Does A Raptor See It's Shadow?

Happy RaptorHog Day. This is the day of the year where we all hope a little animal is smarter than humans by saying that spring will come early. Spring to basketball fans means Playoffs. Looking at the Eastern Conference right now hard to imagine the Raptors not making it in the playoffs. I mean currently New Jersey is in despite the fact I can't remember the last time they had a winning streak. But if you are willing to be a tiny bit bold I would say the Raps are a lock to get in. The question is where and against who? That answer can't be figured out by if the Raptor sees his shadow. I think ultimately the Raptors will stay in that 4-6 range. which will likely see them face the Cavs, Wizards or Magic. All not bad match-ups for the Raptors. Avoiding Lebron though would likely be a good thing given what he and Kobe  seem to be able to do against the Raptors. Not to mention Chris Bosh's girlfriend and the cry to have her banned from the building. On TNT when Bosh was interviewed she was compared to Jessica Simpson. Like the Canadian version. Something Bosh would rather not deal with. The two things a man never wants to deal with is defending his significant other or his mother. Not Fun.

Wizards and Raps would be Ideal match-up. Even with the return of Gilbert Arenas and His Hibachi. We will have T.J Ford so no really advantage gained. Raps seem to have the Wizards number too and with 2 miracle last second 3 point shots in under a year Raps have to be in the Wizards heads. Orlando still has much to prove and Winning a Division Title is nice come playoffs it doesn't mean anything. Just ask Toronto they know that. Bosh has always out dueled Howard as well throughout his career. So this is a good Match-Up too.

Basically what is being said is that I like the Raptors to advance to the 2nd round no Matter if they finish 3rd or 6th or somewhere in between. After that is anyone's guess. They have struggled to beat Boston and Detroit. Ironically and maybe stupidly I think they have the better chance to beat the Celtics. They just seem to be able to hang with them. Pistons Rasheed Wallace has owned Bosh as well. Not to many players in this league can say that.

So any other RaptorHog Predictions?  Well I did make a bunch at the Mid-Season point. Here's one Jose Caldron fans will not like. By the end of the season T.J Ford will once again be the starting point guard. I don't know if he will play more minutes than Jose but he will be the starter. 

Joey Graham will be gone. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part as I have never been in the Joey Fan club. In fact I'd need a map to find it. But I think his increase minutes of late at least getting in games is to showcase him to trade not to become part of the rotation.

Lots of trade around the league. Gasol To L.A was just the first in a flurry of trade action. I have been calling on this one for awhile. Many unhappy players and under performing teams makes for the perfect environment for CHANGE.

Some Random Rambles From The Desk Of James Borbath.

Raps TV tries to hard. The new segment they had with Sherm Hamilton during the game actually interfered with the game. I like Sherm he tries hard and it isn't his fault the people behind the scenes are to blame. Just like the unreadable score graphic at the start of the season this segment needs to go.

 Kobe Bryant is just amazing. I think when I am old he along with a few others will be the stories I tell the little ones from my rocking chair. We are lucky to live in an era with so MANY talented stars. But Kobe is truly a MEGASTAR

I can't get enough of watching New Jersey SUCK. I mean I like V.C I'm not a Vince Carter hater at all. But I will say it serves him right to have what is going on in New Jersey. Chris Bosh choose to STAY and be part of the Solution and not part of the problem like Vince seems to be again.

Raps now are on the way to south beach and are being reunited with T.J Ford. Like the old song says: Reunited and it feels so GOOD. Welcome Back T.J!!!

Low B-BALL IQ IS EVERYONE'S PROBLEM!!!

Yesterday I happened to catch Chuck Swirsky on the Radio. I am not a regular listener of his show but if I happen to be out and about I will flip him on. For those who have never heard Chuck's Radio show in the first part of it he will give is take on a variety of things. If you have read this blog prior to it coming to blog text you know that I have different opinions than Chuck on many things but still like him, respect him and think he is a great guy. But this is actually a time where me and Chuck are on the same page. Just like as if we were cheering on Michigan yelling GO BLUE.

Chuck is amazing at answering his email. I am dead serious too. He will respond with in minutes sometimes. Like if I sent him an email while writing this blog by the time it was posted I'd likely have a response. But after his 500th or so email about trading Joey Graham for Jason Kidd he had enough. He mentioned it in the opening of his show. Chuck was too kind to be very nasty about it. But basically he really didn't want to waste his time reading that kind of nonsense. Not that I am speaking for him but that was the basic Idea. 

For those who do not know. I use to work in the media on a very minor scale. But now a days I am somewhere between fan and journalist. Beyond writing this blog, I am an officer of Toronto Raptors Fans Application on Facebook. I run my own group called Dino Nation for Raptor fans also on Facebook.Not meant to be ads for them but if you want to join them feel free. Beyond that I am a member of several other groups and forums on the Internet including the Real GM Raptor Forum and on NBA.Com. Basically. I do a lot of surfing in Raptor Groups and Post sites. I understand Chuck's frustration because I read and see the same silly posts on these places I have mentioned. In fact all the members of media get hit with these kind of silly ideas that have no base in logic or BASKETBALL IQ. Understand this is not everyone there are a lot of smart people here on the Internet.

Please understand I also read a lot of well thought intelligent things as well. But some people need to learn some basics. In fact here are 5 to get you started about trades:

1. For A Trade to happen you must see a logical reason for BOTH teams to make it.
2. The NBA as rule related to trades that have to meet certain requirements most notable the salaries need to be within a certain range.
3. What are the needs of the teams involved. If a team has 3 point guards not much chance they will trade for #4
4. What is the teams outlook and gameplan in the deal. Are they rebuilding are they looking to win now?
5. Term of Contract. Does the player have several years left or is it an expiring contract. Cap Room to some teams is just as important as the players they may get.

We all do not see things the same as far as players and teams go but guess what I DON'T LIKE THAT GUY is not a valid point. Tell me why and than it is. We all can learn more there is not one person that knows every single thing there is to know. Never think you are the smartest kid in the class cause I guarantee there is a smarter one somewhere on here. 

State things clearly and direct. Vague questions can't be answered. Like other day I saw a question: Do You Think The Raptors Will Win The Championship? I don't know was that this year or ever? Only the guy who posted question knows for sure.That being said asking questions to learn things is a totally different story. If you don't know the answer to something there is likely someone that will know or can find out the answer. Better to ask and know than assume and look like a thing that Charles Barkley had to kiss.

There are many people I read to improve my knowledge and understanding. I watch a lot of stuff too. I understand not everyone has that kinda time. But even reading a few daily blogs like this is a way to get some fast info. But point is there is lots of information out there if you take the time to seek it out. A informed fan is generally a better fan.

Know the difference between Reality and Fact as opposed to Fantasy and Rumor. The most common thing that happens on the Internet is someone says something. Like Jason Kidd is getting traded to the Rockets for Tracy McGrady. This could be anyone saying it. But than people read that and pass it on and before you know it a trade rumor is born. It's OK to read all that stuff just don't think that it even is real unless you can find some evidence to support it. Even big networks like ESPN sometimes are wrong and not everything they say is FACT. Read stories carefully.

The other thing is be civil to other people. Just because a guy doesn't agree with you about something to do with basketball is no reason to waste everyone's time by posting names at each other like little school children. Make valid points and in the end agree to disagree and move on.

Toronto is long past the stage of saying basketball is the new thing. We have some very bright fans that have a lot of interesting things to say. But there is no more excuses for fan stupidity in the sport of basketball. Care enough to know what your posting about or in some cases calling into the radio about. People in the Media will respect those of you that care enough to but thought into you ideas. They don't deserve to have to deal with stupidity. Nor should people that read forums. So if you are the guy that thinks Joey Graham would be a could trade for Kobe Bryant. I ask you to do one of two things. A. Go back to the NHL and watch Hockey they need all the help they can get. B. Take the time to develop some basketball IQ. It is easy just requires some reading and a little common sense. The best thing is that you can always improve your Basketball I.Q

For those who say hey I do all that why are you wasting my time? I am trying to help you and me and everyone that wants to beat the guy who invented the ESPN Trade Machine with a bat. Life was simpler before everyone in the world had free reign to be a G.M. Sad thing is some of the stuff you read on the internet would make Rob Babcock look like a great G.M. That is as sad as it gets. So remember only you can prevent Low Basketball IQ. Next Time you see it being used speak up and say something. Ignoring it makes you part of the problem. Be part of the solution. Just like Chris Bosh with the Raptors on the floor. He stayed here and made things work. Don't Be a V.C or J.Kidd and demand a trade from your favorite Raptor Forum or Group.

So ends this Public Service Blog on Basketball IQ

In.......Out

That is the final word about All Star selections. Chris Bosh will be going to his 3rd straight all star game but the story will be more about Jose not going. Should he have gone? Even I as a T.J Ford fan will say yes. I may not have a month ago but as we sit here today Jose was good enough to go. Many feel Joe Johnson is the reason why he isn't. The Atlanta Hawk who plays on the U.S National Team is in. You say what does that have to do with it? Well last time I checked coaches and majority of NBA personal were American. Jose is from Spain and plays in Canada. So Johnson the more established American gets the support. It makes sense if you believe we all have a natural cultural bias towards our own. But the fact that Johnson plays on a losing team in the Hawks and Jose on a winning team in the Raptors was not enough to overcome that. The fact Caldron has better numbers also was not enough to overcome that. But before you all write your angry letters to David Stern crying foul hold on a second.

Chris Bosh also the year prior to his first all star appearance did not make it. For different reasons in fact ironically one of them being he played on a losing team. But none the less he was better than some that made it and still sat home. Sometimes it takes a year of being wrongly left off the all-star team to have people take notice. 

There was lots written about Jose and the chance of him getting in and there will be lots more written about him not getting in. When that next time comes his way people will remember that. You would hope they will anyway. Not to mention fans in Canada and Spain when he actually will be on the ballot next year will no doubt vote in large numbers. The best way to get in is get voted in. Nothing is left to chance. Vince Carter for years got in based on the fans more than on his talent. That is not to say he wouldn't have made it but with some of his injury filled seasons he may not have.

The good thing about all of this is although Jose will rightful be disappointed it will change nothing. I don't think guys that grow up and play in Europe care as much about the thing they achieve as a person as much as what they achieve with their team. North America is a star driven society and praise the individual honors like ALL STAR appearances. In the end it as is kind of a joke. I mean the fact Steve Nash are very own Canadian had to wait till tonight to be named to the team in itself is a joke. It would be fitting if Jamario Moon takes Jose to the game to be the guy that gives him a pass for the dunk contest. I think all Raptor fans would like to see it. Plus Jose being there will no doubt do interviews and make himself more known to the American public. Helping him again when that next chance will come along.

I had a campaign on Facebook to Get T.J Ford to the All Star Game. But the reason behind that in part was out of fear he would not have another chance to do so. His career at the time was in jeopardy. Those days seem to be done and depending on who and what you believe a Ford return should be coming very soon. Which leads to the age old question in Toronto which is far more important than the ALL STAR Game. Which is what will happen now.

I had a plan for that which I shared on the show HOOPS on the FAN 590 and Raptors TV. It goes like this. Jose remains the starter and even T.J will admit he will need time to rebuild his in game stamina. Than when T.J feels he is ready he should be given 3 games to try to make his claim to his old job as starter. Than Sam Mitchell can decide. The guys on HOOPS who's opinions I value did not agree as likely Many who read this may not. But I think it is fair and allows T.J the chance to keep what was his. The example used by the guys was the football one of Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe. Brady of course Famously came in replaced Bledsoe and if all goes well come Sunday will have Super Bowl Ring number four. But T.J isn't Drew Bledsoe. He is a top talent and he like Jose is a top point guard in this league. Bledsoe post New England was a decline in talent and eventually got replaced by Tony Romo in Dallas and eventually retired. If T.J retires it will be due to injury not lack of talent.

The other thing they did kick around was the option of both T.J and Jose at the same time. This is something the Raptors have played with off and on over the last year and a half. It could be a very effective thing should the Raptors develop it in the second half of the season. I like this option and would not mind seeing it more. If the Raptors had landed Damon Stoudamire it would make that option of both guards at once even more realistic as you would have a 3rd solid point guard. But Starters minutes with the defending World Champs who could pass on that?

In the end I'm old school I think T.J deserves the right to stake his claim on his old job as starter. It is the right thing to do. Not like it would bury the Raptors should he be unsuccessful in a few games as the starter. But as Jack Armstrong says this is a positive problem despite the fact so many Raptors fans do their best to make it a negative one.

In that vain we should not lose sight of the fact that although Jose did not get in. Chris Bosh did. He has established himself as a ALL STAR and a great player in this league. He should get some love too. Rather than the typical negative reaction to the fact of what didn't happen. We also have 3 others heading to ALL STAR WEEKEND in Moon, Bargnani and Kapono. That is the most ever Raptors taking part in the All Star festival. In the end ALL STAR WEEKEND is nothing more than a glorified advertisement for the NBA. No one gets anything from it other than publicity. Keep that in mind. So with that said I will leave you to your many posting as to WHY JOSE GOT SCREWED. He did but honestly it isn't that bad. Fans will likely take this harder than the guy himself.

Oh and one last thing if you need something to pick up your spirits. V.C isn't going to be there this year playing as well. I am sure when Jersey comes to town Raptor Fans will remind him.

Here is a list of all the reserves East and West

East Reserves Chauncey Billips (Detroit) Chris Bosh (Toronto) Caron Butler (Washington) Richard Hamilton (Detroit) Antawn Jamison (Washington) Joe Johnson (Atlanta) Paul Pierce (Boston)

West Reserves Carlos Boozer (Utah) Steve Nash (Phoenix) Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) Chris Paul (New Orleans) Brandon Roy (Portland) Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix) David West (New Orleans)

3 Keys To Raptor Franchise???

While I am writing this it could be possible Damon Stoudamire is signing a contract to become a Raptor again. There were serious hints dropped during the Toronto game at Washington that lead you to believe this could be happening. Stoudamire has to wait till 12 midnight to sign somewhere and that passed about 30 minutes ago. Bryan Colangelo signed Steve Nash at 12:01 the first possible moment he could. Same goes for current Raptor Jason Kapono. So why would Damon be any different. Boston, Spurs,Cavs and Colangelo's former team the Suns all were said to have eyes on Mighty Mouse.  Damon's Agent said this will not be about money or term and that his client is looking for a chance to win and to get this done quickly. A chance to win an NBA Title that is. Many would say Raptors wold be number 5 on that list as far as title hopes go. But Damon has always said he holds no ill will to Toronto and in fact says quite the opposite. The Status of T.J Ford is a mystery at the moment to the general public. Ford had stated he would return this season and continues to rehab down in Houston with John Lucas. More on T.J later on. But as of this moment Damon would be the number two point guard behind the rising star that is Jose Caldron. He would play in other words. It seems though that for Toronto Stoudamire is option A. The other 4 teams are looking at other options not to say Toronto isn't but they seem to think Stoudamire is a good fit. I agree with that he has a game that would fit nice in the Raptor system. He can make a 3 point shot and is an above average passer and realistically would only need to play about 15 minutes a night. Toronto Fans unlike with Vince Carter seem to long forgot the tiny point guard trade demand and ugly exit to Portland. Most Raptor fans would welcome him back and he would get treated like a returning hero by all accounts. The fact Toronto is not the best option as far as winning a title may not matter as the other thing that has been made clear is that Damon intends to test the free agent market and you would think would still have some if not all of those other options he has now in the summer. The chance to rewrite history has to be appealing as well. If he does come I can tell you this he never had the talent in Toronto than as he would now. In fact you could argue the point this would be the most talented team he has ever played for should it happen. Big reason for that is Chris Bosh.

Bosh has been on an amazing run as of late. On Thursday he is not worried if he will hear his name announced as a reserve on the Eastern Conference All Star Team. He is a lock, knowing Chris he will be more concerned if his team mate Jose Caldron will be a long for the ride. That is what kind of a person he is a team first superstar. This is not to say it isn't clear who leads this pack of Raptors. He is the franchise player in every way shape and form. Vince Carter was never as respected as Chris Bosh. Maybe that is why Carter was floored to hear the people that use to love him chant M V P for the guy that replaced him as the face of the franchise. Not that Bosh cares he is more concerned with the fact his team was put out by Vince's team. But as the Raptors head towards another playoff appearance. Vince Carter is watching his Nets sink and the team leader say he wants to abandon ship. CB4 could have said that but Bryan Colangelo came along and Bosh like the entire Raptor fan base was impressed by Colangelo and put his faith in Bryan to do the things he does like the signing of a guy like Damon or whatever needs to be done to make the Raptors a contender in the short and long terms. He has more than done his part though as Bosh night in and night out does everything Sam Mitchell asks of him and a few things more that he doesn't ask. Mitchell like Colangelo has earned the trust and respect of his superstar player. Colangelo even was able to find Bosh a fellow Texan to be is running mate in T.J Ford. Things have not went smooth for Ford. But it is clear that he and Bosh have a strong relationship and despite the new found chemistry between Bosh and Caldron, Chris no doubt wants his fellow Texan back and playing at the high level he was on that night in Atlanta.

Ford is still in Houston. He is doing somethings with John Lucas to prepare to return and stay healthy hopefully. In pro wrestling when you train a wrestler the first thing you do is teach them how to take a bump. Wrestlers are trained how to take falls and withstand impact. Ford under the watch of Lucas is kind of doing the basketball equivalent. He is learn how to take falls and protect his body. Ford is much like Allen Iverson in some ways. They both have a similar body type and they both take hard crashing fouls resulting from the great speed and force they drive to the basket with. Bryan Colangelo said that T.J would have to learn how  to play smarter. That process seems to be going on in Houston. Not to mention there has to be a huge mental hurdle to climb as well. Fear of what might happen as Ford has now had to very scary falls that a lesser person would not have been able to return from mentally never mind his body recovering. So how long this process of re-education and mental  recovery is going to take is up to anyone's guess. But with 8 million dollars per season invested in Ford they want to be sure they have done everything they can to have him back and effective as well as safe. They now have another point guard that they must resign and what will be a very big number. How big will it be the number seems to be growing daily with every start for Jose Caldron. If the Raptor have him and Ford with Damon they would be the only team in the NBA with 3 guys that all could play starter minutes at the point guard position and be very effective.

So the present and Future of the Toronto Raptors is really up in the air. We haven't even mentioned the desperate need of a rebounding big man. But Bryan Colangelo still has about a month left to find the answer to that problem. A return of Mighty Mouse would be nice and all but there is more that needs to be done. There is another Big Man that also needs to improve that being Andrea Bargnani. But despite the fact of all these things the organization knows when the time is to be fast and act. They also no when to be patient and wait. If they could only teach the fan base to do the same. But let's face it Bryan is good but is anyone that good? Raptor fans are maybe even to big a challenge for him to tackle.

Should anything be made official on the Mighty Mouse Front there may be another blog today. If not talk with you all tomorrow!!!.

Dino Nation Blog is Always Out To Save Your Day!!!