Past And Present

Kevin Durant this time last year was the biggest thing in Texas Basketball since maybe T.J Ford. He was the best player in the NCAA just like Ford and he was unable to get his team a championship. Seattle is more concerned with where they will be playing next year and if ping pong balls fall their way again. But be it is Seattle or Oklahoma City they are getting a young dynamic duo. Raptor fans will remember the short lived tandem of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. Durant and is running mate Jeff Green out of Georgetown Via the Boston Celtics. Green was good enough to send Ray Allen packing to Boston and eventually lead to the Garnett Trade. So if you hate the Celtics send your complaint letters to the Sonics. Garnett only took interest in Boston after they acquired Ray Allen. Seattle will not complain though Green was the star of the Hoyas just like Durant with Texas. Green is not as flashy as Durant but he is a nice compliment. The danger with Durant could be to much to fast and not much expectations with a franchise in limbo like the Sonics seem to be. David Stern so much as said the Sonics are leaving Seattle and it was now a question of when and not if they will leave. That can not be a very healthy spot to be for a young superstar. I was one of the few that would have taken Durant and not Greg Oden. I know that might seem nuts but part of that choice was I questioned the how durable Oden was.  I didn't have inside info but was I shocked that Oden was out for the year? Nope not a bit. Durant may not be a big like Oden but he is a athletic wing man that can be a dominate force the likes of a McGrady or Carter. Oden could be great and maybe great but I just am not as sold that greatness can be in a long career. I have been wrong about things before but on this I think Durant will end up being the best player of the 2 players.

Toronto Raptors are only concerned with stopping Durant on this Sunday. Things are a mess in Raptorworld.  Bosh not in the line-up and a controversy of media attention that hovers over T.J Ford. The new look Raptors are in the first real test of the Bryan Colangelo era. You have to wonder what he is thinking these days. It is fairly obvious that things have leveled off this season. There has not been the progression from last season's great run back to the playoffs. He will have many chips he can play in the next off season. There is of course the issue of how much will it cost to keep Jose Calderon and if you keep Delfino and Brezec. That and a bunch of expiring contract money. I don't know what he will do but I do know this he will do something it is in his nature. Bryan Colangelo wants and needs to win. Anything less is unacceptable.

This is going to be a real test of the of what the Raptors have beyond Bosh. It is also a major chance for Andrea Bargnani to show what he can do. He earned some respect by getting up and taking the hard foul in Miami and than followed it up with a great performance vs. Washington.  He still needs to rebound more to totally be effective. But if he can score at a higher level most will overlook that. Anthony Parker in a time when the team has not done well he personally has. He should score more and has lately. He was a star in Europe and here he become a role player. But the time has come to expand that role to scorer as well. Even when Bosh returns I want to see A.P score 16-20 a night. He is capable of it and we need to see it.  

Another person who has played well in these tough times is Rasho Nesterovic. The truth be told I would be surprised if you see Rasho next year. The same reason he ended up in Toronto will be the reason he leaves. His Contract is just to big for his skill set. He does have value though but in order to make trades happen his contract would be required to get a major piece to come back to Toronto in a trade. The Raptors may have got Brezec to replace Rasho eventually should he perform to a level that Raptors want to keep him. They are both big and from the same country but one is quiet and the other is not. I love Brezec fire and grit but Primoz SHUT UP when you are talking to the Refs and get us Technical Fouls. I mean Brezec has never seen a foul he committed. Needless to say the game today vs. Seattle is a must win.

Two ex-Raptors are part of the hottest team in the NBA. 18 wins for T-Mac, Rafer Alston and the Yaoless Rockets. I have no answer as to why this is going on and when it will stop. The Suns got a big in Shaq and they struggle. Yet the Rockets lose a big and get hot. Maybe the answer is that the era of the dominant big men is dying. Guys like Russell, Chamberlin and a long list behind them of great NBA Big Men. It could be the end of an era. That is why I say Durant and not Oden. The new school is not about positions. It is Numbers that guy who was a power forward is now commonly referenced as a 4. The Center is now just a number 5. Does it mean anything. Well that alone does not. But the fact more and more coaches seem to just find ways to get the best 5 players on the floor regardless of position is. Teams are not afraid to play small ball for stretches of time. Some do it successfully others not so much. But the point is the fundamental values of basketball are slowly changing. The Rockets better with No Yao may be proof of that. It may just be dumb luck as well. A highly motivated Tracy McGrady is a good thing too.

So relax and enjoy the Raps and Sonics today. With all the snow outside there isn't much better to do. That is if your reading from most of Canada. But watch the game today because if Bosh is not to return soon the Raps may be hard pressed to find another win anytime soon. Even with him it would be tough. A loss today just can not happen. Sorry Seattle but we can't afford to give you another win please try the New York Knicks Or Miami Heat they seem in a more giving mood these days.

Raptor Rewind after the game and likely another post game podcast. So don't forget to check back few hours after the game.

Who Can Change Raps Luck?

What can the Raptors do if Chris Bosh does not return sooner rather than later. Who can make a difference that will be good enough to not just compete but win. The obvious answer is Andrea Bargnani be cause he has the skills to be a big time scorer on a given night. But last night he scored and the Raptors still ended up on the short end up on the short end of the stick. Truth be told it will take a collective effort from everyone. That is what the Wizards have had to do for most of the season. The unfortunate thing for the Raptors is the way the schedule is they would be hard pressed to find wins even with Bosh. Last season the Raptor were able to weather a long period with out Bosh but the schedule was not as challenging. That being said the early part of this time without Bosh was not demanding and they have only managed a 1-3 record. It does not exactly inspire confidence.

There is also the growing concern over T.J Ford. He was less than impressive last night and has been the target of fans displeasure throughout this tough stretch for the Raptors. Speculation continues that he is disgruntled about his role as the back-up to Jose Calderon. The Raptors have sited personal issues that Ford is dealing with. The truth remains unknown but speculation that he is unhappy is logical.  Ford did say to media he was fine with Jose as the starter and understood. But knowing the competitor Ford is you have to feel he saw Jose having his job as a temporary thing. That when he was back and healthy he would go back to the starting line-up. Things have not worked out though and the T.J Ford that was a force in the game vs. Atlanta when he was injured has yet to be reappeared. Some fans have already traded T.J away in their minds but if anything happened to Calderon the Raps would need to count on T.J. So getting him right weather it be body wise or mind wise is important. 

It has been hard season for Toronto. They have never had a long stretch with everyone health and playing good ball. The reality of things is that the key season for the Raptors is next year but the hope was they could build off the success of last year. Next season Bryan Colangelo will have many choices to make about this team and it's roster. How people play during this stretch without Bosh may have an impact on if they are here for the long or short term. Guys like Primoz Brezec and Carlos Delfino both free agents after this year will build cases for themselves one way or the other. Calderon is going to get some major money to stay and will Delfino or Brezec do enough to get their share of the pie. You also have a lot of guys entering into final years of contracts. Anthony Parker has stepped up his game lately and he is one of the guys that has one year left after this one. He would be an attractive trading piece to some teams in this league you would have to think. Even more so if he continues his pace of late. But the reality is the team you see now will not be the team you see a year from now I can bank on that. Colangelo is not one to sit back and be content with just matching what the team did last year. He wants more and is always is always looking forward as much as he does to the present.

All this being said Chris Bosh is key to any and all Raptor success. He is the biggest part of this team on and off the floor. He has to be going crazy watching his team struggle and he can do nothing more than scream and yell like a fan. But he does have access to the locker room so maybe not exactly like a fan. But a helpless feeling none the less. He maybe can now relate to how his coach Sam Mitchell feels. Sam has always said the Raptors are able to battle through injuries because no matter who goes out he does not alter anything on offense or defense. It has been successful too. Not team handles injuries consistently as well as Toronto does. But when that player is Chris Bosh maybe it is time to re-think that way of thinking. Bargnani and Bosh have very different skill sets and Sam said it himself " Andrea isn't Chris...He's not black and he isn't left handed. But more than that he just is not as polished a player as Chris. Maybe look to make tweaks to what they do would not be a bad thing.

Times are tough in Raptorland these days and it brings out the best in some and the worst in others. I am not just talking the players, coaches and management. Fans too show their true colors in these times as well. I am not a person who says that you have to cheer and support everyone or even like everyone. But in the end if they but on a Raptor Jersey they are part of the team. The amount of abuse and harsh things said about people is just too much. In the end these are people that are human beings and have more to their lives beyond basketball.  I never personally lose sight of that fact. But a lot of people do and unfortunately they are the ones that scream the loudest most times. I have had chance to talk with pro athletes and they are indeed real people and most very good people. They worked very hard to develop the skill that they have and get paid very well based on it. But I never hold that against them. In the end they just are doing what they love same as I am by writing this blog. The true of all people is how they handle the bad times and adversity and that time is now for everyone connected to Raptor Basketball.

Not Enough To Finish The Job

Both teams in this game can point to reasons why they should have won and also why they could have lost. In the end after overtime the Wizards claim a huge 110-106 win. This gives them a 3-1 win of the season series and leaves them just 3 games behind Toronto in the standings. The Raptors shot a disappointing 40.2% from the field. They also fell in love with the 3 point shot late and in the end they died by the the 3 ball in this one. The Raptors were allowed to stay in the game by being able to cash in on 21 Washington turnovers making them pay with 28 points as a result of them.

Andrea Bargnani may have seen a few stars after his crash to the floor in Miami but tonight he played like a star. He had 28 points in 48 minutes of floor time. He actually scored the Raptors first 8 points and clearly was a different Andrea and not just because of his swelled up  face. He did fill in for the scoring of Chris Bosh who continues to be day to day with knee but is not expected back soon by sounds of it.  But the rebounding is what the Raps miss most and on this night more so. Antawn Jamison had 16 rebounds leading the Wizards to an advantage of 48-36 on the glass.  He also had 25 points but had lots of help from his bench in scoring. Mason,Young and Blatche combined for 44 points. What did Toronto do to Roger Mason Jr. he since leaving Toronto has been a Raptor killer he had 18 of that 44 and just always seems to get up for match-ups with Toronto.

The cloud that hangs over T.J Ford continues and may be getting larger. He played just 14 minutes and only had 2 point and was 1-5 with a steal and a dime. He came in at start of 4th with 6 point lead and left with his team trailing by 6. Rumors he is unhappy about playing time and the loss of his starting job will not go away. The team has said he has some personal issues right now but whatever the case T.J really just didn't have it at all on this night. 

Jose Calderon did though with 20 points and 9 assists and really seemed to have extra motivation in this game. That could be due to the fact that Gilbert Arenas was in the building. He was less than kind in his blog to Jose. He also had said he would be healthy in time for the all-star game. But in reality, a place that Gilbert may no be a resident he is not expected back till the end of this month. No Caron Butler for Wizards either but they are finding a way to get it done regardless. 

The Toronto Raptors faced a lot of adversity early in the season last year. This season it appears to be happening now. There were lots of good things to take away from this game and they will face a Seattle team that was getting blasted by the Sixers on this night. A long weather delayed trip to Toronto will not exactly make the Sonics in any kind of a fighting mood on Sunday. If the Raps match what they did in this game on Sunday they will get a win before hitting the West Coast. There is even talk on if Bosh will be going on the trip that is really not a good sign at all. The injury actually happened when he had an awkward fall in the the first Indiana game. At the time I thought it looked bad but when he return to the game I thought nothing of it. Now I can't stop thinking about it. 

But the silver lining of this night was the play of Andrea Bargnani. Some Raptor fans wanted to give him a smack earlier in this season and maybe they should have because if Andrea plays like that every game after this than it would have been worth it. He will be very key if Bosh is out a long time. The other key after that will be to maintain his play when Bosh comes back.  I am going to now do a podcast with post game thoughts. Not sure how long it will take seeing as it is new. So if you don't find it tonight look for it Tomorrow and as I said with it being new please share your feedback on it and if you have any trouble accessing it. Thanks in advance for your help in that regard. It is all about giving all of you more bang for your time seeing as it is free can't say bang for your buck.

Update: Your Link to The Podcast Post Game

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/2008/03/08/raptor-rewind-raps-vs-wiz-03-07-08/

What is True? Rap Fans Search For Answers

There is a lot of issues with the Toronto Raptors that are off the court. The most important of those is the true status of Chris Bosh. It was expected and reported that Bosh was day to day and would likely miss about a week. Yesterday with that week ending today rumors started to surface that Bosh may be out longer than first thought. A west coast trip of doom on the horizon this is horrible news. The Raptors with Bosh would have been highly challenged to walk away with victories. Four of the 5 west coast foes have winning records and are in the greatest playoff race the NBA has seen in a very long time. Where wins and loses mean huge swings in the standings. Every game is vital in the race in the west. Raptors fans should have legit fear if they are without Chris for this trip. It could start a Raptor free fall. But unlike the west the eastern conference allows you some room to fail. But it is not like the Raps can afford to keep trying to win without Bosh for a long period of time and expect it not to have some impact. Truth is it already has with a lose to Orlando and tonight's game vs Washington is also important as they have marched on with no Arenas and Butler. Jamison and the rest have marched forward and done the best they can just like in last year's playoffs but with better results. So if Bosh is not on the West Coast trip the pressure down the stretch will be a little more intense. All this being said if Orlando is able to hold off Cleveland and Washington passes Toronto it is good news for Raptors. That would mean they get the team they want in the Orlando Magic in round one. No home court advantage but Raps have shown signs this season of being able to get it done on the road. Not lately but they have at times. So when will Bosh return is question # 1 on Raptor fans minds.

The second question is much more confusing than a simple injury. T.J Ford had a meeting with Sam Mitchell and some members of team management. The contents of that meeting are unknown and will likely stay that way.  What has been said is T.J is dealing with some personal issues. What are they is anyones guess but I will not join the parade of speculators. It has been a rough emotional year for T.J Ford and no doubt the people close to him. Those who claim this was a simple basketball matter and it was directly related to the meltdown of T.J firing shot after shot vs Orlando. That would make common sense but I think this is a different issue from that. I will say that ANY athletes personal business is none of my business and I would suggest none of yours. If there is reason to share this information with the public because it will effect T.J and his ability to play for the Toronto Raptors than fine. Same as if I had something in my life that effected me writing this blog than I would share it with you. But if I have an issue that is separate from that than unless I choose to share it you do not have the right to know. This is not the magazines at the supermarket here this is the NBA. Ford's personal life is his own and I respect that and think all should as relates to all players.

The last thing that fans have been talking about is Roko Ukic. He was drafted in the second round by Rob Babcock at #41 if you forgot. He also played against the Raptors this fall in the EuroLive event. I can only assume the fans talking about Ukic did not watch that game because if they did and still think he is anything more than a project 3rd string point guard then I really don't have any answer. He could be a decent maybe even good point guard some day in the NBA. But that day is not coming in the next year and a half. So trading T.J Ford and inserting Roko Ukic would be a very stupid move and Bryan Colangelo is not know for making many of them. You doubt my words and say he is just supporting T.J Ford. I take you back to Jose Calderon in his first NBA Season. He was far from the would be all star you see today. Raptors were so unsure of what he was and where he was at that they traded for T.J Ford. I knew of Jose Calderon before he got here. I had an Internet friend in Spain who follows European basketball. He had said that Jose would be this good but I thought yeah sure the guy is from Spain he s just sticking up for his country. But turns out his evaluation was fairly accurate. I had also asked about Ukic. He said on him that he was a project and a far less talent than Calderon. In my few chances to see Ukic I am on board with his evaluation. What I am certain of though is that Ukic is not ready for minutes in a back up role in the NBA. Sorry to burst anyones bubble out there.

So Raps vs Wiz. Both are banged up and both are jockeying to find the slot that says they get to play the Magic. Lebron James in a 7 game series is not something you want. It is something you try to survive.

UPDATE: I am always looking for ways to make this blog better and here is the LATEST IN THAT. We now will have PODCASTS. you can access them through the following site:

http://dinoblogger.podbean.com/

Hopefully people enjoy this latest edition to the Blog. My background is in Radio and T.V and sometimes and much more at home talking Raptors as opposed to typing Raptors so check it out. Please give me feedback on the content and any problems you have in access to the PODCAST CONTENT.

Andrea Balboa???

Andrea Bargnani took a big step in the eyes of many Raptor fans last night. I hate to admit this but there still is a very hockey influence to the Toronto Raptor Fan base. Those people have a new found respect for Andrea Bargnani now I would think. The guy took a shot picked himself off the ground spit out some blood and drained two free throws. It was a watershed moment in the career of Andrea Bargnani. To this point he had the label of "soft" and was not thought to be tough. But this night will change some minds about that and it did change this blogger's mind. I think even his team will look at Andrea with a new found respect after the events of last night. The major issue still remains the same for Andrea though he must become more consistent. However this display will allow him some space to grow with fans I would think. They have been very hard on him and so have I for that matter. But If he is willing to take a shot like he did and get up and show some grit I am willing to giving him a little rope as far as his development. Bargnani would have preferred to not have a shiner and loose teeth to gain this respect from everyone but he has made a major step in his NBA career. I don't think he realizes how many fans he may have earned himself last night. But I am confident it was a lot. Andrea"Rocky"Bargnani? OK maybe not but he did show a little of the Rocky Character in him. 

This being said a concern I had after the T.J Ford injury in Atlanta is once again in the front of my mind. The Toronto Raptors can not continue to get pushed around. Charles Oakley in a suit would make me feel much better than Derek Martin. I understand Oakley can't play anymore in the NBA. He was on the T.V show PROS VS JOES on Spike T.V which is the true sign your career is over. But we need an Oakley type Enforcer. I know that is a hockey term but I can't think of a better word for what this guy needs to be. A guy that sits on the bench and when Sam calls his name his one mission is 6 HARD fouls. I always hear what a tough guy Joey Graham is suppose to be and let's face it not like he is playing much so how bout him? He is to nice a guy to be that kinda thug. O.K maybe Brezec the newest Raptor. He may think he is a thug gangster but looking at his body I am not convince he is tough enough to do it. Kurt Thomas who landed in San Antonio would have been a good fit in this role. He can even still play a little basketball. He maybe to old but a name to think about to fill this role. I just know that the Raptors need to stop getting pushed around by other NBA Teams and they need a real legit tough guy. If he can rebound even better he could fill 2 important roles for this team.

We are on paragraph number three and just are mentioning the fact the Raptors actually won. Thank God the losing streak is over. Now the Raptors can be NBA CHAMPS AGAIN. I get amazed every time by the wild swings in fan reaction over wins and loses it is truly amazing. I am happy the streak is over if for nothing else that fans can take a rest at playing G.M and trading T.J Ford and Firing Sam Mitchell. But all this being said the true test is what happens vs. Washington. The other thing that was clear was Miami is bad VERY BAD. Pat Riley took his entire team and threw it under the bus after the loss. It is going to be an interesting off-season in south beach. I won't feel a bit sorry for Riley though he screwed Stan Van Gundy and this is his Karma not unlike Alonzo got his ring thanks to Rob Babcock and now Zoe is history. Karma is a great thing. But like I was saying beat the Wizards and Sonics and build some momentum  for a very tough road swing West.

By the way that whole cheering for the Cavs idea. I say well done Raptor fans. Lebron dropped 50 on Knicks. It is no doubt due to his new found supporters in Toronto. Keep it up Lebron and hopefully we see you in the Conference Finals. That would be the scenario if Raps can beat the Magic than they likely face Boston and the Winner of a Detroit vs Cleveland. But getting a little back to reality Lebron James has more than lived up to his hype and honestly when I first heard the name Lebron James I never thought he could match the hype but he did and continues to do so. He truly is earning his crown. I have often hinted that the Knicks could eventually steal Lebron from Cleveland some day. If I am right that was a heck of a coming attractions video at MSG last night. Just ask Spike lee he was impressed. Almost as impressed as he is by getting another mention in the Dino Nation Blog. He is the only Knick Fan I will ever like. that is right I like Spike!!!

Chris Bosh may be back vs. Washington hopefully but as I stated last night if he doesn't play vs. Wizards he will not play till the west coast trip. They need a health Chris Bosh for that road trip where Raps will be underdog in 4 of the 5 games. That is going to be a tough test and if they still remain in 5th or better after that trip you can make them a lock to finish 5th or better in my mind. But the Raptors really have not hit a stride this year and the best time to do that would be April. Ask Portland what that long win streak got them now? Not much and in the west it doesn't even buy them playoff security. Speaking of streaks the rockets keep rolling without Yao. A mature Tracy McGrady wow that is a surprise. But he still has NEVER won a playoff series. Even Cousin Vince has won a couple. T-Mac needs to get it done or no streak or amount of points will matter. If not he will be labeled a LOSER. Many Raptors fans would have no problem with that. What is the point? As Much as we live and die with the day to day of the regular season. In the end all that matters is if you get in the playoffs and what you do when you get there. That is the first step in becoming a contender understanding when it matters most and coming up with the goods in those times. Remember to listen to HOOPS on the Fan 590 it is a great show and I always call in myself and contribute to a great show with Eric Smith, Paul Jones and "THE COACH" Jack Armstrong. 7pm On Fan 590 and Raps TV.

Earned Some R E S P E C T

The Toronto Raptors had a team meeting today and whatever was said had the desired effect. A huge 108-83 win that snapped a 3 game slide. Andrea Bargnani was having a good night and than took a hard foul early in the 3rd quarter. He eventually would pick himself up off the floor and after spitting out blood walked to the foul line and drained to free throws. The news is good going forward as it looks like he will just have a mouse under his eye and a loose tooth. It could have been much worse. So just like Rocky Balboa he will live to fight another day. I personally gained a respect for Andrea that he can be a tough player in this league. Before tonight I was not certain of that fact at all. But everyone showed up tonight and played well. Which is what you need when you are down your best player.

I think this is a first since being in Toronto for him but regardless Rasho Nesterovic was the leader in scoring on this night with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Five Raptors scored in double figures including Jamario Moon who was even more impressive on the defensive end. He shutdown Shawn Marion holding him to just 5 points and shooting just 2-7 on the night. Moon on the offense had 14 points and 9 rebounds and 3 blocks on Marion. Oh and 4 steals too. A solid effort by the often criticized Raptor rookie. 

Jose Calderon did not reach double digits in scoring but he did in assists 9 points and 13 dimes. He looked more like the guy that was close to an all star appearance on this night. T.J Ford was a bot more under control as well still scoring 13 points but also moving the ball and not forcing his shot nearly as much going 5-9 and having 5 dimes of his own. So your Fordron totals 22 points and 18 assists that is a quality 48 minutes out of the point guard position. 

Active defense lead to 11 steals and a slight advantage on the boards of 38-36. A good overall team performance over a very bad Miami Heat Team. Pat Riley said in his post game press conference that he should write a check to payback fans there money for the lack of effort from his team. The mood in Miami is getting ugly fast and Riley promised changes and you can bank on that for sure. Dwayne Wade could be starting to look at his options when his contract runs out should things not change in Miami fast.

So were the Raptors that good or Miami that bad? The proof will come when the Raptors face the team chasing them in the standing the Washington Wizards. No word on if Chris Bosh will be back for that contest. If he is not it would make sense that he would not return till the team heads west to take on the Lakers. No disrespect to the Sonics but if they can save Bosh till L.A they likely will. But if he is healthy the Washington game is important being a Eastern Conference game. So if he misses that than it would seem unlikely and unwise to see him play vs Seattle.

Andrea Bargnani earned some fans on this night but more important the Raptors earned a key win to get back on track.

Enough is Enough

That is what Dwyane Wade could be saying. But as far as Raptors go there is no time to worry about Miami and it's free fall to the basement. There is a 3 game losing streak to be snapped. A new player to deal with too in Shawn Marion.  Last time the Raptors and Heat hooked up was just before the Shaq trade. They also had a healthy Chris Bosh and a long a waited return of T.J Ford. Things were much more positive in Raptorland.  These days the Raptors fans are in a rage and in search of someone to blame. The number one candidate is T.J Ford. The good feelings of his return are long in the past for Raptor fans. Last night his 7 turnovers just added fuel to the fire. Sam Mitchell has also been taking heat as well. Than flying under the Radar of Raptor Fan Rage is Andrea Bargnani. In short things are bad. But this could be the last game till Chris Bosh returns and that is a very good thing. The problem is when losing happens everyone sees the warts and flaws. Winning makes things seem better than what they might actually be.

The good news is the rebounding issue was addressed by the team despite the loss last night. Same effort needs to be made tonight. The Heat are in bad shape and the Raptors must make the effort to get them to quit. The next 3 Games are very important to get the bugs out before heading to the west coast. On that trip of 5 games Raps would only be the favorite in 1 out of 5 games. If Raps can rebound and take the next 3 games they can at least head into the trip on solid footing.

The dream of getting back to the 3rd seed took a serious blow last night. Raptor fans may now end up finding themselves cheering for the Cleveland Cavs.  Why? To get the Orlando Magic in a 4 vs 5 match up. Even without home court advantage I would select the Raptors in a 7 games series vs the Magic.  I think it is the best match-up the Raptors could draw in the first round of the playoffs. 

Washington is a distant 6th place but if the Raptors do not get the ship back on course could make a run at them to get a higher seed in the playoffs. But all this talk of match-ups and all can be left for another time. I think will will end with the famous words of Al Davis Raiders owner in the NFL " Just Win Baby ". The other stuff will take care of itself.

Raptor Rewind Post Game and You can Still Join are March Madness pool Links can be found in the blogs below.

Too Much T.J!!!

To Much T.J Ford at the start of the 4th quarter. Ford tried to take the team on his shoulders much like he would when he was a Texas Longhorn. But he is a Raptor now and he is in a much different role from the one he had at Texas. Ford was counted on the score at Texas and he tends to turn back into that player when Bosh is not in the line-up. But both he and Sam Mitchell needed to realize that he was pushing it to much. This game was the fault of T.J and indirectly Sam's for giving T.J to much rope to bury himself. He took the first 8 shots in the 4th quarter and on the night had 7 turnovers with takes away from his team high 20 points. I will admit when people don't get it done from Chris Bosh To Joey Graham I will say it. No secret I like Sam and T.J but on this night they both came up short. The Good news for Sam was that his team did get thew message about rebounding. With no CB4 the Raps actually out rebounded the Magic. Go Figure. 

They also Held Diwght Howard to 1 point in the first half. But he would make up for that in the Fourth Quarter. Superman would end up with 19 points and 14 rebounds and his team as a whole out scored the Raptor 31-19 in the final Quarter to power there way to a 102-87 victory to take the season series 2 games to 1. Howard had help as well from his helpers. Hedo Turkoglu an ALL STAR SNUB had an ALL STAR NIGHT leading all scorers with 24 points. He and the many with the pockets full of cash from his free agent contract that brought him to the Magic. On this night he earned his big dollars with a 22 point effort with 2 steals and a block. If only the Magic had a legit point guard they would be truly a force in the East. Jameer Nelson is not good enough to cut it. But they said the same about Rajon Rondo at start of season. He has managed to get it done. But Nelson is not the answer for this team long term.

Flipping back to the Raptors. Anthony parker despite the team's 3 losses has been just great. He needs to score like this when Bosh returns. He is able to score and need to get his. He needs a that little extra that T.J has as far as looking for his shot. Parker was a scorer in his time in Europe and is able to score more than he has done on most nights.

As far as Andrea Bargnani goes I am out of answers. I would have thought a move to his natural position at the 4 would help Andrea but a 2-11 shooting night with only 6 points would suggest I am wrong. I admit I am to the point that in the off-season I would just find out what you are able to get for him trade wise in the off season. He just is like that box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get, Or like this blog I meant a Forrest Quote in a b-ball blog who could have seen that coming. I am sorry to say it but I am just totally at a loss as far as Andrea is concerned. I do think despite his lousy play in the last 2 games he is a 4 in this league and can not really work as a 5 or as a 3. To me that says make a trade and package him with Rasho and go find your beast on the boards.

Raps need to right the ship in Miami with a win and catch their breaths. Hopefully with a returning Chris Bosh in the game after Miami. I am conflicted as to what is worse right now the weather outside or the Raptors at the moment. I will call it a tie and get my tired but to bed. Dreaming up a topic for Tomorrow.

Would You Rather Be Here?

Yes it is true the Raptors have lost 2 games in a row. Time to panic and freak out for a lot of Raptor fans. Maybe it is having a long memory or having put up with so many bad seasons but I look at things with a little bit of perspective. I am just as unhappy as anyone about the team's recent performance. But I remember the Mike James, Chris Jefferies, Hoffa and many other Raptors that were part of dark seasons in Raptor history. Chris Bosh does too I would imagine. He remembers the first few years of his career where the playoffs were a far off land that he could just experience as a reporter for NBA TV. But these days the playoffs are an expected thing for the Raptor Star and his team. Bryan Colangelo has come to Toronto and totally changed the attitude and culture of the Toronto Raptors. That may be why Raptor fans are so disappointed and concerned. They forget the bad times and are living in the moment. There is of course the people that hopped back on the bandwagon and you know who you are. I mean I watched seasons with 16 wins back in the day. Unless you weren't born and you didn't than you are not a diehard. But that is cool the fact the ACC is full each and every night is a great thing. MLSE is more than happy to take your money to make up for the lost playoff revenue for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They are going to be golfing for the Playoffs in the NHL for a 3rd straight year. Raptors are not going golfing in April or whatever Basketball players do in the off season. I have seen evidence in the Charity Golf Tourneys that it isn't golf. Maybe golf on the Playstation 3. 

Tonight is a game that will likely shape the playoff future of the Raptors in some way or at least could. I would venture to say that NO ONE thinks they have a chance to win tonight in Orlando. I can't say I blame people. A NBA Record of shame getting outscored 32-0 in second chance points does not exactly inspire confidence. But I will give some of you true optimistic people some hope. Throughout Raptor History when you think they have no chance is when they will pop up and shock you. The real shame in all of this is the fact that most likely Bosh will not play. He and Dwight Howard have a great battle going. This is one of the better match-ups you can watch in an NBA Season. Hint to the folks at TNT put the Raps and Magic on Thursday night next year you won't be sorry. The thought that no Bosh will mean Dwight Howard will run wild is a fair one. But if the Raptors have on of those unexpected wins in them than Rasho Nesterovic will be a key reason to why it happened. He has shown that he can guard guys like Howard and have some success. Rasho is rarely given much love by Rap Fans and I understand that. But he is a value to the Raptors maybe not matching his high contract number but still a value. It is likely if the Raps make a major move in the off-season  or next season Rasho will be part of it based on his contract more than his play. I will miss Rasho if that happens. Rap fans will too when he is gone. So give Rasho some love while you have a chance.

Sam Mitchell will need to get his team back on track. Not because fans suggest his Job is on the line. Mike Woodson in Atlanta has his Job on the line not Sam. But he does have to get tough with his team and demand a better effort from them on the defensive end. One is an accident and twice is a trend and the longer it lasts the worse it will get to fix it. Bosh to must get in the ear of his team. If he doesn't than he should have just stayed back in Toronto cause as I suggested a few days ago that he can have an impact by leading his team off the floor even though he can't be on it. Bosh has grown into the role of leader and has shown in the past the ability to be vocal if he chooses to do so. Sometimes a coach can say something till he is blue in the face but when the most popular kid in the school yard says it than people listen. Bosh is that kid. 

In the most shocking of moves the Boston Celtics signed Sam Cassell. I think we have been told this was happening like a month ago or more. There is the Issue that he smashed his now team mate Rajon Rondo. But Rondo is willing to let history stay in the past. No doubt Celtics needed a back-up for Rondo. But I don't think Cassell would be my choice but than again I guess they ran out of options. But I think I'd have pushed to get Mighty Mouse over Cassell. The obvious reason is that Kevin Garnett wanted Cassell and when you bring a franchise back from the dead I guess you pull some weight with management. But be careful Boston. Remember what happened in Toronto back in the V.C days. The Raptors caved to Vince and over paid for Alvin Williams, JYD and Antonio Davis and got Hakeem. It did get Vince to re-sign and it also killed the franchise going forward. Than when Vince wanted a G.M in Julius Erving and Raps said no and that was enough for Vince to say trade me. All I am saying is do not let players run the team that is a mistake. No signing Cassell doesn't matter. But it is starting down a path that may not have a happy ending.

So gameday means Raptor Rewind later. Regardless of if a Raptor Miracle happens or not still there is a Recap here at DINO NATION. Mike James believes he can fly and that the name on the back of his jersey is what counts. I still believe in the Raptors and the name on the front. Although I will be happy to see that B O S H on the back of a jersey sooner rather than later.

The Blame Game!!!

Normally I do my best to not get ticked off and write things in the heat of the moment. That is so I can have some objectivity to what I am writing and give a fair and honest view through my eyes and brain into Raptors and Basketball. Wish more Raptor fans would do the same. But many of the things I read on Facebook and Real GM and many of the other forums for Raptor chat have a constant and annoying theme. That theme is to lay blame for all the Raptor troubles at the feet of Sam Mitchell or T.J Ford. I am sorry to tell you folks that want Sam fired and T.J traded that you are not going to see it happen. Maybe that is part of why it is brought up again and again. I think we will examine both individually starting with Sam.

Sam Mitchell for a guy that won coach of the year gets the least amount of respect of anyone that has won that award that I can think of. Last night in Charlotte was Sam to blame for the fact is players allowed the Bobcats to beat them on the glass consistently? I mean he called several time outs and It was even said prior to the game his main message to the team was that they had to rebound. I coached on a minor scale and know enough to know that as a coach you are at sometimes at the mercy of your players. You can only tell them to do things and point out if they are not. If it is a team wide problem who and when you sub guys in and out really doesn't matter much. Not to mention his best player was parked in a suit at the end of the bench. I understand that many point to the play calling skills and rotations to create this case that Sam is not a good coach. But I also understand that I have never seen a coach in this modern era get so much out of his team and be so respected by the team. When this topic comes up I always point to the fact that play calling can develop and improve but to have the respect and loyalty of your team you either have or don't have. It is much harder to get that in the modern NBA. If you don't see that fact than you just are blind to the modern sports world. It takes a tremendous individual to deal with million dollar athletes and get them all to buy into a team concept. It is a hard thing to do in sports today not just in basketball but in all sports. I also really get offended at the suggestion that Sam did not earn his Coach of the Year Award. He lead a franchise to it's highest playoff seed ever and won a division title. He took a although talented roster and made it into a team. 9 new people to work in and actually 11 if you think about it as Juan Dixon and Luke Jackson came in during the season. It is really easy to sit back and second guess a coach but to disrespect the man and try to discredit what he accomplished is FLAT OUT WRONG. You want to do that go do it to someone that deserves it like Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens. I am tired of this same old song and dance. Play a new tune cause this one is getting far to old. I also feel that if you are disrespecting him than you disrespect this entire team by doing so. His award last year was earned not only through his work but the work of his players. Who for the record ALL came out in support of re-hiring Sam in the summer.Including the FRANCHISE PLAYER. So all of you that have a problem with Sam Mitchell I encourage you all to take your concern to Chris Bosh and maybe he can set you straight.

Now we have T.J Ford. He now is to blame for Jose not playing well as well as himself according to some of the people that love Jose and hate T.J. I mean this is the most stupid argument that has come along in this whole Jose vs T.J debate. That says a lot considering that many silly things are said on BOTH sides of the debate. T.J is responsible for himself and running the offense. He is not to blame for what happens as relates to others play. This argument is like saying if T.J makes a great pass to Jason Kapono and he misses his shot that it is T.J's fault. The talk of trading T.J is also a waste of time and space as well. Even if you dislike T.J if you are any kind of a smart basketball fan you realize that no NBA G.M is going to take a 7 million dollar risk by trading for Ford until he establishes he can maintain his health. That would not be till next trade deadline at the earliest in my opinion. The one thing that is weak in T.J's game is his shot. But I seem to recall a guy named Jason Kidd who many consider a hall of fame type player not having much of a shot as well. But T.J's shot has come a long way and is improving and with good health for a long period of time should improve. He is a very talented player and has a skill set that is far different from Jose Calderon but equally good. Raptors should keep both guys until there is a point where they find a player that can be a legitimate back up.  There is no reason to get rid of T.J or Jose it is a special and unique advantage the Raptors have over ever NBA TEAM.

All these Sam and T.J critics need to calm down and understand that even if they truly believe what they are pitching it doesn't matter cause it isn't going change anytime soon. For the rest of the Raptor fan base we are happy that none of these people work in the Raptor's Organization and none are named Bryan Colangelo. Raptor fans are the most up and down group of sports fans in sports today. Just because some of us are able to keep some prospective doesn't make us any less of a fan. It doesn't take much talent or thought to demand stupid trades or firing coaches. To understand the reality of a situation and come up with intelligent comments with in that reality is much more impressive. I don't care if people disagree with me. I honestly don't that is life. But if you do it in a way where you accept the realities of things and base your opinions on that or even better come up with a realistic answer to problems with in that reality all the better. I never claim to be perfect or have all the answer. Heck I called Jared Dudley, Chris Dudley. Thanks for Scott pointing that out. He may not have meant it in a positive way but none the less a mistake was made and if there is one I make I am thankful when I am made aware of it. 

Now that I have that off my chest I want to remind you all once again about DINO NATION BLOG NCAA POOL on Facebook. Come have some fun and see if you can beat yours truly in the NCAA March Madness Pool. Here is a link:

http://apps.facebook.com/cbssports/groups/group/11199 

I mention this again cause I added it during the day yesterday. Also being a reader of this Blog is not required to be part of the fun so feel free to bring your friends along to compete against as well. So with that said I am thinking of the line said by Rodney King " Can't We ALL JUST GET ALONG" raptor fans?