Lost: One Team Defense....

If found please contact the Toronto Raptors or Sam Mitchell A.S.A.P. The fact that Chris Bosh was not in the line-up was really not the issue at all in the Raps 110-98 defeat. The lack of overall defense and specifically Defensive Rebounding was. The Bobcats had 18 offensive rebounds and turned most of them into easy second chance points. Jason Richardson looked like the ALL STAR type player he was in Golden State night in and night out. He lead all scorers  with 30 points and had 7 rebounds. Also they got a big effort from former Boston College star Jared Dudley had a big night with a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. 

Sam Mitchell was clearly frustrated after the game and blamed rebounding for his team's lack of ability to stop the Bobcats. He pointed to the fact that the Bobcats only shot 43% from the field as proof that the defense was not as bad as it seemed. However the lack of rebounding cost them. No debating that point at all. But how to fix the problem becomes the real question at this point. At time this season this team has been able to hold there own on the glass. In fact against this same Bobcat team with No Bosh, Ford or Bargnani they managed to out rebound the Bobcats and get a win. 

Andrea Bargnani did not take advantage of the move to the 4 spot in the line-up. He only had 6 points and 5 rebounds and was 0-3 from 3 point range. As a result he only saw 18 minutes of floor time. Rasho Nesterovic had a fast start with 13 points early on but only ended up with 16 on the night in 27 minutes. The drop off might be based on the extended minutes. The Raptors were lead in scoring by Anthony Parker who despite the bad effort in the last few games has been personally playing very well.  He filled the stat sheet with 24 points 6 rebounds 2 steals and a block.

Both Ford and Caldron were not playing at a high level. The assists were there with 10 from Jose and 5 from T.J but only 10 points combined and T.J shot 2-9 and Jose had 4 turnovers and had 9 in the last 2 games. Calderon has really come down in his play since the return of Ford. Even the 2 playing together has not been able to spark Jose or T.J. This is a great concern as well as this team is highly dependent on the play of it's point guards even more so without Chris Bosh. The coverage on the ball of BOTH T.J and Jose must improve as well. Far to many times both have allowed the other team's point guard to get into the paint. Good defense begins with solid play by the point guard to deny his man access to the paint. 

In all honesty the things that have gone wrong for the Raptors have been BASIC BASKETBALL FUNDAMENTALS.  A huge match-up with Orlando will challenge this team to find the answers quickly. Mainly it just comes down to effort and dedication to the small things like boxing out and taking pride in stopping your individual man. 

As frustrated as Sam Mitchell was I can only assume Chris Bosh was equal in his frustration. He is on this trip and he may need to voice his frustration and challenge his team to pick up it's level of play. Which in the last few games has been totally unacceptable. Bosh did say he could be 2 days from returning or a week from returning. I don't expect him to play on this trip but the timing of 2 days would mean playing in Orlando. It may just be wishful thinking on Bosh's part. Even with him on this night to many bad things were happening that he alone could not have changed.

Who Will Answer The Call?

Just to conclude about Chris Bosh he did have an MRI and there was no structural damage. Good News but it does not change anything as relates to his status for this road trip. He is out and the Toronto Raptors are in search of a temporary hero to save the day. Above you see three of the most likely candidates to take on the role. But all of them may not exactly be up to the challenge. Jose has been playing some of his worst basketball of what has been a break out season.  Ford is still trying to get himself back to 100%. Bargnani has been very inconsistent and you never know what your going to get from game to game. But the lose of Bosh will allow Bargnani to shift to the 4 spot a more natural position for him. This could help him. Rasho Nesterovic will be in at the 5 and should do well defensively which was really lacking in the last game to say the least.

One of the things that I admire about Sam Mitchell is he refuses to ever admit defeat in the face of injuries. He will not allow his team to do it as well. Last season what many point to was a west coast trip that had no Chris Bosh in the Line-up as the turning point for the Raptor season. T.J Ford would step up and take the role of leader making last second shot to beat the Clippers. Few nights later, Rookie Andrea Bargnani would hit a game winning 3 pointer to beat the Blazers. Sam Mitchell hopes for the same type of efforts that the team showed then. 

Also do not discount the fact that Bosh will be on this trip even if he won't be in a jersey. He is the clear leader of this club on and off the floor and he no doubt will voice that leadership if only as a spectator. There is nobody on the Raptor Roster or in the Organization that does not understand the importance of Tuesday's Match-Up with the Magic. But not so important as to risk Bosh's longterm health. Chris referenced the struggles of the Wizards Caron Butler coming back from a different injury to soon perhaps and having a set back. Even though Sam Mitchell will not admit it the truth be told the Raptors are pretty much a playoff lock at this point. Things in the east are not like the West. Where a 3 game losing streak could put you on the brink of your playoff life. That being said Raptor still need to get wins if the hope to battle with Cleveland and Orlando for the 3rd seed they had last year in the playoffs.

When you look deeper on the bench for help. How bout the newest Raptor Primoz Brezec. Today especially as he plays his former team in the Bobcats were he spent the majority of his NBA career and certainly the most productive part of it. He could be a help today as he will be looking to back up some harsh words he had about Bobcat Head Coach Sam Vincent.

If things had worked out differently that could be Sam Mitchell. You may recall that Sam prior to taking the job in Toronto was going to be an assistant in Charlotte after leaving the Bucks. The Idea was that Sam was to be the Head Coach in waiting in Charlotte. But when he took the Raptor job the future was now. When he looks at the struggling Bobcats today I think you can say he is happy with his choice of Toronto.

With the calender changing to March yesterday I decided to cram for my NCAA Pool Brackets this year. It was depressing to learn Patrick Ewing has a kid playing at Georgetown. I remember when dad played there and lead the Hoyas to a National Title. Losing the next year to the upstart Wildcats of Villinova. I did know about Ewing's kid but it just makes me feel old to know that guys I watched as a kid now have kids old enough to make it in the NBA soon. Also got a chance to check out Roy Hibert. The big man would look nice in a Raptor Uniform but I would think he will be long gone by time the Raptors pick. T.J Ford and all Texas alumni can not be happy by the Longhorns getting beat by Bobby Knight's Son and Texas Tech. They had lost by 40 the night before. March Madness you got a love it. Hope nobody minds if we add a sprinkle of NCAA into the blog throughout the month. I will try to give you some insight on guys that might make a good fit in Raptor red while we do.

Also if you like Join the Madness here at Dino Nation Blog Via Facebook. Sign Up For our NCAA Group @ Facebook. Here is a link:

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So the big question will be how do the Raptors respond to this latest blow. You know when you think about it the Raptors have really not exactly avoided the injury bug in this rise back to playoff contender. Imagine if they we're able to do that. The could have been the 50 win team many hoped they would be. We will have your Recap in the good old Raptor Rewind Later Tonight. Till than say a little prayer for Chris Bosh's Knees. We need both healthy and soon.

Bosh Will Be A Spectator On The Road Trip

Bad News for Raptors out of Raptor Practice on Saturday. Chris Bosh is going on the Road Trip but is not expected to play for the Raptors in any of the games. This includes the important rubber match with the Orlando Magic which could have major impact on the Raptors Playoff seeding. Sam Mitchell said he will insert Rasho Nesterovic into the starting line-up which would move Andrea Bargnani to his natural power forward position. The thought is that if Bosh had to play he could. But he has had swelling and was still a bit gimpy at practice on Saturday in which he did not take part but was on hand to get treatment on his injured knee. No word on Bosh's Status Beyond this three game road trip. Thoughts and opinions on what this all may mean in tomorrow's blog.

Questions About More Than Bosh

So Sam Mitchell can you tell me where the defense was last night? Did it go with Bosh to get an MRI? Even before Bosh left the game last night with Knee Soreness. That is the official report too, on a side note I have a stiff shoulder and am without my Cable T.V service. Not that anyone much cares bout my status as I write this blog. Short of 10 broken fingers I think it is safe to say I never have to miss a game or wait there was that whole computer break down thing. But anyway back to the matters at hand. Bosh in his post game press scrum seemed convinced that this was a minor thing and he said it was nothing in comparison to the knee injury that he suffered in training camp in Europe. The concern short term will be his status vs. Orlando on Tuesday, That game is as close as you get to a playoff game in the regular season. The season tie breaker between the Magic and Raptors in the last meeting between the two in the regular season. Bosh would say that he planned on going on the trip which is a good sign but not a guarantee he will play.

Sam Mitchell will say that Bosh or no Bosh the way his team played defense it would not have mattered. Constant beating of players on the dribble and a dependence on help. Jack Armstrong always says that HELP is the weakest word in the defensive vocabulary and he is right. There is no excuse for not being able to guard the Pacers when they are a team of 9 guys missing it's top 3 guys. It is unacceptable. This kind of mental break down games are the major reason the Raptors have not been able to put together any kind of major winning streak. The seem to get 3 or 4 only to drop a game they have no business losing. It has lead to frustration in the fan base and with good reason.

Another thing I have noticed. Andrea Bargnani seems to just seem more in control when Bosh is not going to be in a game. This happened on opening night when Bosh played only minor minutes. For whatever reason Bargnani picks it up when Bosh is out of the picture. Perhaps it is the fact he shifts to the 4 spot. Which ultimately is his natural spot on the floor. It just has happened to many times not to be noticed. If the Raptors ever traded him and he went to a team and played consistently @ the 4 spot I have a feeling you would get a much different and better Bargnani.

The other bright spot if you can have any was the play of Parker. I have always thought that this guy is capable of so much more on the offensive end of the floor and last night was one of those nights where he showed it. Raps will need a lot more of that should Bosh be out any lengthy period of time.

The blessing of things is the soft schedule minus the Orlando game. If Bosh plays against the Bobcats than this was a very minor thing. But I would bet some serious coin that the earliest we see him is Tuesday in Orlando even if he was health enough to go on Sunday. Besides that will leave more minutes for the Raptors new Euro Gangster to extract revenge on the Bobcats.

Brezec the former Bobcat real had much to say about current head coach in Charlotte Sam Vincent and apparently many agree that Vincent is not getting the job done in Charlotte. A bit harsh it may be though as the Bobcats have had no Adam Morrison or Sean May the entire season. Both were expected to be major parts to getting the bobcats on track for the playoffs. A place that the NEW Charlotte franchise has never been.

I continue to be amazed with the Western Conference. Denver Nuggets are outside the Playoffs with better record than the Raptors. Not only that they sit just six and a half out of First Place. It is truly going to be a heck of a finish and playoffs in the Western Conference. Coming into the season there were rumblings the Eastern Conference was getting better. Well you will not here that thought of today at all. But that doesn't mean the East could not win NBA Title. I think a Boston Detroit or even a Cleveland or Toronto might have a shot. Because the road through the East will be far less bumpy to get through than the one in the West and it could play to the advantage of the Eastern Conference Champion whoever that turns out to be.

Today is a key day in NBA as this is the last day teams can sign players and have them eligible for the playoffs. So expect Sam Cassell to be reunited with Kevin Garnett today. also we will fin out what or where Brent Barry will go which is rumored to be right back to the Spurs. He was traded as part of the Kurt Thomas deal and than released by Seattle. Anyone else sick of this nonsense like me. I remember when I guy was traded he actually put on the other team's jersey and played for that team. Salary Cap Era has made simple truths like that come into question. It ultimately just looks bad on the league. Needs to change.

If there is any change in the news on Bosh I will post some kind of update. Till than may you all have less KNEE SORENESS and a good weekend. Try to forget about last night's game it will only prevent you from that good weekend.

Early Exit For Toronto's Star

The Toronto Raptors lost much more that a basketball game tonight at the ACC.The score for the record was 122-111 for the Pacers but that was secondary to what happened. Chris Bosh left the game with what is being called knee soreness. It would be learned later that Bosh had originally injured the knee in the first game at Indiana. Bosh signaled to the bench and left the game in the ladder stages of the first quarter. But Indiana had started of shooting hot and already had a 10 point lead. The Pacers were playing with only 9 health players and no Danny Granger. He had been suspended for an incident in the Pacers last contest vs. Chicago. Raptors defense was pathetic all night long and early loss of Bosh did not help matters.

On a night with so Much disappointment there was a bright spot. Andrea Bargnani took advantage of the loss of Bosh to score 27 points before fouling out late in the 4th quarter. Anthony Parker also picked up his offense as he scored 25 points and made many tough shots. But the lack of defense on the perimeter especially was the demise of the Raptors. Pacers had 12 three pointers lead by Mike Dunlevey had 36 points leading the Pacers and many of those point came via uncontested 3 point shots. This was an ugly loss for the Raptors that begin a 3 game road trip in Charlotte on Sunday.

The status of Bosh is anyone's guess as he is expected to be evaluated tomorrow. A huge Match-Up with Orlando looms on Tuesday. The Raptors will not only need Chris Bosh to be able to play but they really need to show some defensive intensity in which they showed none on this night. The Raptors were constantly beaten of the bounce and eventual the defense would break down allowing open shots far too often on this night.

Bosh along is not the reason for this breakdown of basic fundamentals. This was another wake up call like the game in New York and you can only get so many of those in a season. Eventually you have to receive the message. Slow starts lack of defensive intensity will not cut it come playoff time.

Caldron and Ford seem both to be pressing a bit to make up for the loss of Bosh. We even saw the two on the floor together a lot as a way to combat the loss of Bosh. Also it is becoming a growing concern at the amount of shots that are being taken by Jamario Moon. He is starting to remind me of Vince Carter and in the bad ways. We all have seen the nights where Vince has decided he is going to be a shooter and not a slasher. But the Difference in the case of Jamario is he unlike Vince is far from the number one option on offense. That being said if he took more balls to the basket and was drawing fouls no one would complain. But taking 3 point shots and shooting the ball far to much is not going to gain him any love from Sam Mitchell or Raptor Fans.

This game was a serious embarrassment and Bosh or not on Sunday they must show a much better effort from the opening whistle.

Best Raptor Ever?

Toronto Raptors Franchise has had three clear eras. The Mighty Mouse era which was all about Damon Stoudamire. He was the first star of a new franchise. He won Rookie of the year and seemed to be on his way to stardom. Things would end faster than expected and he would exit not long after the man that made him the first ever Raptor draft pick did. When Thomas was out Damon would follow and eventually be traded home to Portland. But Mighty Mouse would never be the same as he was in his days in Toronto. He now is on San Antonio and may have a shot at an NBA Title and good luck to him. Damon will always hold a special place in my heart and that will never change. But his time with the Raps was far to short to be considered the best Raptor ever.

The Next era would take a little while to come along. Tracy McGrady was drafted but before he ever got to get started the next season the Raptors would draft his cousin Vince. Carter would like Stoudamire go on to win Rookie of the Year. In the early years of Vinsanity he was just amazing. He most likely even to this day is the most famous ever to wear a Raptor jersey. The first ever all star in franchise history. He had one of the best performances ever in the dunk contest in Oakland. Superman was cool but it was not like what happened in Oakland. That was just a event for all-time. Things of course would start of bright with a playoff series win over the Knicks and a V.C three away from the conference finals. But after that it all went wrong and Vince would eventually demand a trade and the once most popular Raptors was now it's most hated villain. He based on his accomplishments should have a number 15 hanging in the ACC someday. However the way he went out may prevent that from ever happening.

The Next Era is the one we are living in right now. Chris Bosh was handed the keys to the car when Vince was sent to the swamps of New Jersey. Bosh has slowly grown into his era on and off the floor. He was interviewed last night on CBC's talk show "the hour" and he looks so much different from the shy skinny kid that walked in the door five years ago. He now seems at easy out in the media. He has made an effort to show fans his wacky funny side through is crazy UTube videos. He has come along way in his public persona. His on court one grows by leaps and bounds. He now has 3 all star appearances and is widely respected throughout the NBA. He just passed Morris Peterson to become second all time in Raptor scoring behind Vince Carter. When Bosh's Career is done you will see his name all over the Raptor Record Books.

We have heard the debate on if Vince Carter's #15 would hang in the rafters of the ACC. But I am here to tell you Chris Bosh will have #4 get there long before Vince and if ever for Vince. Bosh to his credit has made himself the face of the franchise and he represents it well on and off the floor. Becoming a fixture in the community helping with many charities mostly to do with children. While on the floor he has become the BEST LEADER this team has EVER had. High praise for such a young guy. He still has many chapters to write in his story. But I can not see any scenario that does not leave him being the Best Raptor ever. A American publication recently had the ALL TIME RAPTOR TEAM and it went like this:

• PG Damon Stoudamire
• SG Vince Carter
• SF Tracy Mcgrady
• PF Chris Bosh
• C Antonio Davis

Of the five players listed there only one will have his number retired and that is Chris Bosh you can take that to the bank. He is the best Raptor ever not just based on talent and skill but on the overall package.

Moving to some news in Raptorland. Jorge Garbajosa was back with the team. Still long way from coming back and likely not this year. But he was able to at least put up some shots standing on his own two feet. Garbajosa is hoping to return to the level he was at last season I wish him well.

NBA wise. I told you that the whole Yao Injury thing would start to get ugly and it didn't take long. A blame game has begun between the Chinese Basketball Association and the Houston Rockets. Both Blame the other for Yao's Injury. I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. China claims that Houston was playing Yao far to many minutes and they should have found a capable back-up to spell him for minutes. Sorry Dikembe Mutumbo seems China thinks you suck. I agree that you may want a better back up than the good old cookie monster. Houston has said that the constant off season playing with China has been to blame for Yao's injury. If you need to understand what a huge issue this is to China. One man said he would gladly quit his job and dump his girlfriend if it meant Yao could play for China in the Olympics. Next time you say your a big fan remember that guy. But seriously this is an international incident. It would be a huge blow if Yao is not able to play in the Olympic Games in China. NBA is rapidly going to have to look at NBA players international commitments. But don't expect them to do anything until after the games in China.

It is a double edged sword really because take a look at a guy like Steve Nash. His play with team Canada helped him improve as a player and a leader. But Athletes can not play in competition 12 months a year. The body takes a beating and needs time to recover. Nash has decided not to play with team Canada in recent years based on that. Chris Bosh also stepped away from team U.S.A in order to be healthy for this season. These are hard choices to make but in the end players owe it to themselves and the teams that pay them to be healthy to compete in the NBA. For the growing number of international players it is a much more difficult choice. Guys like Jose Calderon, Rasho Nesterorvic, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino and any international player you can name. The countries they come from value things much different than here in North America. World Championships and Gold Medals for the country are far more important than NBA Championships. David Stern owes it to these players to step in and take the choice out of these players hands. He must come up with a system that will allow players to compete in the Olympics but limit the amount of time they can participate for National teams in non-Olympic years.

Turning back to the Raptors they take on the Pacers tonight bringing in a few winning streaks into the game. The start will be key. On Hoops on Fan 590 last night I said it and I'll repeat it here you can't get away with these slow starts come playoff time. The push for 3rd in the Conference is going to be tough. As always I will have the Raptor Rewind with all that went on in the Pacer vs Raptor tilt.

Sam Mitchell Is Still Concerned

The Toronto Raptors have won 3 in a row and 5 of the last 6 games. They currently sit 4th in the Eastern Conference and would match up with Lebron James and The Cleveland Cavs in round one. Not exactly an ideal match-up if you consider what James did in last seasons playoffs. But of greater concern in the short term is how the Raptors have started the last few contests. Giving teams big leads in the first quarter is a recipe for disaster. You can get away with it vs. teams that are not good but come playoff time that will not be good enough and the comebacks that the Raps have been able to manufacturer will not be able to happen.

Jose Calderon has taken a step back from his amazing play and that could be part of the reason why the slow starts. However even T.J Ford has come out in the media and said he supports the fact Jose is the starter and would be o.k with it for the rest of the season. But the bigger question is will Sam Mitchell be? Sam Mitchell has a longer history with T.J Ford and if Ford is 100% and this trend continues it would not be shocking as some Raptor fans would make it if T.J was inserted back into the starting line-up. For most teams this kind of uncertainty at the most key position on the floor would be a major issue. But not the Raptors they seem to make these transitions look easy. That comes from the collective team first attitude that this team has.

Chris Bosh is where that starts. It is easy to see that Bosh might also be bias to Ford as the starter. He after all is good friends with Ford and that relationship has grown since Ford arrived from the Bucks. But you can see the effort that he has made to develop a similar relationship with Jose Calderon. Ultimately Bosh wants to win and he wants the best player on the floor to help him do that personal feelings aside.

Ultimately who starts may not matter anyway. T.J Ford was the starter in last year's playoffs but that did not guarantee that he would finish the game on the floor. I can't imagine that Jose is guaranteed anything more than that. Sam Mitchell is very old school in a lot of what he does and he believes in rewarding the people that are producing. He made Jamario Moon a Starter but has no problem giving him the hook should he not live up to that role. Basically the best 5 players in a given game will be on the floor when the game is on the line. The only person that can have any guarantee that he will be on the floor down the stretch in at the key moments is Chris Bosh. He has earned that right.

One thing that is clear the Raps have the best point guard tandem in the NBA. There numbers combined on are truly jaw dropping. What many Raptor fans see as a problem is actually this teams greatest strength. The would be contenders in the east other than Detroit all have questions at the point guard position. Rajon Rondo, Jameer Nelson and Delonte West all fall far short of Ford and Calderon. Even Chancey Billups on his own can not match the production of the 2 combined.

Having said all of this the Raptors must find a rotation of these two that the team is going to be able to get better starts or tough times lie ahead. But they still have about a month and a half to get it all figured out. This stretch of lower ranking opposition gives the team a chance to make mistakes and recover from it. The Playoffs do not allow that nor will quality teams in the regular season. With a big Re-Match with Orlando on the horizon the Raps need to work out the bugs. Losing that game in Orlando puts a serious dent in any hope the Raptors have of making the seed they held in last years playoffs. Which at this point would draw them the Washington Wizards.

Gilbert Areanas has had a lot to say about the Raptors for a guy that has hardly hit the floor this year and it would be fitting if they ended up sending "AGENT 0" packing. You can bet the Arenas Blog would have much more Raptors Smack Talk. He has run down Calderon and Moon and seems to have some issue with the Raptors. Maybe it's because his Wizards have not exactly delivered the goods vs. Toronto with him in the line-up. It would not be as intense as the match-up with Vince last year. But I think for the players it might mean a bit more as they do not have the hate for Vince as much as fans do. However you have to think they have noticed Arenas disrespecting them as individuals and as a team.

But we are putting carts before horses. It will be very tough for Toronto to grasp hold of the 3rd seed. Cleveland despite my thinking that they have made a long term mistake the short term looks good. Although many Cleveland fans last night got a huge scare with Lebron coming up lame with a bad ankle last night. But fear not Cavs fans he did return and was dunking. Proving Lebron even has Monster ankles on the Monster body. Boston has signed P.J Brown and still are hoping to add Sam Cassell. But there maybe a problem as something has went wrong in the buyout negotiations with the Clippers and they may stick it to Sam by cutting him on March 2nd which would make him not able to play for any team in the playoffs including Celtics. Brent Barry is also out there to help some playoff team and he may end up in Dallas with J Kidd and Dirk.

These Buyouts and what not make my stomach turn. I think of one thing, Alonzo Mourning bought out by Raptors and becomes Champion in Miami. It just isn't right. Than there was Gary Payton traded to Celtics only to return a month later. Guys not even in the league getting included in trades it is all to bizarre. David Stern needs to take a serious look at this before the NBA has a serious credibility issue. I mean this is starting to look like the WWE to a degree. What I mean is wrestling has supposed brands and had drafts moving people around only to go back on it a few weeks later and people coming out of retirement for a day, a week or a month. NBA is not Sports Entertainment it is a Sport. They need to start closing these loop holes fast in my opinion.

I close with some random stuff. First off if you listen to hoops on the Fan 590 I am the caller that is James in Hamilton 98% of the time. I love the show and Eric Paul and Jack do an awesome job. If the Blog is just not enough for you than you can get more Raptor Info, Debate and Fun through my personal Facebook Raptor Group

Dino Nation For Raptor Fans:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6928947554

I also am an officer at Toronto Raptor Fans App on Facebook:
http://apps.facebook.com/torontoraptors/invite.php?id=1117202

So feel free to join these groups if you wish. If not and you just are happy reading the blog everyday that is cool too. just like with AdSense ads NEVER feel forced to do it. Same goes for these things. But I just bring them to your attention should some people be looking to interact with more Raptor Fans. I know most of you come from some of these places already.

I'm Taking That Ball!!!

Raptor Fan Civil War Starting Up Again

VS  

Raptor fans will not let this topic die. I myself think long and hard before I bring it up in a blog. I mean no matter what I say I think in some way I am just adding to the problem. But you could see this coming as T.J is slowly rounding back into his old form and Jose had a few games that we're far below the high standards that he set. Despite what Raptor fans say on this issue the two players remain uninterested in this feud. I have always applauded that. Both play for the name on front of the jersey that is more important than the one on the back. Mike James recently said he plays for the one on the back but these guys don't. I am a T.J fan and I never hide that fact. But I also enjoy Jose. I think based on the way the players interact with each other there is no reason to break up this twosome anytime soon. I also said when all was said and done T.J would be back in the starting line-up. I stand behind that as well. But recently you have seen Raps use both on the floor at times and that will be a more frequent happening as a way for both to get the minutes they have earned.

But these constant debates on who is better, who will be better, who needs to be traded. It needs to end and I honestly don't know how it will. There seems no happy answer for Raptor Fans. But as I stated yesterday the whole idea of trading one of the two is just a stupid idea. I mean many basketball people will tell you point guard is the most important position on the floor. Why on earth wouldn't you want 2 quality players at that position. Maybe Raps can trade Ukic should he come and earn a spot on the team next season. That would make sense if Ukic can show some potential. But Ford and Calderon are part of this team's future. Maybe Ford fans and Calderon fans could agree on that at least about trading Ukic.

While Raptor fans have debates that ultimately will not effect anything. Houston and perhaps Team China suffered a major blow. Yao Ming is gone the rest of the season and you have to wonder if he will be even health in time for Olympics in August. If your thinking Houston can stop him from playing think again. His contract states he must be allowed to play for China or some language to that effect. But if the giant Yao is not healthy he may not be able too. Raptor fans remember Garbogate. Well YaoGate would be much bigger than that and have many more interested parties including the NBA offices who no doubt want Yao on the floor in his homeland. That will be an interesting story should it play out. Mark Cuban has always been out spoken about the NBA allowing players to compete internationally he may now have a supporter in Rival Houston. But time will tell but in the short term the Rockets who were on fire now look to be hard pressed to stay in the playoff hunt.

Raps continue the light schedule they have enjoyed as the T-Wolves visit the ACC. Raps will need to take it to the Timberwolves early and for once but a team away early. That would be nice but do we expect it to happen? I think it just might. Raps seem to do well against teams that run through big men like Orlando. Minnesota is all about Al. Mr. Jefferson is the man in Minnesota trying to fill the massive shadow left by Kevin Garnett. He may not be there yet but he is showing why Kevin McCale believed in him.

So win lose or draw we will have the Raptor Rewind with your recap of what went down. Thanks to all that have come back to the Dino Nation Blog after are technical issues. Please share the blog with your friends and family. Just like that old commercial If you tell a friend and they tell a friend and so on and so on. Hopefully you enjoy the blog enough to recommend it to others.

Are They Listening To The Message?

Sam Mitchell would never make a good poker player. Watch a game and just take a look at Sam Mitchell's face and you can see if his team is hearing what he has been saying. The blank stares of frustration and he is quick to let a player know when he is not happy with what he sees. Still you see slow starts and at times lack of defensive intensity. But the team has seemed to get the message of rebounding something Mitchell has stressed from day one. What often gets forgotten is how young this Raptor team is. Andrea Bargnani is only in his very early twenties. Bosh the leader of the franchise is south of twenty-five as well. Raps have veterans but none are what you would class as core players. It is a growing team that is learning. Last year they learned about the playoffs, this year they are learning about what it takes to be a year in year out playoff team.

However fans really bought into what the Raptors did last year. Proof of that is the 22 sellouts at the ACC this season. But with those sellout crowds come high expectations. Fans frustration with efforts in New York and last night in Indiana is fair though. The expectations of 50 wins was not realistic though. They are just a step below last season as far as win total. However there is no question they are better. In the end this team no matter what seed they end up will be judged based on what they do in the playoffs. But what seed and what match-up they get will dramatically impact on the chances they will have to advance.

Superman is actually not feared by the Raptors. Dwight Howard and his Magic would appear to be the logical choice of the best first round match-up the Raptors could draw. The Raptors have a huge advantage at point guard and Bosh seems to always get the better of Howard in head to head match-ups. The two have an off court friendship that was born from Bosh's one year in college at Georgia Tech. Howard was a Atlanta high school player that hung around the Georgia Tech team. Another team that is still point guard challenged despite the major shake up they made. Cleveland Cavs shook up the franchise and opinion is very mixed on what they have done. But despite that T.J Ford and Jose Calderon are far better than Delonte West.

Much has been made of the West Coast Trip that looms large after this long stretch of below .500 teams. That is why the efforts we have seen lately leave Raptor fans a little bit fearful. That being said I will remind everyone of this team's history. Raptors have always had trouble getting up for the teams they should beat but they also get wins you never expect them to get. Win in San Antonio and New Orleans. So keep that in mind when the Raps head west in mid March.

It is funny how quickly things have changed. Making the playoffs 3 years ago would have been more than enough for the organization and it's fan base. But now that is expected and it is about how fast this team can become a title contender. Bryan Colangelo has totally turned this franchise around and now has made expectations that he created. Not to mention come next season he may have his very own father to deal with. Jerry Colangelo is rumored to be a candidate for the job that is held by Isiah Thomas. He will have to undo the mess that is the New York Knicks. A far more challenging situation for the elder Colangelo. But the point of all this is the days of the Atlantic being a easy division may not last. The Boston Celtics were able to make the fast turn around. But Philly is improving and if the Knicks finally get a quality gm would no doubt improve. The only team on the slide is New Jersey. But the point is that Raps have to realize that they can not always count on the fact they will get easy divisional games forever.

Next season is going to be key with a lot of expiring contracts. The BIG MOVE may happen than. Jose Calderon will be a much richer man and that will lead to speculation on future of T.J Ford should he remain healthy. What may play into that is how Ukic does when he comes next season. Ukic should he make the team and be on the roster it could make T.J tradeable for the Raptors. However last night was some evidence on why the Raptors should keep both. They really are the perfect twosome. If they do not like one another they are some of the best actors you will find anywhere. So I would not be surprised if they keep both long term. In Football they have no problem having 2 or even 3 quality Quarterbacks, Baseball you can never have enough pitching and Hockey you always need goaltending and defense. In basketball everyone says how important point guard play is. So than why would you not want two quality point guards regardless of price.

30 wins in February in the Eastern Conference is far from a bad thing. The team will take time to grow into it's new role as up and coming contender. So it is not as bad as it may seem. That being said the Raptors need to get out of the gate early and jump on teams that they are better than. That is important. Raps may not meet the high expectations but than again they are heading to the playoffs something that the people that subscribe to the Leaf Nation would love to be in the position of the DINO NATION!!!