Tip In: The Answer Man

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Feb 22, 2006 9:03 AM EST

What's the story, morning glory? - N. Gallagher, Manchester

What up, Noel? How's Man City doing this year? Anyhoo, last night's game was winnable. Plain and simple. The Raps led by as many as 10 and had their chances to win in the final few minutes. The killer was with about a minute left in the game. The score was tied and the Raps forced a miss with solid D. But, they couldn't snag the rebound, which was grabbed by Shane Battier. The Grizzlies worked it around and, after Mike James came over to help CB4 double Pau Gasol, Eddie Jones nailed the open triple and that was that. Make the final: 94-88 Grizzlies.

Was I encouraged by the defense? Yes and no. Sure, Memphis shot only 41.6% (45.3 eFG%), but the Raps got outrebounded 48-39 and allowed Memphis to snag 16 offensive boards, almost a third of all rebounds in Toronto's end.

I thought the Raptors were playing the Grizzlies. Who are the Memphis Pros? Furthermore, does anyone watch my show? - S.A. Smith, New York

First things first, S.A., no one watches your show. Quite frankly, it sucks. That's not the point, though. For once, you're right. The Raptors did play the Grizzlies last night. Apparently last night was Honour Everyone night at the FedEx Forum. First, Spanish night. Then, the Grizzlies decide to pay homage to the Memphis Pros, who were an ABA franchise for two seasons in the early 70s. They even played a game at Maple Leaf Gardens in early 1972, where the Pros scored an ABA record 52 points in the 4th quarter against the Indiana Pacers. Luckily, my Dad had the over in that game.

Are you kidding me? - C. Swirsky, Toronto.

Not this time, Chuckster. As much as the Answer Man loves ya, Chuck, it might be time for a new catchphrase.

What's up with Matt Bonner? - B. Scalabrine, Boston.

Veal Scalabrine! What's up, playa? Actually, you don't play much at all. Ain't nothing wrong with your twin brother Bonner. He just can't play defense and when he's matched up with Pau Gasol, you might as well concede the points. He's fine in his role of long-range gunner (a la Matt Bullard), but gets exposed when he is asked to play any kind of defense.

Can a supermodel, Swiss bank account, fancy cars and a bunch of yes men get you a jumpshot? - D. Miles and S. Livingston

Didn't you pay attention when Professor Iverson was talking? Maybe you should have stayed in school, kids.

Is Game in an Hour a fraud? - S. Hamilton, Toronto

Well, I'm watching the game again this morning and it's 6:59 and there are 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Don't know about you but I don't see how the last 3 minutes of the game are going to be condensed into one minute. And you'd better not cut into my NBA Fantasy Hoops show. Rick Kamla WHAT!

Who is Mike James? - M. Jones, Houston

Ah, the eternal question. Here's your answer.

Am I the best player in Syracuse history? - L. Rautins, Toronto.

I had to laugh when Chuck said that he got a text message from you, Leo, during last night's game. In said message, you claimed that you were the best player in Syracuse basketball history. I don't know what surprised me more: a) that you know how to text message or b) your hubris.

At any rate, I submit ten Syracuse players who are/were better than you (in no particular order):

Carmelo Anthony
Dave Bing
Derrick Coleman
Sherman Douglas
Vic Hanson (a BEAST in the mid-20s)
Louis Orr
Billy Owens
Rony Seikaly
John Wallace (!)
Dwayne Washington

Please tell Pau Gasol that I want my beard back - T. Kaczynski

Beard battle: Pau vs. the Unabomber. That's like Shani Davis vs. Chad Hedrick.

CHAPMAN

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Comments

Watching this game and also the T-wolves game it hit me that Bosh needs to develop a go-to move in the post. He's got a great outside shot, and a quick first step, but when he's guarded by somebody a little bit longer (like a garnett or a gasol) that can bother his shot and is quick enough to stay in front of him he struggles. He scored 26 points but when the game got tight and we needed a bucket he couldn't deviler. He needs a bread and butter move on the block that's pretty much unguardable unless he's double teamed. He also needs to work on his one-on-one defense a little bit. Pau and KG, had their way with him. I know those are two all-stars and two of the better players in the league, but Bosh needs to win these match ups to get from good young player to legitimate superstar. If the raps ever expect to win a championship, bosh has to take that next step.

by Chris on Feb 22, 2006 4:43 PM EST reply actions

Hey chris..

I don't see KG or Pau with rings on their fingers. CB4 doesn't necessarily need a better inside game for the raps to win a championship (though it wouldn't hurt) but he needs better teammates to be better inside or out. And even more importantly some people to play some D.

When CB4 is on the court, the raps avg 24.6 points per 48 mins and the opponents 17.2 (+7.4 difference). Pau is a +9.1 and KG is +12.6 (so yeah you're right). Other examples: B. Wallace is a +5.4, Shawn Marion +8.6, Steve Nash +9.3,

Dallas have 7 guys over +2 ratings (with a minimum of having played 35% of the time), Detroit 5, Phoenix 5, San Antonio 5.

Memphis 3, Clippers 3, Denver 3, Toronto 2, Minnesota 2 (now 1), New York 2, Charlotte 1, Portland 1 (Stats courtesy of 82games.com)

Get the picture? 5 above average guys are better than 1 superstar. To be an elite team you need atleast 5 guys who can score more and defend better than their opponents. Raps JUST need 3 more ;) Simple huh?

by Ustat on Feb 23, 2006 12:30 AM EST reply actions

I agree with that point. If I had to build a team that had a shot of winning a championship this year, with no regard for future years, then Bosh would probably be one of the last all-stars that I would pick. He's a fantastic player, but he's not quite there yet...

by raptorman on Feb 23, 2006 2:52 AM EST reply actions