. He would probably just sign all of CKSA Moscow and think "Yep, we're contenders now!!"
bosh's situation is similar to pau gasol's back in memphis. he was the team's best player and among the top players in the league. yes, he did lead memphis to some playoff appearances after having bad seasons, but did they ever win a playoff game? no.. they were swept in all their playoff appearances.
i think we just have to improve the whole team itself. dump the crappy players. will marion stay for less money? will bosh stay? who will we draft? what should we do with AP, joey? who will be the assistant coaches?
this should be step by step, not so high expectation. i've had it with that, and it only breaks my heart. last year, everyone expected us to be able to challenge boston in the atlantic division when we got JO. result=FAIL. so why not have a lesser expectation like, let's say... i expect the team to win at least 40 games, and HOPEFULLY, sneak in and be the 8th seed.
i think we just have to improve the whole team itself. dump the crappy players. will marion stay for less money? will bosh stay? who will we draft? what should we do with AP, joey? who will be the assistant coaches?
this should be step by step, not so high expectation. i've had it with that, and it only breaks my heart. last year, everyone expected us to be able to challenge boston in the atlantic division when we got JO. result=FAIL. so why not have a lesser expectation like, let's say... i expect the team to win at least 40 games, and HOPEFULLY, sneak in and be the 8th seed.
I'm sorry everyone. I think I just saw the light. You guys are all absolutely right. Why didn't I see it before? I mean, if you put Chris Bosh on the '95 Bulls, they never would have made the playoffs. I mean, Bosh is just such a terrible leader that that team would've imploded and Jordan would've went to baseball permanently in shame. Again, sorry you all. Chris Bosh is that bad. I'm serious, if you ever see Bosh walking towards you on a street, run the other way because he will turn you into a loser.
Leadership is important but so is skill. Dirk has the latter in spades. Might be the most efficient offensive player in the league. And he got jobbed out of a ring by Bennett Salvatore. Admittedly, the GS loss was on him as much as Avery Johnson and the rest of the Mavs.
I'm not a Bosh supporter. Hell, if GS offers Randolph, Biedrins and one of Belinelli or Azabuike I'd make the deal even if Bosh wanted to stay. The question isn't keep him or trade him, it's what gets the Raptors the best roster. And yeah, someone on the team has to step up and lead when things aren't going their way and Bosh (and Calderone and Bargnani and everyone not named Garbojosa) has been a bit deficient there.
The Raptors don't owe Bosh a ton so they shouldn't sign him to a max deal just because he wants one and he doesn't owe the team/fans a ton either. If he goes after next year, I won't hate him for it. If the rumours are true and he really wants out right now, he did way better than Vince in giving the team a chance to get value as he walks out the door.
I'm not a Bosh supporter. Hell, if GS offers Randolph, Biedrins and one of Belinelli or Azabuike I'd make the deal even if Bosh wanted to stay. The question isn't keep him or trade him, it's what gets the Raptors the best roster. And yeah, someone on the team has to step up and lead when things aren't going their way and Bosh (and Calderone and Bargnani and everyone not named Garbojosa) has been a bit deficient there.
The Raptors don't owe Bosh a ton so they shouldn't sign him to a max deal just because he wants one and he doesn't owe the team/fans a ton either. If he goes after next year, I won't hate him for it. If the rumours are true and he really wants out right now, he did way better than Vince in giving the team a chance to get value as he walks out the door.
Well, I will put it this way:
I give Caldy a 70 % chance to be a starter elsewhere around the NBA.
On a playoff team ? Probably only LA
On the other hand, this season show us that TJ isn't a starter in Indiana either so I still think that BC made the right call.
On Andrea: I think that he can start on at least 15 team. And I bet that when AB will become a FA, he will receive quite a number of calls, of which only one is a real risk that is NY. Great city, full of Italians, he is one of the few Center that can run.
On CB4, I think that he can replaces Gasol anytime on LA. It doesn't show it because Raps doesn't have Kobe. That is the real issue.
I give Caldy a 70 % chance to be a starter elsewhere around the NBA.
On a playoff team ? Probably only LA
On the other hand, this season show us that TJ isn't a starter in Indiana either so I still think that BC made the right call.
On Andrea: I think that he can start on at least 15 team. And I bet that when AB will become a FA, he will receive quite a number of calls, of which only one is a real risk that is NY. Great city, full of Italians, he is one of the few Center that can run.
On CB4, I think that he can replaces Gasol anytime on LA. It doesn't show it because Raps doesn't have Kobe. That is the real issue.
if it's 'essentially the same roster' in september, i'm gonna essentially walk off a bridge.
There's no denying Triano is a very good coach with lots of international experience and lots of NBA assistant coach experience.
What will make or break this its if the players respect him, listen, buy into his koolaid and drink the koolaid - it's hard to tell from their body language whether they totally bought into him during this season.
Outside the Raptors the rest of the league is saying who the fuck is this Triano guy I ain't never heard of him.
People would rather star fuck Avery Johnson or some other unemployed coach for their name and hope it's a chemistry fit.
Unless they make a major move, this team will suck again and barely make the playoffs. And then we can all thanks the MLSE for that.
What will make or break this its if the players respect him, listen, buy into his koolaid and drink the koolaid - it's hard to tell from their body language whether they totally bought into him during this season.
Outside the Raptors the rest of the league is saying who the fuck is this Triano guy I ain't never heard of him.
People would rather star fuck Avery Johnson or some other unemployed coach for their name and hope it's a chemistry fit.
Unless they make a major move, this team will suck again and barely make the playoffs. And then we can all thanks the MLSE for that.
Ben Gordon is worth 6-7M per year, to be a BENCH scorer. His defensive and rebounding deficiencies, mostly due to his small size and questionable focus when the ball is not in his hands, are far too great for him to be an effective starting 2. Anyone wondering why Ray Allen is suddenly looking 5 years younger? Guess who was "guarding" him...
A GB4 for BG sign and trade absolutely cannot happen.
I think Wafer fits into a similar mold; he's best in the role the rockets are using him now - he comes in for 15-22 mins a night and has free rein to fire away. Any more PT than that and he starts killing the team.
As for Parker, I really hope we resign him and relegate him to a full time backup. He's tough, can shoot, can defend, and can handle the ball, but he's just not talented enough to be an elite 2. Off then bench, he's very solid.
We need a big, athletic 2. Given the assets that we currently have, there's no way we can get this sort of player in any way OTHER than through the draft. First choice is Harden, but more realistically, I say we take Tyreke Evans or DeRozan, in that order.
Btw, when are we going to see a full-blown draft preview here? Or are we waiting for workouts to get underway? It's really so hard to tell until you put these guys on the same floor...
A GB4 for BG sign and trade absolutely cannot happen.
I think Wafer fits into a similar mold; he's best in the role the rockets are using him now - he comes in for 15-22 mins a night and has free rein to fire away. Any more PT than that and he starts killing the team.
As for Parker, I really hope we resign him and relegate him to a full time backup. He's tough, can shoot, can defend, and can handle the ball, but he's just not talented enough to be an elite 2. Off then bench, he's very solid.
We need a big, athletic 2. Given the assets that we currently have, there's no way we can get this sort of player in any way OTHER than through the draft. First choice is Harden, but more realistically, I say we take Tyreke Evans or DeRozan, in that order.
Btw, when are we going to see a full-blown draft preview here? Or are we waiting for workouts to get underway? It's really so hard to tell until you put these guys on the same floor...
just to clarify the bargnani situation:
his nummber from January 1 (40 games) are: 19ppg, 6.5rpg 2bpg with excellent shooting %.
with less experience and a slower body, bargs already is a better defender than bosh, the wannabe mvp.
I agree: you don't trade the superstar.
but bosh is not a superstar, he has just the allure of one.
he has the same number of zach randolph. is zach mvp worthy, superstar worthy?
bosh is good. just not 133 million good.
his nummber from January 1 (40 games) are: 19ppg, 6.5rpg 2bpg with excellent shooting %.
with less experience and a slower body, bargs already is a better defender than bosh, the wannabe mvp.
I agree: you don't trade the superstar.
but bosh is not a superstar, he has just the allure of one.
he has the same number of zach randolph. is zach mvp worthy, superstar worthy?
bosh is good. just not 133 million good.
1) I don't know enough about either to make a sensible comment, but I like the idea of a 2 guard who can score in bunches.
2)I'm in the camp of keeping Bosh, but if we know he won't resign, then I agree a trade is the best way to salvage something. I've never been a big Prince fan (save for his Purple Rain stuff), but I feel it's important to get something for Bosh. There's a guy named Tayshaun on the Pistons who might be worth considering, though...
3)I hold out no hope whatsoever for Giorgios. I expect as big an impact as Uros Slokar.
As for the swine flu, I think people are getting too worked about it. The important thing is to make sure you wear a condom when making sexy time with pig and you should be just fine.
+1) I did not know Alyssa Milano was a Raptor Fan. I would be interested in testing to see if she can handle a big man down low. Or at least contain some dribble penetration as I take it hard to the rim.
2)I'm in the camp of keeping Bosh, but if we know he won't resign, then I agree a trade is the best way to salvage something. I've never been a big Prince fan (save for his Purple Rain stuff), but I feel it's important to get something for Bosh. There's a guy named Tayshaun on the Pistons who might be worth considering, though...
3)I hold out no hope whatsoever for Giorgios. I expect as big an impact as Uros Slokar.
As for the swine flu, I think people are getting too worked about it. The important thing is to make sure you wear a condom when making sexy time with pig and you should be just fine.
+1) I did not know Alyssa Milano was a Raptor Fan. I would be interested in testing to see if she can handle a big man down low. Or at least contain some dribble penetration as I take it hard to the rim.
didnt gasol and the griz" have a 50 win season a few years back?? im not the biggest fan of bosh but the guy can ball. there are maybe 5 players in the league that can really lead a team. garnett didnt do shit in min' until he had stars around him and niether did kobe. its not on bosh to carry this team its on bc to get him players. i think we're stuck with him because we're never going to get equal value for him unless we luck out in a draft. we need to spend money on him and other players now rather then let him go and rebuild. i actually think the raps are 2 players away from competing again. trading bosh is as retarded as nunyas use of the word cunt or my run on sentences.
correction. there are 2 players maybe 3. y'all know who im talking about.
correction. there are 2 players maybe 3. y'all know who im talking about.
I've become a tribal honking fan of the Bulls .. shouting at the TV and cursing the Celtic horde with evil spells ... it's fun because I want Chicago to bust the sucky Celts outta the playoffs ...!!!!
Nobody here watching the Bulls can say that the current Raptor roster is anywhere near the athleticism or bball IQ of the playoff Bulls ... not even close ... blow them up and start the rebuild now ... ya hear BC?? ... NOW !!!!
Nobody here watching the Bulls can say that the current Raptor roster is anywhere near the athleticism or bball IQ of the playoff Bulls ... not even close ... blow them up and start the rebuild now ... ya hear BC?? ... NOW !!!!
Fantastic post. The only thing I would have added would be Bargnani's stats as compared to Dirk's per 35.8 minutes.
If you look at Bargnani's numbers shifted for 35.8 minutes as opposed to his actually of 31.4, you see some pretty remarkable stats (representing a 14% increase):
Bargnani/Dirk year 3 stats per 35.8:
STL: 0.5/0.8
BLK: 1.4/0.8
TO: 1.9/1.7
PF: 3.5/3.1
REB: 6.0/6.4
AST: 1.4/2.5
PTS: 17.6/17.5
Considering his second half stats are pulled down heavily by his horrible first half, I think Bargnani has already made the jump and is only really half a year behind Dirk in terms of progression.
If you look at Bargnani's numbers shifted for 35.8 minutes as opposed to his actually of 31.4, you see some pretty remarkable stats (representing a 14% increase):
Bargnani/Dirk year 3 stats per 35.8:
STL: 0.5/0.8
BLK: 1.4/0.8
TO: 1.9/1.7
PF: 3.5/3.1
REB: 6.0/6.4
AST: 1.4/2.5
PTS: 17.6/17.5
Considering his second half stats are pulled down heavily by his horrible first half, I think Bargnani has already made the jump and is only really half a year behind Dirk in terms of progression.
I don't want the Raptors to take on any salaries that go past a one year offer. Not Marion, not Delfino, not Parker, not Graham, and not the MLE (although, exceptions possible for MLE, for exceptional talents).
So, I'm against signing them. I'd like Colangelo to rescind the club's rights to each player.
------------------------------------------------------------
Under Colangelo's plan -- of signing these players, and keeping Bargnani.
Under that plan, yes, great idea from Chisholm. A declining contract would give the Raptors more cap flexibility in the years they need it, and would give Marion relatively better trade value. It's an excellent idea.
Under Colangelo's plan, the team's attention should switch to 2011 as the earliest possible time to have any cap flexibility. When Kapono, Banks, and Hump come off the books and free up $15mil. Still, if you have Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon, those guys will eat up most of the cap by themselves .... even in this scenario, a third year on any one of Colangelo's signings from this summer (including Marion) could be very damaging.
But yeah, I think a declining contract for Marion is much better than a flat or increasing contract.
-------------------------------------------------------
Will Colangelo give Shawn Marion a declining contract? I don't think so.
If Colangelo continues with his plan, which prioritizes winning as much as possible next season, then he's best off having the lowest possible contract figure this season. The lower contract figure will help him sign more players -- Marion + Delfino + Parker + (Graham?) + MLE + LLE -- a larger first year contract for Marion may take one of those players/options off the table.
The only virtue to Colangelo's plan is the 2009/10 season. Under his plan, the Raptors should win more games. The more talented players he's able to add to the roster this summer, the better his plan looks. Therefore, a larger first year Marion contract doesn't suit his needs.
Then again, Colangelo might not execute his plan well .... so there's some hope Marion gets a declining contract.
So, I'm against signing them. I'd like Colangelo to rescind the club's rights to each player.
------------------------------------------------------------
Under Colangelo's plan -- of signing these players, and keeping Bargnani.
Under that plan, yes, great idea from Chisholm. A declining contract would give the Raptors more cap flexibility in the years they need it, and would give Marion relatively better trade value. It's an excellent idea.
Under Colangelo's plan, the team's attention should switch to 2011 as the earliest possible time to have any cap flexibility. When Kapono, Banks, and Hump come off the books and free up $15mil. Still, if you have Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon, those guys will eat up most of the cap by themselves .... even in this scenario, a third year on any one of Colangelo's signings from this summer (including Marion) could be very damaging.
But yeah, I think a declining contract for Marion is much better than a flat or increasing contract.
-------------------------------------------------------
Will Colangelo give Shawn Marion a declining contract? I don't think so.
If Colangelo continues with his plan, which prioritizes winning as much as possible next season, then he's best off having the lowest possible contract figure this season. The lower contract figure will help him sign more players -- Marion + Delfino + Parker + (Graham?) + MLE + LLE -- a larger first year contract for Marion may take one of those players/options off the table.
The only virtue to Colangelo's plan is the 2009/10 season. Under his plan, the Raptors should win more games. The more talented players he's able to add to the roster this summer, the better his plan looks. Therefore, a larger first year Marion contract doesn't suit his needs.
Then again, Colangelo might not execute his plan well .... so there's some hope Marion gets a declining contract.
Bosh is a nice offensive player, but if he were in the type of market he’s looking for and playing on national TV all the time, nobody would be talking $133 mil for the guy. You’re judged by wins and losses, and superstars take over games which are up for grabs. They will their teams to victory… on both ends. Half our losses this season have been up for grabs. Bosh does not do that. He’ll make a big block or grab a big board, but not THE big block or THE big board. He doesn’t hit the big shot, because it’s usually a bad shot in stead of driving. We lose games superstars win.
If these games were on TNT, everybody would know this: You can’t ride Bosh to victory, so he’s not a superstar. If he’s not a superstar, he doesn’t deserve $133mil from us or anybody else.
Problem is, folks have Bosh believing he IS a superstar. Our former little nerd (everybody loves nerds!) has grown up into a man who thinks he’s cool, funny, and a leader. He used to know that he needed to get better, now he’s resting on the same game which peaked three years ago. Losing doesn’t seem to shake that new self-image, so nothing will. WE take HIM for granted? M-V-P, bud. He’ll never hear that anywhere else, other than his own foolish mouth (THAT’s the day this season ended). Even Lebron and DWade are defending well these days, or at least when it counts. And Kobe always has.
Bosh is good enough to be 2nd best player on a team, but he doesn’t have the all-around skills to be a good 2nd banana for a winner. Bosh as a 2nd banana would be exactly like JO as 2nd banana, useless without the ball and stopping it dead when he gets it- forcing shots because he’s got to “get going”. Bosh is not Pau Gasol, he can’t make plays for anybody. Bosh is a face-up big who looks at the rim, not the rest of the team like a post-up guy, and who doesn’t pass or catch particularly well but NEEDS the ball to be effective. He’ll get you 20 points with the most touches, but what is he going to do to help DWade and LeBron? And defensively? He’s a brutal man defender, and he doesn’t have the base or balance to ever get better. His help D is spotty at best. His overall impact as 2nd banana might actually be less than JO’s, and teams will be asking the same question: 20 million per, for this? For a #2 guy who can’t play with my #1 guy?
Think our boy is headed for a career of being the best player on a bad team, or mashed together with other stars in a series of failed experiments. It’ll be fair, because that’s his game and he’ll still be rich.
If these games were on TNT, everybody would know this: You can’t ride Bosh to victory, so he’s not a superstar. If he’s not a superstar, he doesn’t deserve $133mil from us or anybody else.
Problem is, folks have Bosh believing he IS a superstar. Our former little nerd (everybody loves nerds!) has grown up into a man who thinks he’s cool, funny, and a leader. He used to know that he needed to get better, now he’s resting on the same game which peaked three years ago. Losing doesn’t seem to shake that new self-image, so nothing will. WE take HIM for granted? M-V-P, bud. He’ll never hear that anywhere else, other than his own foolish mouth (THAT’s the day this season ended). Even Lebron and DWade are defending well these days, or at least when it counts. And Kobe always has.
Bosh is good enough to be 2nd best player on a team, but he doesn’t have the all-around skills to be a good 2nd banana for a winner. Bosh as a 2nd banana would be exactly like JO as 2nd banana, useless without the ball and stopping it dead when he gets it- forcing shots because he’s got to “get going”. Bosh is not Pau Gasol, he can’t make plays for anybody. Bosh is a face-up big who looks at the rim, not the rest of the team like a post-up guy, and who doesn’t pass or catch particularly well but NEEDS the ball to be effective. He’ll get you 20 points with the most touches, but what is he going to do to help DWade and LeBron? And defensively? He’s a brutal man defender, and he doesn’t have the base or balance to ever get better. His help D is spotty at best. His overall impact as 2nd banana might actually be less than JO’s, and teams will be asking the same question: 20 million per, for this? For a #2 guy who can’t play with my #1 guy?
Think our boy is headed for a career of being the best player on a bad team, or mashed together with other stars in a series of failed experiments. It’ll be fair, because that’s his game and he’ll still be rich.
Dear BC,
Extend Bosh to whatever he wants - he cant be replaced and trading him for prospects will give you $0.50 on the dollar. Hopefully he shows class and takes 15ish per year.
Extend Bargs - do it before he commands big bucks. Hopefully he'll take 10ish per year.
Resign Marion and Parker - Marion for 6-8 per would be best and parker (6th man) for 3/per and since both are on the decline make sure to keep the contracts relatively short.
Sign the best ballhandling SG that you can get for the mid-level to push Parker out of the starting spot.
Buy as many late first and early 2nd rounders you can get your hands on - preferably 3+.
Extend Bosh to whatever he wants - he cant be replaced and trading him for prospects will give you $0.50 on the dollar. Hopefully he shows class and takes 15ish per year.
Extend Bargs - do it before he commands big bucks. Hopefully he'll take 10ish per year.
Resign Marion and Parker - Marion for 6-8 per would be best and parker (6th man) for 3/per and since both are on the decline make sure to keep the contracts relatively short.
Sign the best ballhandling SG that you can get for the mid-level to push Parker out of the starting spot.
Buy as many late first and early 2nd rounders you can get your hands on - preferably 3+.
from Bill Simmons' column
"37. Chris Bosh
From my 2005 Trade Value column: "The runaway winner of the 2005 Shareef Abdur-Rahim Award, given annually to a tantalizing young star on a losing team who everyone assumes will keep getting better and better, when the reality is that he's close to hitting his ceiling already, and his numbers look so good mainly because he was playing 35-40 minutes a game on a bad team. Remember I told you this when Bosh is making $15 million a year on a 22-win Toronto team five years from now, and he's the subject of 370 trade rumors before the 2009 draft." Just call me Nostrasimbo."
lolerz
"37. Chris Bosh
From my 2005 Trade Value column: "The runaway winner of the 2005 Shareef Abdur-Rahim Award, given annually to a tantalizing young star on a losing team who everyone assumes will keep getting better and better, when the reality is that he's close to hitting his ceiling already, and his numbers look so good mainly because he was playing 35-40 minutes a game on a bad team. Remember I told you this when Bosh is making $15 million a year on a 22-win Toronto team five years from now, and he's the subject of 370 trade rumors before the 2009 draft." Just call me Nostrasimbo."
lolerz
best quote i have heard all year:
"Just because we're good on paper right now doesn't mean anything," Bosh said. "It would be a shame and a waste of this season to do the same thing next season."
"Just because we're good on paper right now doesn't mean anything," Bosh said. "It would be a shame and a waste of this season to do the same thing next season."
Man I didn't even know that they did a "Boogie" night tonight.
Between the TSN2 debacle, the Jays rain-out affecting the radio(good to know the Jays are now are over the Raptors like curling), and the fact that the season is almost over the team is playing for nothing now, how am I supposed to know that they were honouring only my favorite Raptor ever!
Fuck you MLSE!
Between the TSN2 debacle, the Jays rain-out affecting the radio(good to know the Jays are now are over the Raptors like curling), and the fact that the season is almost over the team is playing for nothing now, how am I supposed to know that they were honouring only my favorite Raptor ever!
Fuck you MLSE!
Ford, Hibbert, Nesterovic and HO traded for 4 points and a gambler? BC is the saviour of this franchise.
WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG.
I do not like Bosh. At all. I want him gone. But by paying him max you are not saying "you are worth the same as LeBron and Wade". Both of those players would get MORE than max if it was possible. Contracts in the NBA are not relative, you can't say "LeBron and Kobe get X, you are 47.8439% the player they are according to your stats, so you get that percentage of their salary."
I do not like Bosh. At all. I want him gone. But by paying him max you are not saying "you are worth the same as LeBron and Wade". Both of those players would get MORE than max if it was possible. Contracts in the NBA are not relative, you can't say "LeBron and Kobe get X, you are 47.8439% the player they are according to your stats, so you get that percentage of their salary."
Aside from the surprising lack of touch around the basket that Marion often displays, there’s something about the quality of his play that might make him what some call the ‘glue guy’ on the floor during these last half-dozen or so games. I really like having him here and I hope we keep him.
The shooting yesterday was decidedly on the cool-ish side, especially early on but Bargnani upped his game just enough to get things going in the right direction.
You ever get the feeling that when Bargnani ‘ups his game’, he does so enough just to get it done? I do. It’s almost like he doesn’t want to … show everybody up too much. I understand (of course) how ridiculous that sounds and it’s probably just my interpreting what I see as I imagine I see it … but I’d like to see Bargs, just once, load the WHOLE team on his back (Bosh included) for a spell to see what he’s really capable of. I’m convinced there’s a whole other level there that if he knows about, he only knows unconsciously. To this point in time, anyway. Maybe playing for Italy this summer will get his blood roiling enough for him to glimpse the edge of that next level, if it is there. Good post as always.
The shooting yesterday was decidedly on the cool-ish side, especially early on but Bargnani upped his game just enough to get things going in the right direction.
You ever get the feeling that when Bargnani ‘ups his game’, he does so enough just to get it done? I do. It’s almost like he doesn’t want to … show everybody up too much. I understand (of course) how ridiculous that sounds and it’s probably just my interpreting what I see as I imagine I see it … but I’d like to see Bargs, just once, load the WHOLE team on his back (Bosh included) for a spell to see what he’s really capable of. I’m convinced there’s a whole other level there that if he knows about, he only knows unconsciously. To this point in time, anyway. Maybe playing for Italy this summer will get his blood roiling enough for him to glimpse the edge of that next level, if it is there. Good post as always.
Doesn't Jake comes more expensive than Jawai due to his experience? Why bring back the old guy who is good for only 6 fouls rather than the younger, cheaper, hungrier guy who's good for 6 fouls? I don't understand.
As far as O'Bryant goes: We traded a guard who would get no PT for a big man who would get no PT. We have an abundance of crappy guards, and were thin up front with Hump out and Bosh injured (when the trade happened). Why is this hard to comprehend? As far as I know Solomon had a guaranteed contract for next year, so the money is a wash. Even if it isn't, O'Bryant will count $500K against the cap next year if he's cut by July 1 (or so). This comes from Doug Smith, who doesn't post stuff he doesn't know.
Why buyout Banks? It doesn't provide any cap relief and now we have to spend on another warm body to store on the bench. I personally don't give a shit about MLSE's bottom line, and that is the only justification for cutting him, unless you think he's somehow killing the team's chemistry.
We saw what Joey could do when Garbo went down 2 years ago...he was great those last few weeks. Then he sucked last year. The reason his playing time is inconsistent is because his game is inconsistent. Now that Bargnani's improved Joey is by far the team leader in head-down-plow-through-the-defense charges. The guy's been in the league for 4 years, I think it's time we stop cutting him slack and accept him for what he is: an athlete who can't gauge his own strength and doesn't grasp the nuances of basketball.
Signing Joey is exactly the kind of move that would be widely panned when it inevitably eats into the cap. "You know what you had with him, and you still paid him $3M a year! We could've had ________ with that money!! BC is the worst manager of any business the world has ever seen!!!"
Note that this is directed at nobody in particular.
As far as O'Bryant goes: We traded a guard who would get no PT for a big man who would get no PT. We have an abundance of crappy guards, and were thin up front with Hump out and Bosh injured (when the trade happened). Why is this hard to comprehend? As far as I know Solomon had a guaranteed contract for next year, so the money is a wash. Even if it isn't, O'Bryant will count $500K against the cap next year if he's cut by July 1 (or so). This comes from Doug Smith, who doesn't post stuff he doesn't know.
Why buyout Banks? It doesn't provide any cap relief and now we have to spend on another warm body to store on the bench. I personally don't give a shit about MLSE's bottom line, and that is the only justification for cutting him, unless you think he's somehow killing the team's chemistry.
We saw what Joey could do when Garbo went down 2 years ago...he was great those last few weeks. Then he sucked last year. The reason his playing time is inconsistent is because his game is inconsistent. Now that Bargnani's improved Joey is by far the team leader in head-down-plow-through-the-defense charges. The guy's been in the league for 4 years, I think it's time we stop cutting him slack and accept him for what he is: an athlete who can't gauge his own strength and doesn't grasp the nuances of basketball.
Signing Joey is exactly the kind of move that would be widely panned when it inevitably eats into the cap. "You know what you had with him, and you still paid him $3M a year! We could've had ________ with that money!! BC is the worst manager of any business the world has ever seen!!!"
Note that this is directed at nobody in particular.
Gordon is not the right man for the Raptors. He is a shooter only, another Kapono, dosen't pass the ball, dosent dribble drive to the hoop, dosent play defense. He can score but 26 shots will not be available with the Raptors for a shooting guard.
Who else believes with all the winning that management and fans both might want triano and most of the roster back (like the leafs every year). If they finish the year strong and management believes that this team with a couple of minor signing (like delfino {oh god!!!}) is ready for next year who else thinks that were going to fall flat on our ass and be at the same position as this year. We need not just a roster overhaul but a change of culture starting with the coach. If not the losing ways and culture will stay with this team and we will truly become the Eastern Confernce Clippers.
No team is going to trade the #1 overall pick for a Chris Bosh one year rental. I just can't fathom a GM being that short sighted, even with the history of GM stupidity in the NBA. Blake Griffin looks like he COULD be a great player in the NBA. It isn't a foregone conclusion, but the fact that he COULD be great is enough for any GM to pick Griffin #1 overall and not consider any trade for that pick except for Kobe, Lebron, Wade or Chris Paul.
I don't think you can point to the Wizards and say that they can do with Bosh, what Boston did with Garnett and Allen, like that is some sort of blueprint for success in the NBA. Boston did not trade the #1 overall pick to acquire Ray Allen. If they had the #1 pick, they would have kept it.
The only way the Raptors are getting Blake Griffin is winning the draft lottery.
Having said that, I do think Bosh could be worth a late 1st round pick + a prospect + a solid rotation player if traded to a team with serious championship aspirations next year. Orlando doing a sign and trade with Turkoglu + Courtney Lee + their 1st rounder for Bosh could benefit both teams. Also, New Orleans may consider trading Chandler + Julian Wright + their first rounder for Bosh.
I may be wrong in estimating what Bosh's value is with only one year left on his contract, but if I were a GM that thought my team was one solid player away from being a serious championship contender, I would at least consider making a move for Bosh.
I don't think you can point to the Wizards and say that they can do with Bosh, what Boston did with Garnett and Allen, like that is some sort of blueprint for success in the NBA. Boston did not trade the #1 overall pick to acquire Ray Allen. If they had the #1 pick, they would have kept it.
The only way the Raptors are getting Blake Griffin is winning the draft lottery.
Having said that, I do think Bosh could be worth a late 1st round pick + a prospect + a solid rotation player if traded to a team with serious championship aspirations next year. Orlando doing a sign and trade with Turkoglu + Courtney Lee + their 1st rounder for Bosh could benefit both teams. Also, New Orleans may consider trading Chandler + Julian Wright + their first rounder for Bosh.
I may be wrong in estimating what Bosh's value is with only one year left on his contract, but if I were a GM that thought my team was one solid player away from being a serious championship contender, I would at least consider making a move for Bosh.
Bargnani is a better 'team' player than Bosh. I hate the idea of a "go-to" franchise player in game-ending desperation situations. I prefer an intelligent team effort and finding either the hot hand player or the unexpected.
Inadequate, impotent, and usually obese, tribal honking fans slobber over their 'all-star' hero and want him to be the one to crush the hated opponents ... even without the help of his teammates.
A team with 3 consistent scorer-defenders is preferable to a marquee, all-star scoring machine surrounded by scrubs. Bball is a team sport, not a hero circle jerk a la tribal honking fan delusions.
I'd rather watch the Raptors win or lose as a team, and not be dependent on a 'floor leader all-star type' to save the bacon. Bosh does not belong in Toronto any longer ... his time has run out and it's time for him to depart.
Inadequate, impotent, and usually obese, tribal honking fans slobber over their 'all-star' hero and want him to be the one to crush the hated opponents ... even without the help of his teammates.
A team with 3 consistent scorer-defenders is preferable to a marquee, all-star scoring machine surrounded by scrubs. Bball is a team sport, not a hero circle jerk a la tribal honking fan delusions.
I'd rather watch the Raptors win or lose as a team, and not be dependent on a 'floor leader all-star type' to save the bacon. Bosh does not belong in Toronto any longer ... his time has run out and it's time for him to depart.
Check out what Z-BO said about Bosh:
"I'm better than Chris Bosh," he said. Told that line will make headlines, Zach gave a dismissive wave and said, "I'd tell him to his face."
"I'm better than Chris Bosh," he said. Told that line will make headlines, Zach gave a dismissive wave and said, "I'd tell him to his face."
Well they have no rights to Marion or AP so they cant renounce them, but Joey's Qualifying offer and declinging O'Bryant's option would be a difference of 4.5 million or so. Even after doing this they would only have 12-14 million to outright spend on a Ben Gordon/Ariza/Hedo etc to fill the wing spots. Once they spend their way back to the cap they only have minimum contracts, Draft Picks, and the right to sign restricted free agents that they own rights to (most notably Delfino) and would not have the mid-level or bi-annual exceptions since they started the offseason below the cap. Either way its going to take some crafty moves and alot of money thrown at late 1st/early 2nd round draft picks to make anything more than a fringe playoff team next year (again)...
Buddy of mine is a season ticket holder. When ticket renewals came out he complained to the rep. and wrote an open letter, copying Devlin on it)substandard product, etc..). It eventually made its way into the hands of B-Co. Colangelo called my buddy at work. He said they spoke for about an hour, and given my buddy's in-depth basketball knowledge, it was more for a "why I did this move, etc..". It was interesting some of the points brought up - and I give B-Co credit for going to those lengths for a true basketball fan. Sadly, the sum and substance of the conversation ended with B-Co alluding to Bosh leaving. He did not expressly state that, but that was the tone and inclination of the conversation. B-Co is aware, knows, and is already thinking of ways to maximize value. I was unsure of Bosh's future as many have speculated both ways..but after hearing that (and I trust my buddy's ability to read through the lines), I now believe what will happen, one way or another.
On another note, its nice to meet you all. I have been reading this site for a while, just never commented. I signed up on the NCAA pool (Sooner's sons) but was hoping to wait to win the tourney to start posting (and chirping). This seems a bit easier in case the expected outcome doesn't occur :)
Cheers
On another note, its nice to meet you all. I have been reading this site for a while, just never commented. I signed up on the NCAA pool (Sooner's sons) but was hoping to wait to win the tourney to start posting (and chirping). This seems a bit easier in case the expected outcome doesn't occur :)
Cheers
wow I couldn't even bare watching most of the game, I was flipping in between the channels all the time. The fact remains is that there is nothing to play for this season anymore and a blow out win against the Clippers was a snoozefest.
I am already getting tired of hearing Bosh say "we are still trying to make the playoffs" - give it a rest man, the fans are more intelligent then you think they are and you should know better then parroting what the PR department is still trying to promote. You will be better off exerting pressure on Colangelo this coming summer by saying that he either improves this dysfunctional team or you will be asking for a trade. You will do a better service to your career, the Raptor's organisation and the fans if you voice your opinion loudly because losing sucks and this is not what Colangelo promised you when you signed your rookie extension contract.
Hey it worked for Kobe in L.A and it might just work for you. Worst case scenerio, you will be traded to a better team and be booed in town when ever you drop by to play here again, as if the current pizza boo's aren't enough to shake your head in disgust.
I am already getting tired of hearing Bosh say "we are still trying to make the playoffs" - give it a rest man, the fans are more intelligent then you think they are and you should know better then parroting what the PR department is still trying to promote. You will be better off exerting pressure on Colangelo this coming summer by saying that he either improves this dysfunctional team or you will be asking for a trade. You will do a better service to your career, the Raptor's organisation and the fans if you voice your opinion loudly because losing sucks and this is not what Colangelo promised you when you signed your rookie extension contract.
Hey it worked for Kobe in L.A and it might just work for you. Worst case scenerio, you will be traded to a better team and be booed in town when ever you drop by to play here again, as if the current pizza boo's aren't enough to shake your head in disgust.
I'll bet every player on the Ratpor team would like to be traded to another team. As for playing defense, why bother in a losing cause? The only stat that is important is the scoring stat when your team is tanking and it's everyone for themselves.
Bosh and Bargs are saving their energy for offensive effort and scoring ... and they will snag their share of uncontested defensive rebounds anyway.
I figure it will take at lease 4 seasons before the Ratpors will be a playoff team .. maybe.
Bosh and Bargs are saving their energy for offensive effort and scoring ... and they will snag their share of uncontested defensive rebounds anyway.
I figure it will take at lease 4 seasons before the Ratpors will be a playoff team .. maybe.
I didn't want to sound too harsh. I disagree with the basics of what Steve is proposing but so what? The kool aid is out of my system and I'm looking back over the past 2 seasons. There's a deep problem with this team that infusions of talent at any position alone won't address. The on-court chemistry of the team has to be changed pretty drastically before this team contends. And by contend, I mean being able to go 4 quarters with Cleveland, Boston or Orlando. Right now, Milwaukee makes life difficult for this team and they fold. No amount of coaching or player movement is going to solve that problem unless the move includes a means of altering how well the players on the team play together and deal with adversity on the court. My vote is for Bosh to be traded since he's the best trade chip, might be going anyway and it sends a clear message to the rest of the team. I suspect Jose may need to go too although I would not have said that at the beginning of the season and may be letting one, injury-plagued year overwhelm good judgment.
Frankly, I don't think even a good draft (with multiple 1st round picks) totally turns the team around but it's the critical 1st step.
Frankly, I don't think even a good draft (with multiple 1st round picks) totally turns the team around but it's the critical 1st step.
Sorry to post in this forum... but I'm kinda desperate! I have an extra ticket for tonight's Raptors Red Party. I'm willing to take any offer at this point so if you need a ticket let me know! Face value = $250 (open bar, all-inclusive food, silent auction, mingle with Pops)!
Let me know!
Let me know!
it's not just the team that's pitiful. it's the entire presentation. from the horrid announcing team that can't refrain from godawful, irrelevant and unwanted hockey analogies (yes matt devlin i'm wafting this stink in your direction) to the putrid post-game pedantics and downright laughability of paul johnson (almost makes me miss the feckless norma wick). the radio side isn't much better, with eric smith claiming he invented the vacuous 'it is what it is' as he apologizes yet again for the horrid play of our raptors. Hearing sherm and eric insist that EVERYONE is shocked by this team's underperformance adds insult to injury when it has been apparent since colangelo took over that we have been on a steady downward slide.
i'm utterly depressed by this team, its broadcasts, its marketing department embarrassments (didn't they learn their uniform lesson after the ridiculous 'everyone in new jersey red' debacle during the playoffs two seasons ago?) its post game 'pundits'.
i realize i'm ranting but i can't help it. i'm disgusted. I'm especially pissed that whenver -- on those oh-so-rare occassions -- when the raptors are selected as a national US game, that instead of piping in the intelligent and relatively objective American national broadcast team, we're stuck with our parochial and hopelessly un-savvy local yokels.
/wrists. make it stop!!!!!
i'm utterly depressed by this team, its broadcasts, its marketing department embarrassments (didn't they learn their uniform lesson after the ridiculous 'everyone in new jersey red' debacle during the playoffs two seasons ago?) its post game 'pundits'.
i realize i'm ranting but i can't help it. i'm disgusted. I'm especially pissed that whenver -- on those oh-so-rare occassions -- when the raptors are selected as a national US game, that instead of piping in the intelligent and relatively objective American national broadcast team, we're stuck with our parochial and hopelessly un-savvy local yokels.
/wrists. make it stop!!!!!
No one cares anymore.. This team put together by Colangelo, looks like a daughter we raised and she turned out to be a slutty hooker. Every game we watch is like watching a porn of our own daughter getting gang banged.. lol.. Of course you couldnt watch till the end...
Raps now have to focus hard on losing good games.
Raptors currently sit in the 8th spot but if we just lost a few more games we could get 6th. GSW is 19 games under .500 while Min just broke the 20 win mark and OKA has 19 wins ...so with a real bad end to the year we could secure the 5th pick.
Raptors currently sit in the 8th spot but if we just lost a few more games we could get 6th. GSW is 19 games under .500 while Min just broke the 20 win mark and OKA has 19 wins ...so with a real bad end to the year we could secure the 5th pick.
I want to see BC trade one of our big men and get real value in return. I think the Raps could trade Bosh to the Knicks for David Lee and his new $9-10 mil contract (which is what I think he's worth in the strange world that is the NBA) and filler + a draft pick or, hold the filler and give us Galinari. Then flip Calderon to the Clips for Baron Davis. We might even be able to unload Kapono in that deal. The Raptors end up with a mercurial PG who can defend and play up-tempo (if he wants to) and a PF who does the dirty work to complement Bargs (who I think is better suited to run than Bosh). Galinari strikes me as worth a shot if he can be had - not sure if he's more than a 7th man but worth a shot. The Clips get a PG suited to Dumbleavy's "system" which doesn't seem to involve running and get rid of a guy who isn't trying. The Knicks get a star to lure Lebron and sell seats in the meantime and don't have the hassle of deciding how much of their 2010 cap space they can afford to invest in Lee.
In the alternative, send Bargs and Banks/Kapono for Lee in a sign-and-trade.
There, all problems solved.
In the alternative, send Bargs and Banks/Kapono for Lee in a sign-and-trade.
There, all problems solved.
Man, at least VL is decent. And same with Bargnani. Bad joke, I apologize. But seriously, this Raptor team sucks. Even against average teams like Philly, its gotten to the point where we assume the Raps will lose. I'm not even disappointed anymore, I've lost the will to care. Oh well, I'm looking forward to the playoffs. The east is going to be awesome with a few teams that look great (Boston, Orlando, Cleveland) and the Detroit team that you never know what will do. This site should just become an overall b-ball site for the next few months, cause its pointless to rehash what makes the Raptors suck.
I am a hardcore Indiana Pacers fan and I look forward to facing your franchise on Saturday, March 15. It will be nice for us to get an easy win on the road against the second worst team in the conference as we make our final playoff push coming down the stretch.
I stumbled across this site when I went looking online for information about some of your players - aside from Bosh and the person impersonating Shawn Marion - the rest of your roster is not very well known around league circles. Apparently, you have someone named Pops on your roster that you guys are just delighted with. I have never heard of him. Perhaps he will allow you to move into 13th in the conference standings.
I was also looking for information about who was going to back up your point guard - you know...the one who just scored 3 points in 31 minutes against the Jazz and subbed in occasionally for the Spanish Olympic team? Luckily, I checked around and found information on an Ukic and a Solomon. I hope our scouts are well versed in the Euro leagues, because we sure don't want to be caught off guard by some awesome foreign talent. Are these guys any good? We have a pretty decent point guard ourselves named TJ Ford that we were able to steal from you guys for a cap-crippling corpse named Jermaine O'Neal. I hope your starting point guard, Jose, gets to guard TJ. While his decision-making still sucks, at least he is quick enough to guard some of the other point guards in the league.
We also have a player named Daniel Granger that your GM was kind enough to leave for us in the draft. Thank you, Toronto, for that. I guess you guys were already stacked with too much talent. BTW - very interesting to see that there is a debate around here about what to do with Joey Graham. I wonder if that is a debate that would take place among teams that are higher up in the standings.
Anyways, good luck on Saturday Toronto. I understand that you all will be able to watch this game on T.V., provided that the Brier finishes on time.
I stumbled across this site when I went looking online for information about some of your players - aside from Bosh and the person impersonating Shawn Marion - the rest of your roster is not very well known around league circles. Apparently, you have someone named Pops on your roster that you guys are just delighted with. I have never heard of him. Perhaps he will allow you to move into 13th in the conference standings.
I was also looking for information about who was going to back up your point guard - you know...the one who just scored 3 points in 31 minutes against the Jazz and subbed in occasionally for the Spanish Olympic team? Luckily, I checked around and found information on an Ukic and a Solomon. I hope our scouts are well versed in the Euro leagues, because we sure don't want to be caught off guard by some awesome foreign talent. Are these guys any good? We have a pretty decent point guard ourselves named TJ Ford that we were able to steal from you guys for a cap-crippling corpse named Jermaine O'Neal. I hope your starting point guard, Jose, gets to guard TJ. While his decision-making still sucks, at least he is quick enough to guard some of the other point guards in the league.
We also have a player named Daniel Granger that your GM was kind enough to leave for us in the draft. Thank you, Toronto, for that. I guess you guys were already stacked with too much talent. BTW - very interesting to see that there is a debate around here about what to do with Joey Graham. I wonder if that is a debate that would take place among teams that are higher up in the standings.
Anyways, good luck on Saturday Toronto. I understand that you all will be able to watch this game on T.V., provided that the Brier finishes on time.
Excellent post, well done. Can you find out Bargnani's shooting percentage when his mouth is closed vs. when he's mouth breathing?
This whole fucking team has been built around the premise that Bosh IS that fucking go-to guy..it is STILL being built around that premise and ...the Star and Globe comments sections have been full for the last 3 fucking years of comments from cretins who have been told by shitty, lazy media that Bosh IS that go-to guy...
Bosh considers himself that fucking Go-To guy as have most of the people here and all the cretins who think his fucking videos are cool and his twitter posts interesting....
I have been sounding like a lunatic because for 3 fucking years I have been saying he is NOT that Go-To guy and that we were going to end up like Memphis (with Gasol) as long as we continued as though he were....
You don't sign shit/semi shit like Parker, Graham, Kapono, Moon, Delfino and Solomon (or Voskuhl) if you don't think that Bosh is a fucking superstar MVP GO-TO guy...the media around Bosh has manufactured this conceit and the cretinous Raptor fanbase has lapped it up for years....why do you think I am so fucking angry?
I'm not "asking" him to be clutch...I have known since the fucking New Jersey series that he is not and never will be clutch no matter what position he plays...it's not just his position, it's his fucking mentality...
Bargnani critics never could get their fucking pea brains around the concept that he was always intended to be a "project"...how many times did Colangelo have to say it for it to sink in?? The problem is, were we really in a position to be drafting a "project" or did we need immediate help which Brandon Roy would have delivered?
The worst thing that happened to this team was the fluke win in the Titanic that led the morons to think this team was much better than it really was and that Bosh could carry a team...that and his poor man's Garnett impersonation at the Olympics, which lead people to think he could replicate it playing with one of the weakest teams in the NBA as opposed to playing as a reserve behind the best players on the planet...
It is obvious to anyone that isn't a fucking moron that Bosh is another Gasol at best...and that we have dug ourselves a fucking hole...that although he's the only player with real trade value, his contract situation, in that he can walk away from anyone he gets traded to, SEVERELY limits his real trade value...we cannot sign/ trade for enough talent to put around him (ie what the Lakers have around Gasol or the Celtics around Garnett) and the only teams who will give up true value to get him have to believe that he will re-sign with them in 2010.
Bosh and Toronto are not a draw for free agents and the coaching situation would make even a mediocre player think twice....does anyone have faith anymore that the goddamn Raptor braintrust isn't going to fuck up the draft pick?
These dumb "are we expecting too much?" comments are like picking out typos on your Madoff investment statement....
Bosh considers himself that fucking Go-To guy as have most of the people here and all the cretins who think his fucking videos are cool and his twitter posts interesting....
I have been sounding like a lunatic because for 3 fucking years I have been saying he is NOT that Go-To guy and that we were going to end up like Memphis (with Gasol) as long as we continued as though he were....
You don't sign shit/semi shit like Parker, Graham, Kapono, Moon, Delfino and Solomon (or Voskuhl) if you don't think that Bosh is a fucking superstar MVP GO-TO guy...the media around Bosh has manufactured this conceit and the cretinous Raptor fanbase has lapped it up for years....why do you think I am so fucking angry?
I'm not "asking" him to be clutch...I have known since the fucking New Jersey series that he is not and never will be clutch no matter what position he plays...it's not just his position, it's his fucking mentality...
Bargnani critics never could get their fucking pea brains around the concept that he was always intended to be a "project"...how many times did Colangelo have to say it for it to sink in?? The problem is, were we really in a position to be drafting a "project" or did we need immediate help which Brandon Roy would have delivered?
The worst thing that happened to this team was the fluke win in the Titanic that led the morons to think this team was much better than it really was and that Bosh could carry a team...that and his poor man's Garnett impersonation at the Olympics, which lead people to think he could replicate it playing with one of the weakest teams in the NBA as opposed to playing as a reserve behind the best players on the planet...
It is obvious to anyone that isn't a fucking moron that Bosh is another Gasol at best...and that we have dug ourselves a fucking hole...that although he's the only player with real trade value, his contract situation, in that he can walk away from anyone he gets traded to, SEVERELY limits his real trade value...we cannot sign/ trade for enough talent to put around him (ie what the Lakers have around Gasol or the Celtics around Garnett) and the only teams who will give up true value to get him have to believe that he will re-sign with them in 2010.
Bosh and Toronto are not a draw for free agents and the coaching situation would make even a mediocre player think twice....does anyone have faith anymore that the goddamn Raptor braintrust isn't going to fuck up the draft pick?
These dumb "are we expecting too much?" comments are like picking out typos on your Madoff investment statement....
********************PAPER BAG OVER HEAD************************
Top 10 Reasons I Hate Being A Raptors Fan:
10. We STILL don't have a play book.
9. Another loosing year could DROP us below Leaf Fans
8. I try Harder having a Bowel Movement then some Raptors.
7. Raptors got more EXCUSES than a pregnant nun!
6. Our Media sells MEANINGLESS Stories instead of RaptorRepublic.
5. Nobody takes your Basketball Knowledge serious. (Stupid Raptor Fan)
4. A Broadway show is a cheaper Date. (PLUS you'll get some!)
3. We Develop AWESOME talant & Trade it!
2. MLSE doesn't even know what a Basketball looks like.
1. Does this RollerCoaster ride to a Championship have a end?
Top 10 Reasons I Hate Being A Raptors Fan:
10. We STILL don't have a play book.
9. Another loosing year could DROP us below Leaf Fans
8. I try Harder having a Bowel Movement then some Raptors.
7. Raptors got more EXCUSES than a pregnant nun!
6. Our Media sells MEANINGLESS Stories instead of RaptorRepublic.
5. Nobody takes your Basketball Knowledge serious. (Stupid Raptor Fan)
4. A Broadway show is a cheaper Date. (PLUS you'll get some!)
3. We Develop AWESOME talant & Trade it!
2. MLSE doesn't even know what a Basketball looks like.
1. Does this RollerCoaster ride to a Championship have a end?
1) March 27 versus Oklahoma City. I can't wait to tell my kids I saw Kevin Durant when he was 20 and was finding his stride. Oops, I guess I should be on Thunder Republic.
2) Matt Bonner - this may be less true now that they have Gooden, but he is going to have a major role on a championship-caliber team. I would have agreed with the guy who said Chauncey but I think Denver is 1 and done.
3) Messina as coach.... Sure, why not? The last guy Colangelo found coaching in Italy turned out to be pretty good, so perhaps lightening will strike twice? However, as time goes on, it appears that Colangelo is trying to recapture the glory he had in Phoenix but is not succeeding. He reminds me a bit of Uncle Rico in Napolean Dynamite that way. "Ohhhh, man I wish I could go back in time. I'd take state."
2) Matt Bonner - this may be less true now that they have Gooden, but he is going to have a major role on a championship-caliber team. I would have agreed with the guy who said Chauncey but I think Denver is 1 and done.
3) Messina as coach.... Sure, why not? The last guy Colangelo found coaching in Italy turned out to be pretty good, so perhaps lightening will strike twice? However, as time goes on, it appears that Colangelo is trying to recapture the glory he had in Phoenix but is not succeeding. He reminds me a bit of Uncle Rico in Napolean Dynamite that way. "Ohhhh, man I wish I could go back in time. I'd take state."
when i'm matched with someone who's a better offensive player than i am a defender (which is often the case), my main goal is to force him to do something that he doesn't want to do...even if it's rudimentary, like forcing him to use his off-hand, or crowding a shooter who can't drive, or sloughing off a driver who can't shoot. but the main thing is to apply defensive pressure, and force your guy to beat you with his weakness. aka: basic fundamentals.
the thing that bugs me most about the raps' defensive philosophy as a whole is that they tend to wait & react to what the offense is doing, as opposed to the other way around. same goes for their offense - they tend to take what the D is giving them, which usually ends up backfiring; since they're a jump-shooting team, they go through hot/cold stretches, which is what the D wants. you think houston wants the raps to work it inside, forcing yao to defend? - here's a newsflash: yao's a shitty defender. they're more than happy to let the raps fire away from outside, because unless they (the raps) are able to sustain an above-average FG% from the perimeter, it's not going to hurt them in the long run.
the thing that bugs me most about the raps' defensive philosophy as a whole is that they tend to wait & react to what the offense is doing, as opposed to the other way around. same goes for their offense - they tend to take what the D is giving them, which usually ends up backfiring; since they're a jump-shooting team, they go through hot/cold stretches, which is what the D wants. you think houston wants the raps to work it inside, forcing yao to defend? - here's a newsflash: yao's a shitty defender. they're more than happy to let the raps fire away from outside, because unless they (the raps) are able to sustain an above-average FG% from the perimeter, it's not going to hurt them in the long run.
1) Tough to say only one thing that Colangelo needs to do, but I think his biggest need is to nail their draft pick. I know that this year projects to be a weaker draft than most, but without a continuous influx of good young players through the draft, the options a team has to fill out it's roster with NBA-level talent becomes very thin. So far Colangelo has traded away more draft picks than he has used, and has brought in a plethora of players with questionable basketball ability. For a team like the Raptors, (i.e. a team that can't seem to hold on to high caliber players), the pattern of throwing draft picks away like trash needs to stop. I do not think it is a coincidence that the best teams the Raptors have assembled came after several years of good drafting. It needs to start happening again. This off-season.
1b) Tell Calderon he can't play for Spain this Summer. Calderon has proved this year that he can't handle full time NBA starter minutes and play full time for Spain in the off-season. His injuries are related to fatigue. Professional sports have off-seasons for a reason. Most players need the rest.
2) I feel bad for Triano. The Raptors are a bad team. He can yell and smash stuff all day for all I care. I am sure what he really wants to do is punch players like Jason Kapono in the face, but since he can't do that...outburst.
3) Play Banks. The Raptors are stuck with him for better or worse. They might as well see if he can earn some of his money. There are already too many players on this team that don't.
1b) Tell Calderon he can't play for Spain this Summer. Calderon has proved this year that he can't handle full time NBA starter minutes and play full time for Spain in the off-season. His injuries are related to fatigue. Professional sports have off-seasons for a reason. Most players need the rest.
2) I feel bad for Triano. The Raptors are a bad team. He can yell and smash stuff all day for all I care. I am sure what he really wants to do is punch players like Jason Kapono in the face, but since he can't do that...outburst.
3) Play Banks. The Raptors are stuck with him for better or worse. They might as well see if he can earn some of his money. There are already too many players on this team that don't.
Andrea was trying for sure, but how many boards did he secure tonight? 7 rebounds in almost 40 minutues.
The guy is an inefficient shooter for a centre, period. As long as we continue make him a primary option on scoring, we're in trouble.
I've watched the games, I know Bosh hasn't been up to snuff, but I don't get this Bargnani love. He does not rebound which means EVERBODY ELSE on the goddamn floor has to be an above-average rebounder, and he doesn't have the game to be an efficient scorer.
I agree that he has improved (how could you not for that extreme disaster which was last year) and he has further room for improvement, but what has this guy consistently proved? nothing.
The guy is an inefficient shooter for a centre, period. As long as we continue make him a primary option on scoring, we're in trouble.
I've watched the games, I know Bosh hasn't been up to snuff, but I don't get this Bargnani love. He does not rebound which means EVERBODY ELSE on the goddamn floor has to be an above-average rebounder, and he doesn't have the game to be an efficient scorer.
I agree that he has improved (how could you not for that extreme disaster which was last year) and he has further room for improvement, but what has this guy consistently proved? nothing.
You are out to lunch, kid.
Stop drinking the Bosh Kool Aid. Dude is gone already. And I can name 5 Rap teams, if not more, that were better before Christina Botch showed up here.
Again, stop blaming the fans for making him leaving and talk to "the guys who get paid millions to know these things". They are the ones that surrounded him with Roko "I had one good game vs Spurs I think I am the Big O" Ukic, Jose "Spanish Clap Your Hands Defense" Calderon, Will "Who?" Solomon, Jermaine "I should have retired in 2001" O'Neal, Jacob "Everytime I act though my team loses" Voskuhl, Nathan "I've just seen a bball for the the 1st time in my life" Jawai... etc.
Yes, you sell you stock when its high and the Yankees think he's an MVP, let them have him. I'd rather build around Andrea "IceMan" Bargnani anyway.
Stop drinking the Bosh Kool Aid. Dude is gone already. And I can name 5 Rap teams, if not more, that were better before Christina Botch showed up here.
Again, stop blaming the fans for making him leaving and talk to "the guys who get paid millions to know these things". They are the ones that surrounded him with Roko "I had one good game vs Spurs I think I am the Big O" Ukic, Jose "Spanish Clap Your Hands Defense" Calderon, Will "Who?" Solomon, Jermaine "I should have retired in 2001" O'Neal, Jacob "Everytime I act though my team loses" Voskuhl, Nathan "I've just seen a bball for the the 1st time in my life" Jawai... etc.
Yes, you sell you stock when its high and the Yankees think he's an MVP, let them have him. I'd rather build around Andrea "IceMan" Bargnani anyway.
the way you beat shaq is by attacking him and getting him in foul trouble.bargs did a decent job fronting him but our dbl was soft and bosh was a fucking pylon.whats the point of a soft dbl if your not going to contest the lob over bargs or contest the shot?.....bosh was horrid as was whatever help came over.the fouls were all soft and we gave up so many layups and and 1's.90 POUNTS IN THE FUCKING PAINT.WERE SOFT SOFT SOFT.......HARD FOULS FTW.
I will comment on question #3, pertaining to the resigning of third year phenom Andrea Bargnani and his translator, Maurizio Gheardini:
First of all, you throw the kitchen sink at Bargs and hope to God he resigns. I say BC should rent two trucks and fill them both with max contracts in one dollar denominations. You drive the first truck over to Bosh's house and dump it in his driveway. You tell him that you will be back in a minute with 30 million more and a coupon to First Choice haircutters as soon as you get MLSE's approval. Then, you drive the second truck over to wherever Bargnani and his weed carriers are sleeping at. You dump Bargnani's load of cash in a highly visible so that he will find it easily - don't put it anywhere he won't look - like the in the shower or under his razor. Send Gheardini over to explain to Bargs that this is his reward for teaming up with Bosh and leading us to nearly 30 wins. If he feels guilty about taking it, remind him that Jermaine O'Neal made more money in 2008 than most African countries.
Once you have these two under contract for the better part of the next decade, you use your remaining dollars to lure Jamal Tinsley and his prosthetic leg over to the Raptors to back up fellow cripple Jose Calderon. Lure Robert Pack out of retirement for the veteran's exception. The rest of the roster can be filled with players that Gheardini and BC find winning MVP awards in strange house leagues over in Eastern Europe.
First of all, you throw the kitchen sink at Bargs and hope to God he resigns. I say BC should rent two trucks and fill them both with max contracts in one dollar denominations. You drive the first truck over to Bosh's house and dump it in his driveway. You tell him that you will be back in a minute with 30 million more and a coupon to First Choice haircutters as soon as you get MLSE's approval. Then, you drive the second truck over to wherever Bargnani and his weed carriers are sleeping at. You dump Bargnani's load of cash in a highly visible so that he will find it easily - don't put it anywhere he won't look - like the in the shower or under his razor. Send Gheardini over to explain to Bargs that this is his reward for teaming up with Bosh and leading us to nearly 30 wins. If he feels guilty about taking it, remind him that Jermaine O'Neal made more money in 2008 than most African countries.
Once you have these two under contract for the better part of the next decade, you use your remaining dollars to lure Jamal Tinsley and his prosthetic leg over to the Raptors to back up fellow cripple Jose Calderon. Lure Robert Pack out of retirement for the veteran's exception. The rest of the roster can be filled with players that Gheardini and BC find winning MVP awards in strange house leagues over in Eastern Europe.
The real GMs are so great!! They make sweet trades and give out good contracts to players that are well worth the dough. Fake GMs would trot out Roko Ukic and Will Solomon to solidify their backup point guard positions. Then they would sign 3 point specialists that can't hit 3 point shots to long term deals - but only if they refuse to play defense as well!!! Maybe they can make these great moves because they trade for underpaid overachievers that resemble a corpse but are actually named Jermaine O'Neal!!! You've got to let go the overpaid bums like Delfino that are killing your cap and bring in the former all-stars in the last years of their deals!!! That's being a real GM!!!
The Raps definitely have to resign Marion this offseason. Hopefully we can keep playing the uptempo style we saw Sunday. Shawn is hella underrated by alot of fans imo. He easily has the highest bball iq on the Raps and on top of being a double double machine is a great passer. If Calderon dosen't want to push the ball let Marion bring the ball up. I'm glad we made that trade with Miami. Moon is GARBAGE and O'Neal is a shell of his former self. For all you Moon fans who rave about his value at 700k check this:
Moon : 132 games played 4 dd's 0 games with 5 or more assists
Marion: 3 games played 2 dd's 2 games with 5 or more assists
By the end of the week Shawn will have done more in a Raps uni than Jamario "just happy to be here" Moon ever did.
Moon : 132 games played 4 dd's 0 games with 5 or more assists
Marion: 3 games played 2 dd's 2 games with 5 or more assists
By the end of the week Shawn will have done more in a Raps uni than Jamario "just happy to be here" Moon ever did.
I love how considerate Bosh is when he gets the ball on offense - catching, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, letting the defense make sure they all have their guy, waiting, waiting, pump faking, waiting, waiting, then jacking up a fadeaway shot instead of driving so the defense doesn't even have to worry about having to help. So AWESOME!
I was not a fan of doing it before but it's clearly time to put this into a NoseDive & Tank HARDCORE. Raptor's are playing at career lows. Nobody believes in themselves or the Team as it stands right now. We have to pull the plug. It easy to rip 1 individual player, but it just not a combination that works. We need to salvage for next year.
Congratulations to anybody who seen it coming. I had my hopes ups for the Raps going into the 2nd round when this season started. Now…
There is no longer any untouchables on this squad now. The trade market is wide open next season. Should be interesting, but here we go again Raptor fans.
The perfect storm over came the Raptors ever since the cough....cough...gory days of Wince, Oakley, Davis and my favorite Alvin Williams. Things just haven't worked out since. Blame this or blame that.... I'm just getting tired of being very patient... very, very patient…
Congratulations to anybody who seen it coming. I had my hopes ups for the Raps going into the 2nd round when this season started. Now…
There is no longer any untouchables on this squad now. The trade market is wide open next season. Should be interesting, but here we go again Raptor fans.
The perfect storm over came the Raptors ever since the cough....cough...gory days of Wince, Oakley, Davis and my favorite Alvin Williams. Things just haven't worked out since. Blame this or blame that.... I'm just getting tired of being very patient... very, very patient…
Useless trade. You got to give it to Colangelo he remained consistent! just like last season he traded Dixon for Brezec! woopty doo!! I am curious to hear what were the offers for Parker because this mancrush of Bryan for Parker is unexplainable!
Seems both your points of contention start with "you may have a point" and "that may be somewhat true". You gotta contend more vehemently, you're a lawyer, after all! "While I can see the defendant's point..."
1) This is hammered into the ground by too many an NBA fan. Any GM should be able to see through this transparent effort and address the player's oeuvre (yes, I went there) as a whole. Personally, I wouldn't hire a guy that starts trying two months before he's up for renegotiation.
He also doesn't make us into a playoff contender, and that's not his goal. As you stated, his objective is to compile PERSONAL STATS. Not the same as winning (see Davis, Ricky).
2) The system brought out the best in Shawn, but I can't argue with the facts: It's clear Starbury also brings out the best in people.
Other than that, love hearin' from ya, as always.
1) This is hammered into the ground by too many an NBA fan. Any GM should be able to see through this transparent effort and address the player's oeuvre (yes, I went there) as a whole. Personally, I wouldn't hire a guy that starts trying two months before he's up for renegotiation.
He also doesn't make us into a playoff contender, and that's not his goal. As you stated, his objective is to compile PERSONAL STATS. Not the same as winning (see Davis, Ricky).
2) The system brought out the best in Shawn, but I can't argue with the facts: It's clear Starbury also brings out the best in people.
Other than that, love hearin' from ya, as always.
As a heat fan, I had the distinct pleasure of watching a fair bit of Banks this year - he was given some run early in the season and again later.
He is incredibly frustrating as he has the physical tools (hence the reason Phoenix gave him his terrible contract) for PG. He is both quite strong and very quick. Also, he can actually shoot reasonably well (streaky but he is not inept at it) and he is a very good defender, man to man. He can consitently beat his man off the dribble as well.
Sounds great right?
The problem is that basketball is a team game and not a one-on-one competition. Despite having played for several good coaches, he is very inefficient at involving teammates on offense and doesn't play well in a defensive team concept.He overpenetrates frequently and finds himself with the ball in bad positions and no options. He jacks up shots when he's not open and gambles too much for steals.
I think alot of teams have thought that with his skills they can mold him into a good player but it hasn't happened yet and probably won't.
The best bet is to use him as an undersized 2-guard off the bench.
He is incredibly frustrating as he has the physical tools (hence the reason Phoenix gave him his terrible contract) for PG. He is both quite strong and very quick. Also, he can actually shoot reasonably well (streaky but he is not inept at it) and he is a very good defender, man to man. He can consitently beat his man off the dribble as well.
Sounds great right?
The problem is that basketball is a team game and not a one-on-one competition. Despite having played for several good coaches, he is very inefficient at involving teammates on offense and doesn't play well in a defensive team concept.He overpenetrates frequently and finds himself with the ball in bad positions and no options. He jacks up shots when he's not open and gambles too much for steals.
I think alot of teams have thought that with his skills they can mold him into a good player but it hasn't happened yet and probably won't.
The best bet is to use him as an undersized 2-guard off the bench.
phdsteve,
The Raptors only have the $10mil of cap space if they do not sign Marion, Parker, Graham, Delfino and whoever else is a free agent this summer. If they re-sign those players then they have no cap space, and instead have their MLE to play with.
Also, a team either has their cap space or the MLE, but not both. For example, if the Raptors choose to use their cap space and spend their $10mil, they then do not have their MLE to spend. The MLE, and LLE, are exceptions given to teams over the cap. The Raptors wouldn't be able to spend the MLE until the following summer.
The Raptors only have the $10mil of cap space if they do not sign Marion, Parker, Graham, Delfino and whoever else is a free agent this summer. If they re-sign those players then they have no cap space, and instead have their MLE to play with.
Also, a team either has their cap space or the MLE, but not both. For example, if the Raptors choose to use their cap space and spend their $10mil, they then do not have their MLE to spend. The MLE, and LLE, are exceptions given to teams over the cap. The Raptors wouldn't be able to spend the MLE until the following summer.
Wow! I can't believe the negativity.
The Raptors just got the Matrix!! This guy never got the respect he deserved - he never got to an All star game and was not really given credit for how good he was in Phoenix. The guy can easily average 20 and 10 at the small forward position for us and makes the Raptors a LOT more athletic! He'll guard the other teams best 2/3 guards, grab some important boards for us and throw down some big dunks to get his teammates and the fans going.
O'neal was not working out in Toronto and this was the best deal available for the short term and probably the long term. I'd definatley try to sign him in the off season and then our ONLY weakness becomes the 2 guard spot and the bigs on the bench. I think Colangelo tries his best to keep Marion in the of season and drafts a 2 guard or tires to sign one in the off season and we're good!
Also I don;t think having all the extra cap space available in 2010 is that important to Colangelo - The chances of getting a second max contract player that year is slim to none and I think signing Bosh and then maybe Steve Nash would be a best case scenario for us in 2010. Remember he'll need to keep extra cash available going forward to resign Bargani.
The Raptors just got the Matrix!! This guy never got the respect he deserved - he never got to an All star game and was not really given credit for how good he was in Phoenix. The guy can easily average 20 and 10 at the small forward position for us and makes the Raptors a LOT more athletic! He'll guard the other teams best 2/3 guards, grab some important boards for us and throw down some big dunks to get his teammates and the fans going.
O'neal was not working out in Toronto and this was the best deal available for the short term and probably the long term. I'd definatley try to sign him in the off season and then our ONLY weakness becomes the 2 guard spot and the bigs on the bench. I think Colangelo tries his best to keep Marion in the of season and drafts a 2 guard or tires to sign one in the off season and we're good!
Also I don;t think having all the extra cap space available in 2010 is that important to Colangelo - The chances of getting a second max contract player that year is slim to none and I think signing Bosh and then maybe Steve Nash would be a best case scenario for us in 2010. Remember he'll need to keep extra cash available going forward to resign Bargani.
So now we just went from “twin towers” to just having Bosh, Andrea, Hump and Jawai as our post players. Why didnt we get a Joel Anthony or another backup big man??? To all you BC apologists talking bout Marions expiring contract, why didnt BC just keep Rashos 8.5 mill expiring contract and trade TJ for an expiring contract, while keeping 2(!) 1st round picks and not having to take on Banks’ shit 3year (4mil/yr) contract???
We coulda just traded TJ(8.5 mil) to the clippers for cap space this summer, let rasho(8.5 mil) and moon(1 mil) expire at the end of the year and have ~20 mill without having to take on a me-first cancer in Marion who’ll just play for himself and Banks terrible contract, all while keeping out draft picks.
People complained why we didn’t have a draft pick in 2007 when we could’ve got a solid young player for the future(Rudy Fernandez or Wilson Chandler anyone?? coulda got em!), well this kind of draft pick giveaway is what screws up the future.
We coulda just traded TJ(8.5 mil) to the clippers for cap space this summer, let rasho(8.5 mil) and moon(1 mil) expire at the end of the year and have ~20 mill without having to take on a me-first cancer in Marion who’ll just play for himself and Banks terrible contract, all while keeping out draft picks.
People complained why we didn’t have a draft pick in 2007 when we could’ve got a solid young player for the future(Rudy Fernandez or Wilson Chandler anyone?? coulda got em!), well this kind of draft pick giveaway is what screws up the future.
How da f. did this happen ha?
Simple.. Roko Ukic takes over the game in the crunch minutes just like the time against Orlando.
I kept repeating this over and over like a broken tape: let him finish games, the guy is clutch.
Don't forget that these are the only 2 quality W's worth something this season and that the Spurs recently beat virtually all of the NBA powerhouses.
Plus he goes for season/career NBA high: 22 pts on 9-13 shooting for 2 and 2-3 for 3, + 14 in +/- 3-4 assists, game winning runner and so on..
Anyways, I bet Triano goes with Salomon next game just like after the Magic..
Simple.. Roko Ukic takes over the game in the crunch minutes just like the time against Orlando.
I kept repeating this over and over like a broken tape: let him finish games, the guy is clutch.
Don't forget that these are the only 2 quality W's worth something this season and that the Spurs recently beat virtually all of the NBA powerhouses.
Plus he goes for season/career NBA high: 22 pts on 9-13 shooting for 2 and 2-3 for 3, + 14 in +/- 3-4 assists, game winning runner and so on..
Anyways, I bet Triano goes with Salomon next game just like after the Magic..
