Mental Toughness Required

December 11th 2007 will not soon be forgot by Raptor Point guard T.J Ford. He may have remembered it had he not been smacked to the floor by Al Horford. Ford was having one of his best games of his NBA Career. Instead he had his whole future flash before his eyes. The concern for Ford was felt from around the NBA. Some were even saying that Ford's career could and should be over. Raptor fans had nothing but good thoughts for T.J Ford. When the story of this Raptor season is written this night was the start of many things. It would be the loss of Ford for a good chunk of time. It would make Jose Calderon the starter and he would take the chance and become considered by some a legit all star candidate. Everything that has gone on since then can be traced back to this event in Atlanta. The return of the Raptors to the place this all happened will be interesting to say the least for a variety of reasons.

The most obvious will be how will Ford handle this return to the scene of the crime so to speak. It will be a true test to the mental toughness of T.J Ford. I am sure we will here all of the quotes that it is just another game and the playoff race is all that he is thinking about. A Sam Mitchell quote that will say much of the same. I could be wrong but I'd be surprised if Ford or Mitchell will volunteer much about the events of that night. The truth is that by stepping on that floor regardless of how he plays will be a real step in T.J Ford's mental recovery from the events of that night. Ford has been playing very well since his return to the starting line-up. This will be a far different challenge for him though. He has gone from the tragic hero in Toronto to the selfish villain to many. I think it can be understood by the rational thinking Ford fan or not what a mental challenge this will be. 

Al Horford was the man who sent Ford crashing to the floor on that night. Many debated the action by the rookie and the one thing that most agreed on was that Horford did not intend to injury Ford. About a month later Anthony Johnson would be kicked out of a game in Toronto for a far more deliberate elbow to the back of Jose Calderon's head. This lead to some questioning the Raptors toughness by once again letting it go without a response. It also made some wonder if the young Hawks were becoming a rival for the Raptors. They currently are battling with the Raptors main Rival the New Jersey Nets for the right to get beat in 4 straight games by the Boston Celtics. In other words the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Here is another reason to hate the hawks for Raptor fans. The newest Hawk Mike Bibby is taking legal action against former Raptor Jerome Williams. It is alleged that Bibby is owed money by a company that Williams is a part owner of that details cars. The amount of money owed is said to be around 70,000 dollars. I think that is a lot of money TO ME. For an NBA star this is like me going out to get a McRib combo at the McDonald's.  Just more fuel to the fire for why Raptor fans may start to hate the Hawks. This was also the place that T.J Ford was never credited for a basket thanks to a score keeping error. The Miami Heat would have a successful protest against Atlanta for another mistake made by the Hawks scorekeeper. It would result in the replay of the final moments of a Hawks vs Heat game. The first double header most NBA fans can ever recall. 

The Atlanta Falcons had the nickname the "DIRTY BIRDS" but I think the name now belongs to the Hawks. Micheal Vick scandal has made the Falcons looking to be the squeaky clean birds. So give the tag to the Hawks. Not like they couldn't use a new marketing plan. They play to a half empty arena every night. Atlanta is a horrible pro sports town when you get right down to it. More people saw Chris Bosh play at Georgia Tech in his one year college career then will see him in his entire NBA career in Atlanta. Sam Mitchell is also from the area and it is a place both Bosh and Mitchell feel comfort in. The two cities of Toronto and Atlanta do have ties from the baseball world as the Blue Jays first World Series win in 1992 was over the Braves. Hard to believe how long ago that was. Could a new basketball rivalry be on the horizon? Perhaps as both teams are young and should be part of the mix in the Eastern Conference for years to come. The bad blood that has come between the Hawks and the Raptors has kind of come out of no where. Tonight will not be the night the Raptors smack the bully Hawks back in the mouth. 

The race is far to tight for playoff positions to worry about getting some payback on the Hawks. That race got tighter last night with a Sixers win last night. Raptors need a win to keep pace. The Hawks as I mentioned are in their own battle with New Jersey. Making this game far to important for them as well to have any kind of nasty incident. If anything was to happen it would come out of the highly charged battle that will go on as both teams are in a must win mode for this basketball game. The Hawks should be nice to the Raptors if they stop to think. Raptors play the Nets two more times and will have a great deal of influence on the Hawks future in the short term. Ironic that the team that Atlanta has had these incidents against will be the team they will be cheering for to help secure them a playoff spot. It isn't just politics that makes strange bed fellows. Sports does it too. 

A lot of emotions for many heading into this basketball game. it should make for an interesting setting for what has the promise of being an entertaining contest. Just make sure you keep score at home while watching. You can TRUST THESE DIRTY BIRDS!!!!

You can trust the Dino Nation Blog though to have a full Raptor Rewind with a game recap, the boxscore and Podcast. The number of games left is shrinking and the excitement is growing as we head to the playoffs. I encourage you all to make the Dino Nation Blog part of that excitement. We will even take any of you that are hoping on the bandwagon for the playoffs. We have lots of room.

Tomorrow was suppose to be your day to take over the Blog. I have not got enough questions and comments to do it at this point. So please drop an email with your Question or comments to DinoNationBlogger@hotmail.com

This is important to me that you all are given a chance to be part of the blog, This is your chance to do so, Please take advantage of that. The odds of you getting in Doug Smith's blog or Eric Smith's are not as great as here so hopefully that is motivation for some of you to drop me an e-mail.  I guess we will all find out tomorrow if you did. Keep in mind whatever you contribute needs to get published so language should be something of a level that my mom and your mom would approve of.

 Playoffs Are All About The D

There are lots of jokes made on this day. The one thing that is no joke is the Raptor defense. The frustrating thing about it to everyone is that at times they have shown the skill to be effective. Last night in the 3rd quarter they held the Bobcats to just 10 points. But when you have given up over sixty points in the first half it doesn't get you much respect. The Playoffs are all about defense and the Raptors learned that lesson last season we thought. But the way the Raptors have played defense this past month it is hard to make the argument that they did learn that lesson. It really is something that can be puzzling. It to most people comes down to effort and attitude. That is the base of defense to the average fan. It is taking pride and saying your not going to beat me.  A more complex explanation would start by looking at on the ball pressure. That is the primary responsibility of the point guard. They do not keep stats on this of course. That does not mean it is any less valuable then points or assists your point guard creates. In this issue both Ford and Calderon can do much better. Ford is undersized most times but has the speed to stay in front of anyone he puts his mind too. Calderon is often beat far to easy off the dribble. It leads to a series of events that have the Raptors break down. 

Jack Armstrong always uses the expression that the word help is the weakest word in the defensive vocabulary. If you begin to become dependent on help you get lazy and you are not giving a max effort. The end result is you see other teams getting wide open looks. That comes from the help defense getting caught out of position. You have heard the expression the help the helper. Well that helper needs help too. Eventually that series of rotations breaks down and you see the end result being an open look. Less help needed will mean less rotations and ultimately less open looks and more contested shots. 

Another expression is that when you defensive rebound that is the completion of your defense. This is also something the Raptors fall far short. One of the biggest reasons Rasho Nesterovic was inserted in the starting line-up because of this fact. Andrea Bargnani has not shown enough effort on the glass. But one man can not make a complete difference. The team as a whole must finish defensive sets with hitting the glass and boxing out. Simple basic concept that as all of these things the Raptors at times have shown the ability to so. It is not a question of if they can do it. The question is are they able to do it consistently? They need to do it if they hope to be able to go anywhere as far as the post season.

If these things are so simple why do the Raptors not get it? Well they understand it these are basic fundamentals not rocket science. So Why? The answer would be that they are so confident they can score on the other end they sometimes get lazy on the defensive end. No one is having issues with the Raptor offense from night to night. They have more then enough scoring to go around. The reason the Raptors brought in Linton Johnson was as much to drive home the fact the focus needs to shift to the defensive end of the floor. Johnson is told to go out and play defense and rebound he will do it or he will be gone. Some Raptors if they do not figure that out may be on new teams this coming off-season.

Many people point the finger of blame for all of this at Sam Mitchell. Ultimately he is the coach and he is held accountable. It should be said though from day one Sam Mitchell has preached defense. Sometimes they have listened to him and other times they have not. That message was told never louder then it was in a locker room in Charlotte last night. To the teams credit they responded. Eventual you can only say things so many times. Mitchell is responsible for what they do but the team as a whole must share in the responsibility. They will all rise and fall ultimately based on what they do on the defensive end of the court. 

Just eight games remain and no matter who ends up the Raptors first round match-up it will come down to how well they play defense. Some teams may be easier to defend then others but it still will be about the basics that are talked about above. Defense wins Championships is the old expression we have all heard and the reason we have is it stands the test of time in almost every sport in every year. Ultimately if Raptors have plans on building a championship team it needs to do that through defense. That is no April Fool's Joke that is a harsh reality.

Chance To Advance Lost

In a season that has to this point had a lot of is the glass half full or empty moments another one happened yesterday. While the Raptors were getting the wood taken to them by Chris Paul and his  Hornets.  Good news from the NBA out of town scoreboard as the Sixers and Wizards both lost as well. Some will say that news is bad as Raptors had a chance to gain ground on both. It is all in how you look at it. Currently the Raptors are in what many would agree is the ideal spot to be. The 6th spot has been the focus of many Raptor fans based on the fact you get the Magic in round 1. The race for 5th through 7th is about as tight as you can get.

• Wizards 38-35
• Raptors 37-36
• Sixers    37-37

The one disappointment that has no good side to it was how Jason Kapono responded to a chance to be in the starting line-up.  Kapono got paid a lot of money to come to Toronto and he has been a disappointment. Many Raptor fans were saying that they wished we had just kept Morris Peterson. I love Moe P as much as anyone. But his time in Toronto was done and Kapono and Peterson are just two of many gunners that make a living in the NBA. Was the signing of Kapono a mistake? It sure may seem that way. But I choose to think about it in the sense of when this team is complete would I want Kapono? That answer is Yes as he still is a very solid shooter. If the Raptors got another player that was able to draw double teams Kapono becomes highly effective. I point to yesterday's game  vs. Hornets. Paul and West both can draw to defenders and who benefits from this the most? Peja who was getting open looks and being a solid shooter he was making them. Kapono has the issue that he can not create his own shot. The other issue that keeps him on the bench is that he is a weak defender and is not able to guard the athletic type players that dominant at his position. 

It was also shown yesterday that as good as both sides of the great debate of Calderon and Ford may make out their guy. Both are not to that elite level at this point. Chris Paul is at that level and it should have been made clear to any Ford or Calderon fan.  So this rush to run one out of town for the other may not be wise. I think of both on that next level down from guys like Paul or Nash. I think as much as people refuse to except it the Raptors need both. It is rare that you have a day like yesterday where at least one of the two can compete no matter the player on the other side.  If you stick with Ford you have the obvious injury history to be concerned with. If you stick with Jose you run the risk of counting on Roko Ukic to be a real player in just year one in the NBA.  That along with realization that Calderon is not a solid defender and has moments where he has not been effective. He is having an outstanding break out season.  He deserves all the credit in the world for his play and his actions. There is a reasonable expectation that after such break out season that his play will dip or level off. Not trying to Jinx Jose but if you look back at other NBA stars that have had these break out season you look to the next year and see a slight dip or a leveling off at the very least. Few Players have been able to improve the next year as well. There is no rush to make this choice for Toronto. Bryan Colangelo knows that even if the media and the fan base don't. 

He is not that April Fool after all he is the 2 time executive of the year. He clearly will have work to do this off season. If the chance to make a trade that would include Ford or even Calderon I think he would look at it. The fact is Colangelo has built this team to give him options and has not painted himself into any corners.  I have confidence in Colangelo and have no doubt there is Plan A-D already made. What happens the rest of the way may alter those plans slightly but the most clear thing that this season has shown is the need for a big defensive force that can defend and rebound. That is at the top of the wish list for Toronto. 

The off-season will be here soon enough. Before I am reduced to waiting for Canada's attempt make the games in China. There is a Raptor season to finish.  You never even know the Raptors may figure things out just in time to make a bit of a run heading into the playoffs.  I am not a baseball fan and grow less a hockey fan everyday so the Raptors and the NBA are all I got. So please don't hit the fast forward button on the rest of the Raptor Season. I am not ready to sit in front of my T.V half asleep watching a NHL Playoff Game that never ends or a Baseball game that seems to last almost as long. I want my B-Ball and I still have it for as long as the Raptors can manage to hang around. Sure once they are out I will still watch the playoffs but it will not feel the same anymore. So enjoy this month ahead Raptor Fans because it is a long cold off season. Well it is technically summer but the way the weather has been I have forgotten what hot feels like. Spring and the Playoffs are coming for Raptor fans. Leaf Fans Golf courses will be open soon too. That being said Raptor Rewind tonight after hopefully a Raptor Win in Charlotte.

Ready To Roll?

Has the storm clouds lifted around the Toronto Raptors. The point guard controversy has it's answer for the short term. Chris Bosh seems to be back to 100% and looking every bit the NBA ALL-STAR PLAYER. The Defense is better and recovered from getting smacked around on the west coast trip from hell. You also have a forecast that includes nothing but clear skies as far as the schedule. The Run that people have waited on this entire season may finally be here. If the Raptors have any chance at all in the playoffs it has to be.

The Raptors have looked a much better team since the line-up shuffle that saw  T.J Ford and Rasho Nesterovic go back to the starting line-up. Jose Calderon has been given the credit for this taking place. A lot of credit and it seems that Jose and the Raptors are a long term thing. This personal sacrifice was great for the short term future of the Raptors. The key is how giving will both he and the Raptors be when working out his new contract. There is no question Jose Calderon has earned a raise. The question is how much of one and is Jose so happy in Toronto that he would take less money to remain here. If he does that then I truly him to earn my nickname for him of Saint Jose. I mean the guy honestly is the closest thing to a saint in pro basketball. Steve Nash has that same kind of off court persona. Jose is even getting compared to him on the court now. I had a friend through the Internet who told me of Jose long before people knew him here and he referenced him as the Spain's equal of Nash. I am not thinking Jose is on that level today. Is he heading in that direction sure. But is true love of Toronto will be told by the numbers that go on that paycheck for next season. Many would say it is crazy to think a player in today's modern world would take a hometown discount for a team that can't even guarantee him the starting spot. It does not make sense to us here in North America where athletes commonly play for contracts and names on backs of jersey's come first. Jose may just shock everyone and take a lesser number and stay a part of things in Toronto. It would not shock me if that happened based on what Jose has done in his career to this point. If there came a point that T.J Ford was gone due to injury or trade Calderon could make an agreement that he could get a chance to get his deal re-done with a extension added to it. Basically there are ways to make this happen if the parties want too. I admit this is all speculation so take it for what it is worth. But Jose could surprise everyone and do the right thing for his team again in the off-season. I will say this though Jose may be indeed saint like but I can bet you his agent is not. Agents are always looking to maximize what their client gets not just for the client but for them. Ari Gold of T.V's Entourage would LOVE to be Jose's Agent right now. He is the typical stereo type of an agent and pretty funny all around. I think Jose would select an agent more like himself though but still an agent is an agent.

But contracts are not on the mind of anyone at this moment. Wins are the thing and getting a bunch of them to head into the post season strong. The Irony of it all is the strongest team out of Toronto,Washington and Philadelphia as a reward ends of with King James!!! That is not right!!! But it is what it is and you will take whatever match-up you end up with. Yeah right. You know everyone wants to finish 6th. How you think all that plays with Dwight Howard. He just might find a phone booth and make the silly team that wanted to finish 6th pay for it. If Raptors do play the Magic the need to bust out those ugly green uniforms again. The Green wave at the ACC!!! Just remember if Boston comes to town to change back. I don't need to here another smart ass Richard Jefferson type remark made by a Celtic. 

The Playoffs are coming fast. The return of Morris Peterson we talked about yesterday. It should be a great moment at the ACC. I also want to mention an end that will happen today. It has a very loose connection to basketball and the Hornets. Ric Flair will wrestle his final match today if I am reading my wrestling script write. Flair was approached by the Hornets when in Charlotte if they could use his WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! as part of the in game sound effects. At least I think they did. The Hornets have change addresses since then but still in New Orleans you here the WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! of Ric Flair. He has been a part of wrestling for 4 decades and will go down as the sports greatest legend of all time. On this Wrestlemania Sunday you may not even be a fan of Wrestling but I say to you Ric Flair is a guy that gave everything to his chosen profession and if NBA players have that kind of heart and drive in them they may not be 16 time NBA Champions but they will find success. Many basketball players are big wrestling junkies and they will all agree that Ric Flair is a Champion too.  He coined so many great phrases that I love to steal. He will live on through his words and video long after his wrestling boots are collecting dust. So Everyone together with me one time like you mean it WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Great people are great people and we can all take something from the past. In wrestling based on how it works you can have a career that lasts over 30 years. Basketball and other pro sports are not like that. So I say to you if you never have done this. Go find ESPN CLASSIC CANADA or something like it and watch the players like Russell and Kareem and Jerry West and hundreds of others I could mention. You can gain a lot of respect for this games history and the people that made it. They are responsible for you having the game you see today. Hope people take that advice. Tonight we will have the usual recap and podcast. In case you decide to choose Wrestlemania over Raptor Basketball or even if you don't.  Whatever the case the Dino Nation Blog always as got your back with Raptor Rewind.

Return Of A Class Guy

The title of this Blog is what I suggested to put on a sign for a Raptor fan that was going to the game tomorrow. He is also a reader of this Blog if memory serves me right. I have no idea if he took my advice for his sign but for myself it is how I truly feel. I have maybe spent about 20 minutes of my life in the company of Morris Peterson.  In that short amount of time I learned that he is one of the nicest guys I had the chance to interview in my small broadcasting career. He comes off more like your buddy that just happens to play in the NBA. I had wrote about these encounters before in the blog. I am a native of Hamilton and he is a native of Flint Michigan the two cities are joined by an event called the Canusa games. It is a annual competition between the two cities is a variety of sports. Basketball is one of them and Track events and a whole bunch of other sports. 

The fact that an NBA player knew the city I lived in was pretty cool to me. I don't know about Moe but I imagine thinking back to his youth was nice for him as well. Maybe that is why we had a connection in are short meetings ever summer for 3 years running. I am not saying we were buddies or anything but by year 3 with a little mention of past conversations he would remember who I was.  He was just a great happy going guy and got along with everyone even Vince Carter would have fun if Moe was around. I have interviewed him as well at it is a far different feeling. Vince Carter kind of let's you know he is Vince Carter and it is obvious. It isn't to say Vince is a bad guy. Although in a Toronto Raptor Blog who would complain if I said he was. It was just you got that feeling that he was this star and you were a guy with a microphone that was part of his job and nothing more. I never got that feeling from Moe. He would shake your hand and say hello. When the questions were asked and the work was done he would do the same when it was done. I mean I think it was obvious I was not a regular member of the media and maybe that is why. But whatever the reason he did it and I remember it.  That is probably why I will always have a place in my world for Morris Peterson. Even if he did go to Michigan State and I cheer for Michigan he was a good human being. Not college he attended or team he will play for will change my opinion of him.  Please understand I am not saying any of this to build myself up. I do not care about that. I worked in the media a bit got to meet a few people and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoy doing what I am now. The point is I think fans don't often get long and repeated chances to met athletes and get to know them.  You know them pretty much from what you read and watch. I will say the Raptors do a good job in trying to give fans chances to interact with the players though. Far more then any team I can think of.  I just wanted to share my experiences and let you know that if you thought Morris Peterson was a good guy I wanted to confirm to you he indeed is that great guy you think. It doesn't always work that way.

I also think Morris Peterson is a good example of being careful of not falling in love with the guys you might be watching in the NCAA Tournament. Peterson was not the Star on his Michigan State team that won the National Title. Mateen Cleeves was the star and drafted ahead of Peterson. He has bounced in and out of the league ever since. Morris Peterson has become a solid NBA pro. So just because you are a huge success in the NCAA does not guarantee you anything in the NBA. Raptor Fans wanted Ed and Ed was a bust but Damon Stoudamire was the rookie of the year. Isiah Thomas did and does one thing right. That thing is draft well. His coaching record is not that great his record as a G.M other then the draft is God Awful. But he does draft well. After last night I will tell you that doesn't do anything close to enough to help him keep his job. But back to the NCAA. Now that I have warned you not to fall in love with NCAA Prospect based on the Tournament I am going to go against my own argument. Stephen Curry is just like his dad. I am sold on the fact he will be a solid NBA pro. He has all the reasons that you would think he could be. His only challenge is a lack of size. He like T.J Ford at times can look like a child in size compared to everyone else. But he can shoot the air out of the ball and that is why Curry will follow in his dad's footsteps to the NBA it is just a case of when. His run with Davidson has been truly fun to watch. T.J Ford's project from this summer was a young kid that played at his old school Texas. D.J Augustine gives a lot of credit to Ford for his success and he is heading to the elite 8 and looking to match what Ford did by getting Texas to the Final Four. So in these times of praise for Jose Calderon there is a kid down in Texas that will tell you T.J Ford is a good dude too.

Raptor fans I would hope will give Peterson the welcome he earned through his many loyal years in Toronto. I am confident they will. The Fans Cheering For Pizza and the contestant booing of T.J Ford is becoming a hypocritical joke to me. You cheered the guy a few months ago after his injury and now you boo him that is weak. But all that said fans loved Moe P and it will be on display on Sunday. The return of Raptors is always a big event one way or the other. I just hope I am not talking about a return of T.J Ford or Jose Calderon in this way next year. I have heard all the talk and the reasons. But I may be alone in my belief but I think last night showed you why despite what salary number you want to attach to them, Ford and Calderon are a good combo and pick each other up on off nights. The boldest move that Bryan Colangelo could make is to keep both. I think this team needs both. I am not will to just follow the trend and say one or the other will be gone. If I am wrong so be it. But I don't think it will work out as well as people hope and expect if it does.

I promised an update on the Jack Armstrong effort. I have to say it was great hearing Jack last night on Raps TV. I am sure hoping it also will continue. So far 298 people have signed a petition that states they want Jack back. There is also my podcast up on the Score.com Bullhorn. I will provide the links once again for those who would like to support Jack and keep him part of Raptor broadcasts. I urge you to do so he like Moe is a quality human being. 

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bringbackjack/

http://www.thescore.com/bullhorn/ViewBullhornDetail.aspx?ID=2586

3 Cheers For Jose

I am only guessing but I would think a lot of the people that read this blog regularly were expecting to see a T.J Ford picture with a caption saying HE'S BACK.  Well that did not happen for the simple reason that he is back because of the team first attitude of Jose Calderon.  What Jose as done in suggesting he take a seat on the bench is one of the most selfless acts in sports I can recall.  No matter what side of the whole Ford/Calderon debate that fact can not and should not be ignored.  It is a great thing to see and should serve as an example to all of us about what team player is all about. I was not exactly happy with the way T.J Ford has ended up back in the starting line-up. I did say this would happen when Ford returned. I made that statement feeling that Ford would earn the spot back and that didn't happen.  I hope personally as a fan of T.J Ford hope that he has thanked Jose for what he has done for him. If Ford is the person I think he is then he will.  Ford now has a chance to put behind him a situation that was not fair to him personally. Life and Injury cost him his starting spot and it took the true class of his team mate in Jose to get it back.

The other major swap in the starting line-up will spark far less debate. Rasho Nesterovic has played well and acted like a true professional the entire year. Andrea Bargnani has shown no consistency in his game what so ever. It was clear for awhile that Rasho could and should be the starter. The reason it hadn't happened till now can likely be based on the fragile confidence that Bargnani has shown. Eventually though the move had to be made. Andrea Bargnani is just not ready for prime time for 48 minutes. This move will serve to define him one way or the other. He needs to understand that he must earn the minutes and the honor of starting. He has not done that enough. Rasho is quiet and classy and has never said anything about being shuffled from the bench to starter throughout the year. He has quietly played some excellent basketball and is more then deserving of this chance he has been given.

The fact the Raptors made these moves took a lot of guts on the part of Sam Mitchell. I know he say he doesn't read the papers or the Internet. I don't think that is the absolute truth but he does here people boo T.J Ford. So he knew the adding of him to the starting line-up would not exactly be meet with overwhelming support and applause. Sam himself takes many shots from fans on the net and talk radio. I can guarantee on Hoops tonight on the Fan 590 and Raps TV you will here a fan call in and rip Sam Mitchell it is a lock. What is also a lock is that caller won't be me. I think the moves took a lot of guts to make and the fact that the Raptors won was the only thing that stopped it from being more evidence used by those who think Sam can't coach.  Some will still do it regardless and some will point to Jose and his great act of team attitude. I mean some refuse to give this man the respect of winning coach of the year. Credit for a simple line-up shuffle will not come from his detractors.

There is 11 more games to go and Jose made it clear to all that this team has decided to stay the way  you see the rest of the way. Like it or not this will be your starting 5 the rest of the season as long as everyone remains healthy. It would be nice to think that Raptor Fans would rally behind this and support it. I have been watching this team and it's fan base for far to long to have hope that this will happen though. If I am able to convince even a few though to do it then it was worth typing it.  Jose Calderon should have taught all of us a lesson. You may not agree with everything or like everyone that makes up this Raptor Basketball team. The blind loyal nature of children to the team they cheer for fades away with age.  Jose showed that it is all about team and that includes all of you that are fans. So look inside yourself and find some team spirit and support your team all of them.

Remember This?

This is the picture that comes to mind when most people think of Micheal Jordan's first NBA Title. But to get to this point took many failures and attempts. The best player in the history of the game to many did not just instantly become as NBA Champion. He had many wars and struggles to reach that point. The battles with the Pistons and Knicks it was a true struggle to get to this moment. Easy to forget now when you think back now to the many championships that would follow.

Toronto Raptors one day hope to hold that trophy and bring it to Canada. That is the goal for every NBA Team to eventual reach that point of being considered the best team in the NBA. It is a very hard thing to accomplish and it takes many years of trying to make it a realistic.  Some Raptor fans and realistic just do not go together. I can't tell you how many trades that have no hope of every coming true I read on a weekly basis. The rush for success by a lot of Raptor fans is not based in realistic terms. There have been points in this franchise where the Raptors have jumped ahead of expectations. Last season was one of those points. An Atlantic Division title was a goal that came to this team far before many had expected. This lead to this of high in the sky expectations. The Raptors if they should lose on Wednesday will be officially worse then last year record wise. Does this mean the goal of being a Champion has gone of course? It would be if the Raptor fans that are in a rush to success were running the team. They want T.J Ford Traded, Sam Mitchell fired and Andrea Bargnani To be cast aside in a trade. Will any of these things happen any time soon? Sorry to burst your bubble but it would be highly unlikely in all cases. You can never say never but Bryan Colangelo is a smart guy and knows that fans can have the freedom to let loose and say whatever they like even if it has no chance of happening.

But if you are the General Manger of the Toronto Raptors you can not just say whatever comes to mind. Colangelo was quoted in the papers talking on a number of issues.  He was careful to say the right things and admitted he expected more from everyone. In that everyone he means himself as well.  Colangelo himself has spent a lifetime in pursuit of an NBA Championship.  Just like his Father Jerry has before him and along side him with the Suns. He clearly understands the challenge that it is to win a championship in this league. Raptor fans as passionate as they may be to not live and breath this goal every moment of the day. It is his job and his ultimate goal.  The same can be said of everyone connected with the Toronto Raptors organization. It is more then just talk on the basketball side of the MLSE. The hockey team across the hall talks about wanting to win Stanley Cups but at this point does anyone believe them? I think people do believe in the people on the basketball team having the desire to win a Championship. They have too have this goal first and foremost. The sellout crowds that have filled the Air Canada Center for basketball are not just expected to happen. It takes the Raptors being successful for it to happen. The same can not be said for the Hockey team.  

It is certainly concerning to see what is going on with the Raptors. It is not a time to panic though and rush to make choices that will have large impact on this franchise and it's current path. Raptors made this mistake before when they were on the high of playoff success. The re-signing of Antonio Davis, Jerome Williams, Alvin Williams and Vince Carter along with the addition Hakeem the dream. Many thought that Raptors had turned into contenders. History would show this was not the case. Getting to an NBA title is not a 100 meter Dash it is a marathon.  The Raptors tried to sprint ahead only to run out of gas and fall apart altogether. The next season and what is left of this one will be a key moment in the Bryan Colangelo Era one way or another. Colangelo has created himself a lot of flexibility to change his roster and improve it.  The Raptor team at this point next year has the potential to look very different if he choose to do so.  Likely the one thing that is of concern and is the amount of money it will take and the number of years to keep Jose Calderon. Bryan has went on record saying the Raptors will match any offer that he gets as a restricted free agent. So many feel this means if that number is to high that means you automatically must trade T.J Ford but at least from a cap perspective that is not true. If the Raptors are to break up the point guard duo it will not be done without getting the most value possible in return. T.J Ford's value today would not be nearly as high as if he stays injury free and makes it to next season's trade deadline healthy. It is also not unreasonable to think Ford could return next season and actually win his job back.  People also need to remember that Jose Calderon will be planning on playing For Spain in China. I think the Memphis Grizzles can tell you what can happen in international competition to a star player. So those looking to run T.J out of town should remember that fact. 

The rush to make a choice is almost always the wrong move. Think if the Lakers had rushed and unloaded an unhappy Kobe Bryant. The best thing you can be as an NBA General Manager is patient. The good G.M's are the ones that have that kind of control. It is a important factor that is the base of any good G.M. It is important to know when to make your moves and when to stay the course. Ask Rob Babcock what can happen if you get pushed into a trade by a superstar player. Actually I'll save you the Boredom to quote Donald Trump and Vince McManon " YOUR FIRED". That is not going to happen to Bryan Colangelo any time soon. He will do what it takes to get it done after all it is more then just a job to him it is a life long family obsession to win an NBA TITLE.

So in this time of doubt and uncertainty you can breath easy cause when you have stopped being concerned about the Raptors for a moment you can know that Bryan Colangelo is on the job. Raptor fans can sleep much sounder with him as the leader of this franchise. Much more then the guys running the hockey team or Rob Babcock.  In fact maybe that is the Answer Rob Babcock the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I can't think of a more perfect fit. Dino Nation helping Leaf Nation do what they have done since 1967. LOSE!!! I know some of you may be actually be Leaf fans but at least you have the good sense to be Raptors fans as well so there is still hope for you!!! I will save you a full-time Membership in the Dino Nation.

What Will It Take To Make Sam Smile?

Tom Landry the long time Dallas Cowboy coach would never smile. It took his team winning a championship to make it happen. Sam Mitchell is far more emotional then most of his players. You could make the case that this team's coach is it's emotional leader. But 35-35 after you are the defending NBA Coach of the Year is far from what is expected. It has been a frustrating time and everyone is questioning his every move. A couple games ago you saw T.J Ford just lose it and get tossed from a basketball game. Should things continue the way they have as of late. You can expect the coach Sam Mitchell to have a press scrum of an equal quality. I'm not saying that Jim Labumbard will have to jump in and hold him back. For the record the Raptor media relations man couldn't even if he wanted too.  But a reporter will ask a question and light the fuse and then it is just a matter of waiting for the BOOM. The pressure that Mitchell feels is based on the success he had. He was rewarded with a big new contract and was the first ever Raptor Coach to make it to a second contract with the team.  If Sam was in politics you would have to give him credit for staying on message. The clear message from day 1 has been defense that has not changed. The way his team has played it has and there have been wild swings in that. I don't know it for a fact but other then in the first year of a team existing I think it be safe to bet no team has ever set records for worst defense in a game and the best defense in the same season let alone the same month. 

I think this is part of the frustration for all. The Raptors have played quality defense in games and stretches of this season.  Other times they have been exposed and taken to task. The last couple games they have played fairly well through 3 quarters and then fall apart in the 4th. Now they did have 3 very talented players doing the damage to them. Still that is not an excuse. Playoffs are going to always have talented guys no matter who you face.  Besides if you can do it in quarter number 1 why not in number 4.  Sure I get that guys get motivated and stars take up their games in the 4th quarter. But the defense needs to also rise along with that. 

If you are Bryan Colangelo you have to be concerned about a lot of things.  Sam Mitchell would be on that list no doubt. However the up and down nature of his number one pick Andrea Bargnani has to be frustrating. I mean yesterday an all world first quarter with 16 points and looked just amazing and then nothing. Many point the finger of blame at Sam Mitchell for Bargnani's lack of success. However it is hard as a coach to not know what your gonna get from any player let alone a player that you have in your starting line-up. The thing you need as a coach is consistency and from your players. It make the choices about Andrea hard for a coach in what to do. Bargnani can be confident and show great skill in one minute and then lack confidence commit silly fouls in the next. Some Raptors fans are saying that this is rapidly becoming a Bryan Colangelo issue instead of a Sam Mitchell one. Trading of Andrea Bargnani would be a risk on both sides. He has shown flashes of pure brilliance. The argument that big men take longer to develop is true and valid. The issue is though at this point Bargnani could have a decent value on the trade market. It is like playing the stock market you always want to sell high. If you continue to wait Andrea Bargnani you run the risk of losing value should he never turn around. It is a tough call. The possibility of being made to look silly by whatever you do exists. Bryan Colangelo has always been a pro active general manger and even  though Andrea was his pick he would not keep him just to prove he was right. The light needs to stay on for Andrea Bargnani and grow in wattage. If not he will not last in Toronto for as long as people think I would imagine. 

This can not be a very Happy Birthday for T.J Ford. He catches heat for his every move on the floor. He has lost his starting job because of Al Horford. T.J would have remained the starter if not for the crash land he suffered at the hands of Horford.  Sam Mitchell said it himself. I would be frustrated to if I was him. Fans don't show him much sympathy but if you take a step back and look at it you can understand. That being said the choice for now has been made for the rest of this season. T.J needs to accept that and move forward. He is doing that after his meltdown in Utah. Sam Mitchell is responsible for when he is in the game and when he is out. I think Sam has put Ford in situations that make him the target of fans. But ultimately Sam is the target. I like Sam and I have supported Sam but I think his managing of his point guards has not served ether one that well at all. The combination of the two players can work we all have seen it. However it takes all 3 of the people involved to make it work. Sam, Jose and T.J. They have to all get things worked out so that this reconfigured version of FORDERON can work as effectively. Calderford  is not showing the same results. 

Chris Bosh's Birthday is not as happy as it could have been. He would be at the front of the line of people disappointed by his team being 35-35. However Chris Bosh in his career as a Raptor has never backed away from a challenge. He re-signed here saying that he wanted to be part of the solution in Toronto.  He is as fans were reminded by his 10 game absence the most important part of the puzzle in Toronto.  He will be challenged with getting this Raptor season back on track.  It still can be saved despite the doom and gloom that seems to be in the Raptor fan base.  The task gets tougher as Washington is on verge of getting a returning Gilbert Arenas and Philadelphia choose to stay the course and did not dump anyone at the deadline and have been playing some of the best basketball in the Eastern Conference.  If the Raptors face the Pistons in the playoffs it could be a very short and painful exit for them.  Bosh himself has struggled in his career matched up against Pistons. 

The Expectations of this team were far to high at the start of this season. Some had this team winning 50 games and going to give the Celtics a battle for the Atlantic Division Title they were defending. The Celtics have ended up far more dominate then some expected including me.  Raptors on other hand have had many injuries that were far from planned and they have struggled through to stay a float despite all of that.  But the even realistic estimates of where this team was going to end up have fallen short. With Just 12 games to go the Raptors would have to win all 12 to match last year's win total. But that isn't that likely. But there are many "WINNABLE" games. New Jersey twice, New York, Charlotte twice, Bulls.  You get the idea.  So Raptors can still make a late rally to move up back to where they were. The ideal is to end up in 6th and play the Magic. But Orlando is not going to just roll over and die. So don't start the round 1 championship parade just yet if Raptors draw Orlando in round 1. I know many media people will be pulling for this match-up for the obvious reasons. Cleveland is just not as warm and nice a place to travel to as the home of the Magic Kingdom. 

Raptors need some Magic to get this season to be in the end what Raptor fans wanted. All that will take is a first round playoff series. If that happens the overall record will be long forgotten.  So just figure out your problems and get ready for the playoffs. Seems simple enough so don't worry Sam Mitchell will no doubt Smile again. He does every first and fifteenth when he checks his bank statement . But he will again for his basketball team too.

Happy Easter Dino Nation!!!

OK first thing your asking is who is the dude in the bunny suit? Answer is I have no idea. I wanted a basketball easter themed pic and bunny suit dude came up in my search. It was him or Bugus Bunny in Space Jam. Bunny suit dude won because I couldn't find a good Space Jam picture. This has little to do with today's blog but I thought an explanation was in order. Now before we get to basketball on the floor I have an important issue to bring up about something off the floor.

Depending on when you logged on to the blog yesterday you may know a bit about this already. Most Raptor fans are aware that Sportsnet is no longer going to be broadcasting Raptor Games next year. This would mean that Jack Armstrong would no longer be broadcasting games on regular cable if things remain the same. That would mean he will only be found on Raps TV if at all. Now understand I have Raps TV and I am doing this more for the Raptor Fans that don't have it. You might say that who cares if they don't have it they should pony up the money and get it. Some fans can not do that. Raps TV is not carried on all cable systems. In addition to that Raps TV on carries a few games in a given season. Somewhere around 10% I didn't do the math but that is a rough estimate. I personally would like to see 100% of Jack Armstrong with Chuck Swirsky but that likely isn't happening. The real fear I have is that with a reduced amount of schedule the Raptors may not bring back Jack next season. He does do a lot of college work and I am sure could do more if not for his Raptor commitments. Norma Wick was gone with pretty much not a thank you or even an explanation from Raps TV. So I am not confident in sitting on my hands and doing nothing. So here is the plan. I did a podcast yesterday and it is posted on thescore.com's bullhorn section. It says we want Jack Armstrong on the Score. If you like Jack and want him to stay a part of Raptor basketball like me go to the link I am going to post and vote for this posting and add your comments and tell the score you WANT JACK. Can a bunch of Raptor fans make a difference to MLSE or the Score? I don't know. But what I do know is if we sit on are collective hands and next season starts we might be asking where the hell is Jack Armstrong and by then it is too late to do anything. You need to be a registered member of the score.com which is TOTALLY FREE to support this effort. Jack has given us all 10 years of great Raptor coverage give him back less then 10 minutes if you would and show your support. Here is the link to the posting:

http://www.thescore.com/bullhorn/ViewBullhornDetail.aspx?ID=2586

Also A Real GM Forum Poster Started this Go Sign it!!!:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bringbackjack/index.html

They say Bloggers are people that just like to get a buzz off feeling more self important. I try not to be that way. Doing things to help good people is a good way to keep yourself grounded. Jack Armstrong is "good people" and I enjoy his work and want it to continue.

Happy Easter if I haven't said that already. If you do not celebrate Easter have great day regardless. It is also Chris Bosh and T.J Ford's Birthday's So Happy Birthday to both of them. Hopefully after the game today vs. Denver they will feel like celebrating. Denver sure left the Raptors feeling like doing anything but celebrating. No Bosh and records in Raptor lack of defense. It was the worst moment of what was a terrible trip out west. The Raptors have to forget about all of that and get to work. The Sixers and Wizards are coming on fast and when the merry go round stops the Raptors do not want to see themselves paired with the Detroit Pistons. A 7th place result in the Eastern Conference would be viewed as a big disappointment based on expectations heading into this year. 

The race for 6th place is what most Raptor fans would like to happen. That is an interesting balancing act. Win enough to stay out of 7th but not to much or you'll get into 5th and face that Lebron James fellow from the last game and that would not be good news. But I suggest to you all just put your head down don't look at the standings and just cheer for this team to play some quality basketball. No matter who the Raptors end up with in the playoffs they will have to be doing that to have any chance at winning. I even heard on fan on a posting site suggest that the Raptors made an attempt to lose against Cleveland. Sam Mitchell not putting in Jose Calderon was I guess part of that master plan. But seriously the Calderon non-sub in till late in the 4th Quarter is not new thing. Sam had done the same thing with T.J sitting in the role of starter not coming in till late. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. It put tremendous pressure on both point guards in my opinion. I know Sam Mitchell values opinions in the media SO MUCH and the Internet even MORE. So I won't expect a thank you e-mail for my suggestion. If I am to believe Sam he doesn't even read Doug Smith let alone me.

These are tough times for the Raptors and my NCAA Bracket. I wanted to thank everyone that is taking part in the bracket pool I hope you have enjoyed. Next season I have plans for a keeper Fantasy Basketball league. That is long way off though. My Fantasy Basketball season went bye-bye with my Computer Meltdown last month. So stay tuned at start of next season for details on that. So Spring is here and welcome to the Playoff Drive. Enjoy the Day Raptors win would help but be good to your loved ones regardless and try not to get sick on chocolate bunny. We will have Recap and Podcast after the game. The Dino Nation Blog takes no Holidays the only thing that stops it is power surges and broken computers. That being said might be a little slower then usual have to stop typing every now and again the get rid of the chocolate. Support Jack, Support the Raps and Thanks as always for Supporting me by reading. Spread the good word of the Dino Nation Blog.

Love And Basketball

I have talked about the changes that we have seen in Chris Bosh this season a few times this season. I would suspect some of that has to do with the lady pictured above. She was the one that was behind the camera for the famous CB4 All-Star Video  that spread like wild fire on Utube. Many will also remember she was the one that got into a verbal conversation with Lebron James and it had some to say the least impact on the game.  I am also a Cowboy fan and even if you are not the story of Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo crossed into the main stream. The relationship between the two became very public once Terrell Owens had his say on it. Simpson is now to say the least hated by most if not all cowboy fans. In fact the subject of the comparison was brought up in a Chris Bosh interview on TNT. Bosh was asked if his girlfriend had become the Jessica Simpson of Canada. Bosh said that it was nothing like that. But the saga of Romo and Simpson would continue into the playoffs for the Cowboys as the two had a vacation in Mexico that was a gift from Terrell Owens to make up for his comments in the media. This was in the bye week before the Giants played the Cowboys a week later. The Giants would defeat the Cowboys and go on to win the most unlikely of Super Bowl Championships beating the undefeated Patriots. Once again Cowboy fans were not that impressed. Well who will Raptors play if playoffs started today? That is right Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavs. The story is starting to sound a lot alike no? Well Raptors closest thing to Terrell Owens is T.J Ford and I don't think he will be sending Bosh on a trip prior to the playoffs. Simpson never smack talked Eli Manning as far as I know. So it isn't exactly the same. But if the results are the same Chris Bosh and his personal life may be in the spotlight. I am not crazy about the whole Idea of talking about who someone is dating in a sports blog. It kind makes me feel like some Hollywood dirt sheet reporter.  

I think if the young lady had it to do all over again she would not have done what she did. I also think that the changes for the good in Chris Bosh being more open and fun loving are at least in part do to her influence. I have dated people in my life that are not exactly the most acceptable choice in the eyes of others. The truth is though I have never been as famous as Chris Bosh and likely will never be. I mean this blog is starting to get more readers but I am realistic!!! Seriously though the point is about the only people I have to answer questions from about who I choose to date is my mother. Chris Bosh has a media scrum to deal with almost everyday. Why on earth should he have to defend his choice of girlfriend to the media. Well that big check that he gets has a lot of things that are in the fine print. The face of the franchise is a full time job and the private life you have may not stay that way. Sure in an ideal world this should not happen. But in an Ideal world she never would have set off Lebron James to torch the Raptors. 

Last year the Raptors heading to the playoffs had two likely first round opponents. Washington Wizards which likely would have been an easy win and from a media perspective and a fan one, a very boring and buzz free series. The other option was the one they got which was the whole Vince Carter Circus coming to town. Fans and Media all wanted it. The idea of the series had both media and fans alike drooling. It was as people in media like to say the "sexy"  match-up. This year Raptors are in a very similar situation with two likely choices maybe three if things go very bad. Cleveland from a whole story aspect would be the sexiest and the whole angle of what happened in Toronto earlier in the year would at least get a bit of attention. It along with a reconstructed Cavs team may not exactly be ideal. However if you think the Raps can finish strong then this is where we are heading. 

I can only imagine the answer Sam Mitchell would have if asked about his star's girlfriend. The reaction to that question would be a Score Tonight Moment.( Score Likes B-Ball So They Get the Love) . Toronto has had it's share of players that had family become part of the story. Vince's Mom was always a subject. We had Antonio Davis and his wife who didn't much like are schools for her kids. Who could forget the Christies, I wish I could. Is Chris Bosh's Girlfriend heading to this list. I sure hope not. She unlike the other people mentioned has done good as well as some bad. But I think the good out weighs the bad. It really doesn't matter to me except the fact she got involved with a player on the other team and it was not a good idea at all. Not that player anyway he is too good too light a match around because your asking to get burned.

This is all sparked by the fact the Raptors are off to Cleveland. It will be a real indicator as to where the Raptors might stand in a series against them. I have flip flopped on if this series would be a good or bad thing for the Raptors in the long term. I mean you have to think that Lebron James is always going be a factor for as long as he decides to call the Eastern Conference home. Would it not be a good idea to see how you handle that if you are the Raptors win or lose. I think playing the Nets was a much better thing for this team. If they had played the Wizards and won advancing forward would they have learned as much as they did by playing the Nets. I say no way. I also think no offense to Mr. James but even he a MEGA STAR could not create the hype that the return of Vince Carter did in last year's playoffs. Raptors got to experience that and learn from it. Sure Lebron basketball wise is a far greater challenge then Vince Carter. In Toronto, Ontario Canada though Vince Carter is still the biggest story compared to any other NBA STAR you care to choose. Fans HATE Vince and always will. They may dislike Lebron or Kobe on occasion and they still do not enjoy Tracy McGrady.  But it is Vince and everyone else as far as hype and energy in the ACC. Vince Carter once was said to declare that the ACC was the house that he built. I agree with him it is. Chris Bosh owns it now but Vince Always takes control of it when he drops in for a visit. Hate is a stronger emotion then love at least in the world of sports. Vince is to Raptor fans the Girl that left them behind and rejected them. They never forgive him and refuse to forget him. 

Who will the Raptors end up with? Not sure. But Just in case Chris Bosh put in that request for a private box for your Girlfriend and family. Not just for Raptor fans but for yourself as well and them. What could you do with their tickets? Well he likes kids and how cool as a kid would it be to sit courtside at an NBA Playoff Game? That is the Dino Nation Blogger's advice it is free and no charge because I care.

Lots of work today that is why this was wrote late last night. Raps vs Cavs... Raptor Rewind and  Podcast and Day 2 NCAA Recap. A busy blogger in a happy blogger? Or is it a tired Blogger? Well I love doing it Tired or Happy and I hope you enjoy reading just as much. You are all very much appreciated by me. I got a suggestion from the new group on Facebook that I should try a smaller font so I am. If this is an issue to anyone in a bad way please let me know. I do my best to make things work well for all of you. your suggestions and comments are always welcomed. In fact soon they will be part of the blog. We are going to have a Mailbag Day just like the Big Kid Blogs Like Doug Smith and Eric Smith Do. I will go into details when this is ready to start.

March Madness Day 1 Leader is.... Jon Steinberg he went a perfect 16-0 yesterday NICE WORK. He has a 2 game lead on a group of 5 tied for second that includes yours truly the Dino Blogger. I am just happy I have not fallen on my face.