Media Watch for September 14, 2005 - Fan Base Loyalty or Looking Through Rose Coloured Glasses

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Sep 14, 2005 9:24 AM EDT

Last year the Toronto Raptors experienced another dropoff at the gate in terms of ticket sales. With only 33 wins on the season and a bleak outlook for next season this year may be even worse.

But representatives of the Raptors disagree. It seems that the Raptors' loyal fan base is willing to suffer through another losing season in hopes of building with the new rookies and developing into a perennial playoff contender. Many pundits around the league have stated for quite sometime that if the team continues its losing ways, it will be in serious trouble. However it could be argued that an average attendance of 17,100 for a 33 win team has to reflect one of the more optimistic fan bases in the league. Here's hoping that a few Charlie Villanueva crams on Zaza Pachulia and Joey Graham lock down defensive efforts on Vince Carter continue this optimism.

As discussed in our past few media watches, former Duke point guard Jay Williams would be a big piece of this optimistic rebuilding plan. Williams agent yesterday stated however that Toronto has some tough competition for the former Blue Devil's services. Pay does not seem to be one of the main issues factoring into Williams' decision however it will likely come down to which team can provide the most playing time, development opportunity and field the most competitive squad. This last point may be the proverbial "rub."

Franchise

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raptors are in trouble this year. I am hard pressed to find a team that will be worse.

Fans in Toronto can deal with losing seasons ... but these aren't the Leafs and the Raps need to start winning soon or Vancouver syndrome is going to kick in.

by utes on Sep 14, 2005 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

About J Will... Miami and Clevland want him.....if not Miami is supposed to bring in Blake and Clevland's already got DJ and Jeff McInnis..... I think we have the best odds :)

by !~LIL Scrappy~! on Sep 14, 2005 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

I'd like Jay Williams here for the interest it would build in the club. I think this town loves an honest team and a good story. If Jay gets anywhere near to where he was, he's our best guard by a long margin (assuming Calderon is not way beyond expectation). As he rounds into shape somewhere in the latter part of the season, we may be able to send a guard somewhere for some upgrades. If not, we're really no farther behind. He is worth going over the cap for.

by WaitingOnBabcock on Sep 14, 2005 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

You're all on crack (except for the first guy). Toronto is going to suck this year. They're going to suck next year. They're going to continue to suck until Babcock is fired and someone with a functioning brain is put in charge. This is sad. I hope Toronto doesn't lose its team... I love basketball and would miss the pro game being in town.

by narrator on Sep 22, 2005 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

could someone tell me who made " Chuckie " in charge of giving the players nicknames . could he not leave that up to the players . Maybe if he would quit looking so glassy eye at Leo all the time and refrain for telling us how much he loves Leo he might not appear so foolish .

by dan wighton on Dec 20, 2005 8:43 AM EST reply actions