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?

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:

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

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.

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.

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!!!

O'Neil Is Not In CB4's League

When you think back about four years ago there was a huge debate on who was better Jermaine O'Neal or Chris Bosh. Time to declare a winner it is clear that Bosh a three time all-star since has won the debate. O'Neal has been injured plagued and constantly the subject of trade rumors. He has been a huge disappointment. This season he has been sidelined with knee injury and you have to wonder if he can ever be the same player that was a legit comparison to Bosh.

Danny Granger is now making a case that he is the franchise player of the future and with O'Neal out you could say of the present as well. Much like Rudy Gay in Memphis seems Granger has a bright future. The Gasol trade would not have been made if they did not believe in Rudy Gay. If O'Neal was healthy he would be out the door in Indiana as well. But he remains and sits in a suit more nights than he puts on the jersey.

Raptor fans may recall that Danny Granger was rumored to be a pick the Raptors might make. But Rob Babcock picked Joey Graham, some will say yet another Babcock mistake. I am not one to help out Rob Babcock but the truth was he was not alone in doubting Granger. Many NBA teams were concerned about Granger's health long term. But I think as clear as the debate between O'Neal and Bosh, same can be said for a Graham vs Granger debate. I think Joey Graham has clearly established that he is inconsistent at best. Granger is having a breakout season on the Pacers.

Raptor fans will get to see that up close and personal over the next three games. Tonight in Indiana and later in the week back in the ACC. Unbelievable as it may seem Indiana still has a shot to get in the playoffs in the east. Raptors are more concerned about seating in the east and that is why they can not afford another letdown like they had in New York on Friday. The Pacers are without point guard Jamal Tinsley as well. So Raptors will have an even bigger advantage at the point guard position than they normally would. T.J Ford is starting to show the confidence and play he showed before his crash landing in Atlanta. Jose Caldron meanwhile remains the starter and deserves that right. Caldron has been unreal. I had a friend I met through the Internet who lives in Spain he told me when Caldron was signed in Toronto he was like Europe's answer to Steve Nash. After season one I thought he was crazy. But now in season three it seems my Internetguards friend in Spain was not crazy after all. Caldron is an amazing talent and to both Raptor point guards credit they have taken a situation that could be a controversy and turned it into the team's greatest strength. Both have handle the situation with class and respect.

So to all those people that said Jermaine O'Neal was the real deal. I think the real deal wears #4 in Toronto and he leads his team to the playoffs while O'Neal leads the list on the injured reserve. Bosh is taking his game to a new level. Sam Mitchell said in a recent press scrum he doesn't know what the next level is beyond NBA ALL STAR. Well I think it is called NBA ELITE PLAYER and Bosh is clearly building his case to be part of that exclusive club.

Raptors Need To Add Some Coaching Depth?

Would Sam Mitchell welcome some more help on his staff? Would Bryan Colangelo agree with the concept? John Lucas may not officially be on the Raptor payroll but the fact he took charge of a big Raptor asset in T.J Ford than why not invite him to join the coaching staff. Lucas has worked with many of the NBA's best players and was on the Raptors TV broadcast last night talking about the Team beyond his own man in T.J Ford. Ford is a good friend of John Lucas III who also has bounced in and out of the NBA as a player. The elder Lucas has helped T.J Ford bring his career back for the dead twice. A huge task but in the grand scheme of what John Lucas has been though minor in nature of the grand scheme of life. If you know nothing about Lucas you really should. In fact I will help you and give you a link to a great bio on John Lucas II. He is an amazing story that is worth knowing:

His approach to life on and off the floor could only help the Raptors. He is expected to remain around the team as T.J Ford continues his return to action. The Raptors should look to make his stay a permanent one.

Speaking of Ford. His return was impressive. Nothing to much as far as minutes or his stat line. But has stated in the Raptor Rewind last night some key hurdles were passed right away. That dunk at the end was in the words of Chuck Swirsky Sick Wicked and Nasty. A guy that is big on statements in T.J Ford made a very major one with that play. He had his moments good and bad but it is clear he was hard at work in Houston and looks in tremendous shape. Another reason Raps should strongly look at Lucas as part of the Mix

I get Accused a lot of being a Ford Fan. Which I am and never hide. But make no mistake about the fact that I respect the things that Jose Caldron is. Which above all is a classy guy. He plays for his team and despite fan efforts to create a controversy between himself and Ford he never will be party too it. T.J I think is grateful of that. He said as much in his post game comments Where he stated back in Milwaukee it wasn't that way. He respects Jose and gets it back something that was not the case in Milwaukee with Moe Williams.

Some Quick NBA Thoughts:

• Memphis Fire Sale continues as they unload Swift
• Giants at Knick games is a sad reminder to Knick fans how far away the team on the court is from match the success of the team that plays in East Rutherford. The Giants. The Nets are as bad as the Knicks almost anyway
• West Reaction on the way. You have to think with Gasol deal someone is gonna Step up and Make a splash. My money is on Mark Cuban and the Mavs looking to bring in Jason Kidd or Andre Igudala or Miller. 3 names that all could impact on the Mavs greatly. Irony is the could have Steve Nash rather than Jason Kidd. I think most pick Nash if they could today.
• Miami can't wait for the Lottery. They are awful. How they fix that mess in Miami is beyond me. But I will say this. Shaq is dealing with a messy divorce. I'm thinking next year he will be a little more productive. Not the old Shaq but not the anchor he has become to hope in Miami ether
• Fan Voting will it help or hurt Jamario Moon in the Dunk Contest? I don't have the answer but I can't wait too see what he will do. UTUBE is sporting a supposed preview. But I bet none of that ever sees the light of day. From first time I saw Jamario in Pre Season I was like WOW THAT GUY CAN JUMP. But expect fans to be behind Dwight Howard he is the people's choice heading into it

That is about all for this Post Miami edition of the Dino Nation Blog. This has been James Borbath Reporting from his home nowhere near Miami. Spring can you get here fast??? Raps Playoffs and Warm Weather!!!

What Do They Have In Common?

Tonight the Toronto Raptors are in Miami to take on the struggling Heat who are without the big man Shaq. When you look at Shaq I will admit Chris Bosh is not the first name that pops into your head. From a basketball standpoint they are not a like at all. Oneal is a guy who has made an NBA career based on raw power and in his prime was said to be unguardable. Bosh is thought of as a new age power forward that although under sized can beat you with speed and shot making skills. When you send these guys to the line no comparison as well. Bosh is a solid shooter at the charity stripe while the Big Diesel can be painful to watch at best. 

Most feel Oneal may be done as far as his NBA career goes. He will never again be the dominant force that once ruled the NBA and was able to bring down backboards and baskets in a single bound. Bosh meanwhile is just scratched the surface of his NBA career. He is part of the same draft clash as Shaq's buddy Dwayane Wade aka Flash (Nickname Of Oneal for Wade) So what do these to men have in common?

Shaq until this season has always been know as a great player in this league. But beyond that he was had a lovable childlike attitude towards life. We can all recall over the year some of the silly just funny things that Oneal has done. The giant shoe phone he brought to the all star game one year. Many laughs and entertaining non basketball moments. If they only had Utube earlier no telling what Shaq might have posted. But Chris Bosh is back on UTube and plays a duo role of himself and Blane Harrington. This of course follows up his used car salesman type video which was part of his campaign to get all star votes. No Bubba in this video but still funny. I bet despite all his trouble in his personal life Shaq would agree. Oneal is not only facing the decline of his skills and career but a bitter divorce battle. Not much to smile about these days. Bosh on the other hand has lots to smile about including the return of his fellow Texan T.J Ford.

Bosh has developed a much lighter side over the years. He has grown more and more comfort in the spotlight. To the point now that he has created CB4TV. Which is the home of all this wacky stuff on UTUBE. This fun loving side of Chris reminds me a lot of Shaq and although they may be totally different on the floor off of it they both seem to like to have fun. Maybe Blane Harrington can interview Shaq one day I would think that would be PURE GOLD. During the long grind of an NBA season to be all about work and no play can make you angry and bitter. But it is a lot easier to have fun when your winning. I am sure Shaq will tell you that. He and his Heat have seen little of that these days. But it is great to have people like CB4 and Shaq because they are true kids at heart and make sure to understand that life is too short not to have some fun along the way.

 T.J Ford can understand that in a much more serious way. He has started practice to get ready for a return. He revealed to reporters today that he had considered retirement if only briefly. But he now is focused on a return to the line up and the Raptors will be happy to have him. No word on if Blane Harrington has the scoop on the Ford Return date. But if anyone would know it might be him. It sure isn't me.

So thanks for the Laughs Shaq and Chris..in a long season Fans can use them TOO!!!

No Bosh before Moss

Since 2003 the Raptors Traditionally would have a early afternoon tip off at the ACC. The start time would usually be noon or 12:30. Usually against a Western Conference team from a different time zone giving the Raptors a nice advantage. But not this year the Raptors will be watching the Super Bowl in South Florida after Practice. It is to bad for Raptor fans. It is hard to avoid the Super hype which leads up to the game. A two and a half hour B-Ball Break was a welcomed thing in my household. I mean anyone that can or wants to watch 6 hours of pre game coverage is more of a football freak than me. Don't get me wrong I love football. I played in high school and like CB4 am a big Dallas Cowboy Fan. If Jessica Simpson hadn't screwed it up maybe I would want to watch a 6 hour pre game show. But that is water under the bridge. Still I am realistic enough to know not even the Dallas Cowboys will make the Superbowl every year. Same goes for whatever team you support. Even the undefeated Pats were part of T.V audience last year. So having a basketball game was great. The NBA seemed to like scheduling the game in Canada as in other U.S based markets drawing fans could be an issue on this unofficial American Holiday that is Super Sunday. But for some reason it was left off the schedule. So I thought I'd dig into Raptor and NFL history today. Here is the Raps Super Sunday History along with the Superbowl that happened later that day. I have to give some love to the site I found that gave me the info.

DatabaseBasketball: http://www.databasebasketball.com/index.htm

This site was amazing and I plan on keeping it handy for future use.So on to what I was able to track down.

RAPS ON SUPER SUNDAY

2003

Toronto Raptors vs.Sacramento Kings

Result: Raps Win 101- 97

Vince Carter had a team high 22 points.

Super Bowl XXXVII

Tampa Bay 48 Oakland 21

Dexter Jackson had 2 interceptions and The Bucs with coach John Gruden defeated his former franchise and maybe put the curse of Chuckie on them as the Raiders have stunk since. There former WR is playing for the Pats today that better be one heck of a 5th round pick!!!

2004

Raptors vs Lakers

Result: Lakers win 85-84. Shaq had 36 points. But was an unhappy camper as the game in his mind was poorly officiated and he used several F-Bombs to make that clear on live T.V back to L.A. He would end up lighter in the wallet from a fine.

Super Bowl XXXVIII

Pats 32 Panthers 29. Adam Vintari would be the hero kick a field goal to win it. Tom Brady was your MVP.

2005

Raptors vs Mavs

Mavs win 122-113...Chris Bosh would have 29 but foul out. Dirk put up 30 for the Mavs

Super Bowl 39 (the Heck with Roman Numerials)

Pats Edge the T.O Lead Eagles 24-21.win gives Patriots 3 titles in 4 years as they lay claim to the Dynasty tag.

2006

Raps ve Clippers

Clipps make a buzzer better to hold on for 115-113 win

Super Bowl XL

Stealers 21 and Seahawks 10, Jerome Bettis wins his only Super Bowl title and retires at Ford Field in his home town

2007

Raps VS Clips

Raps Get revenge in Rematch with Clipps in easy wn 122-110

Super Bowl 41: Devin Hester Runs the opening Kickoff for TD. But the Colts would rally and go on to win. Peyton Manning named MVP

So that is all just a 2-3 record for the team. But I will definitely miss the Raptors being on the tube for that 12-3 area. For the Record I like the PATS IN A BLOWOUT. Yes it may be that I am bitter the Giants beat Chris Bosh and My Cowboys, Or it May be that in ideal conditions the Pats will just kill the Giants. The time they meet at end of the year was in a cold New Jersey Night. Hey that might be a good title for the Nets season. I saw the the opening and took the shot what can I say. But Fast Track Warm Weather in open dome stadium points all to the P-MEN!!!

As for the men in red the play Miami Tomorrow. Heat are BRUTAL this year game the RAPS MUST GET!!!  If you go out partying this Super Sunday please be safe and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE for all the obvious reasons and because I want you back to read again tomorrow. Have fun and enjoy the Super Bowl.