Un Gran Avance

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Sep 6, 2006 10:54 AM EDT

The 2006 FIBA World Championships have come to a close...but during them, many of our readers wondered where exactly Canada was through the whole process?

No, Canada did not make it, but were we even close?

Unfortunately not.

Canada failed to make it through the qualifying stage for the tournament as they were neither the winner nor runner-up from the Tournament of the Americas, nor were they one of the top three "best placed teams from the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament." And even if they had squeaked in, it probably wouldn't have mattered.

As many have witnessed, this tournament was really run by four teams; Spain, Greece, Argentina and of course the USA. These four clubs represented the crÃ¨me de la crÃ¨me of international clubs in the tourney and mostly had their way with the opposition.

So even if Canada had been participating, without a club full of players like Steve Nash, Jamaal Magloire, Samuel Dalembert...oh heck...even Rick Fox and Bill Wennington, it's doubtful the team would have made so much as a ripple in the International basketball waters.

It's interesting to note however that it was at such an international basketball event, the 2000 Olympics, that Canada DID make a splash and became the coming-out party for the now two-time defending NBA MVP, Steve Nash. Nash had been steadily raising his game and status as an elite player in the NBA heading into those Olympics, but after almost single-handedly carrying the Canucks in Athens, the rest of the World really began to take notice. Canada was actually considered a medal contender based on Nash's play and had it not been for a closely-fought loss to Italy in the elimination rounds, Canada's squad would have been firmly in the hunt. After the loss, Nash admitted he was disappointed that Canada didn't advance further, but regardless, after consistently blitzing the international competition, Nash's NBA stock was at an all-time high.

And this is particularly interesting as with Nash's recent success, many people forget Nash's numbers after the 1999-2000 season, which looked like this:

8.6 points, 4.9 assists, 47.7 per cent shooting from the floor and 41 percent from three point range.

No, definitely not All-Star material.

But something happened after the Olympics. At the end of the next season, Nash's numbers looked like this:

15.6 points, 7.3 assists and an increase in his shooting percentage to almost fifty per cent from the field!

So why this sudden jump? Sure it's been argued that point guards and centers take longer to develop in the NBA, but if you remember, Nash didn't just break through, he kicked down the cotdamn door.

I really felt after his Olympic experience that the main reason for these increases was that his confidence took a huge jump which in turn elevated the rest of his play. Nash saw how he could dominate in an international style competition playing against the world's best, and when he returned to the NBA the next season, he took that confidence in his abilities with him and he looked like a different player.

I'm wondering if we won't see a similar change in Jose Calderon now.

Calderon was one of my MVP's at this year's World's and while he only averaged 7.3 points, 4 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game, he was a huge part of Spain's run to the finals. Calderon's penetration and speed made Spain a dangerous club as he consistently found team-mates in transition for easy looks at the basket. In fact if you watched Calderon play these past few weeks, you know that his assist numbers were a bit misleading. Many times it was Calderon's penetration or knack for finding an open lane or cutter that resulted in a player receiving a pass which was then doled out to yet another team-mate for the score. So let's just say if this was hockey we were talking about, Calderon would be averaging over 10 assists a game.

Let's look at Calderon's averages last season:

5.5 points, 4.5 assists, 42.3 percent from the field and yikes, 16.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Ok...so the three-point shooting is way off base as of now. But are the points and assists considering his playing time that different from Nash prior to the 2000 Olympic games? And apart from the long-range shooting issues, aren't Nash and Calderon quite similar in almost every other way including size, skill set and the speed at which each developed? I mean, is there another player in the NBA more similar to Nash?

Considering the style of play it seems that GM Bryan Colangelo wants to run with this season and the type of teammates he now has, I feel that Calderon may be in line for a break-out year. If this team wants to run and gun, well Calderon is a perfect fit. Like Nash in Phoenix, Calderon will be able to use his speed and passing ability to find open players in transition for easy scores. He's not the shooting threat that Nash is yet, but he's also two years younger than Nash was when Nash had his break-through season. His form isn't Shawn Marion-esque, he just needs some more practice and to carry through that confidence from his recent International play.

I'm also going to go out on a limb here and say that he may make Toronto regret trading Charlie Villanueva. While I was in favour of the TJ Ford trade, if Calderon plays like he did at the World's next season, he could very well challenge Ford for playing time, especially if he comes to training camp healthy and confident. Yes, I realize that by trading for Ford, TJ is firmly entrenched at the starter spot and will get the majority of minutes at the 1...but for how long? Right now I just don't see a huge difference between Ford and Calderon and for the supposed "Phoenix East," will Calderon eventually be a better fit for the club that Colangelo is trying to build? Ford is quicker, maybe more athletic and perhaps a bit more skilled as a natural point guard, but I'd argue that Calderon is more experienced, a slightly better shooter and a taller player who is a better defender (anyone who saw Calderon consistently hounding opposing point guards at the World's can attest to this.) We saw how open to lineup changes Sam Mitchell has been in the past...if Calderon is getting the job done at both ends of the court, I can see these two splitting almost equal time as there's no chance they will play together (it would give Toronto the NBA's smallest back-court and neither is a good enough shooter to play the off-guard spot.)

If Calderon does begin to outplay Ford, or even takes a significant bite into his minutes, this raises numerous other questions in terms of Ford's impending free-agency doesn't it?

But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

For now, I'm just excited to get past this last month and to the start of training camp. After watching our five competitors at the World Championships I really think we've got a club that can make some noise in the East and a solid foundation that can be built on for years to come. We've got depth at every position and what appears to be a nice mix of young talent and both NBA and International basketball experience. If these elements mix correctly this team could be a joy to watch and one of the most entertaining squads in the league.

You can never have enough talent and based on what I saw of Calderon in the past few weeks, the Raptors' point-guard spot looks to be in the best shape it's ever been in.

Vamos Raptors!

FRANCHISE

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Comments

Something that I think often gets lost by people about the generalissimo is that he's a bit of a prick on the court. I mean that in a good way. Remember that little dust-up with Mo Pete last season? Also, in the Argentina game he got into a barking match with Luis Scola, a guy who looks like he'd have no problem cutting off yer balls if you didn't bribe him at a boarder crossing.

Plus...Calderon is always talking and yelling on the court, you can only imagine that as his English gets better, other players around him are going to realize he's calling them out...not simply expressing Iberian passion.

It's been argued that this team needs more A#*holes to be a competitor. I think the generalissimo could be that guy. You're bang on about confidence thing.

Great post.

by Caribou on Sep 6, 2006 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

As much as I like Calderon's play, I 'm not sure that Mitchell is the right coach for him. I thought he played real well at the start of last season and then just tapered off. It all seems to do with confidence and I get the impression that Sam has difficulty in bolstering a players confidence. It appears that Sam has little time for pats on the back and encouragement.
If he could use a little less stick and a little more carrot with Calderon, I'd say you would see his play at the worlds transfer to the NBA.

by Rt on Sep 6, 2006 12:40 PM EDT reply actions

Calderon has tendinitis in his right heel, and that sort of thing never goes away (just like T Mac's back) and will bother him over 82 games. Not that Ford is a model of health but at least he does not have a recurring issue. I think a a good two PG backcourt in a run and gun offense is a must and this was highlighted last season with Dallas outlasting Phoenix and Harris & Terry wearing Nash down to the ground. I think there will be enough playing time for the two.

by Rubik Kube on Sep 6, 2006 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

I think Calderon and TJ will be just fine together and let's see how Sam coaches this season before we are ready to crucify him...

As for Calderon being hurt...he looked fine with Spain...GUYS!!!!

by Marcia on Sep 6, 2006 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

Comparing Calderon to Nash is an incredible stretch. Nash has far superior shooting and offensive touch that cannot be taught. Unfortunately for Calderon history has shown not many players go from poor shooter to great shooter. It just does not happen. I agree that Calderon has an excellent skill set and will be an adaquate back up for Ford, but come on he will never be a Nash. That's ludacris.
I am a huge raptors fan, but let's call a spade a spade. No more Nash - Calderon comparisons.
My prediction is that the garbage man will surprise a lot of people in the NBA this season. He is a very talented player.

by Leo West on Sep 6, 2006 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

I personally think Calderon will earn his minutes but not get them right now bryan doesn't want to look like an idiot for trading cv31 so if TJ doesn't see PT mitchelle it gone.

by Huslaz_kidd on Sep 6, 2006 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

I think you're a bit delusional. Nash - Calderon comparisons are a nice dream. But that's not the part that gets me....you're thought process is at least comprehensible with the confidence thing and all that jim-jam. Its the making noise in the East comment that blows my mind. We suck...we're going to suck...get over it. Take a few mins and try and count the teams you think who are poised to finish below us in the East. Done already...me too.

I'm a huge Raps fan, have been from day 1, but lets not get ahead of ourselves. We're at least a season away from contending for a playoff position.

I'll be happy if one of our wild Euro signings (Bargnani inlcuded) brings anything to the table this year. If you wanna do some comparisons, take a look at how the other "Euro-pros" have faired in their transition to the NBA...might make you a little more level-headed about our prospects for a winning season.

by A Realist on Sep 7, 2006 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Calderon can't make his 15 footer much more the 3 pt. shots . Therefore the comparison to Steve Nash is off target . Same case with TJ . The Raptors must get legit 3 pt. shooters who can play PG before they can be considered the ' Phoenix Of The East '. Right now they are only the Phoenix Wannabe !

by nike on Sep 7, 2006 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

Well well!! All the negative Raps fans are out of the wood works.

NIKE, this is why the US players always treat the Toronto Raptors like children, they make them promises about staying and then they leave because the fans are too negative.

Why can't we be a Phoenix East??!!

REALIST, the Americans went into the World(FIBA) thinking the same way - these teams are only "Euro-players" and look what happened to them. Everyone will have to accept the fact that basketball is world-wide now, and it is everyone's game. When Nash went to Phoenix to play everyone said that he couldn't do this and he couldn't do that especially without Dirk and we know what happened.

Guys - listen to yourself! You are starting to sound so negative! I love Canada and the Canadian sport world but man, sometimes they are so negative!!

by Marcia on Sep 7, 2006 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

Realist - No, you're right, perhaps I should have defined "make some noise." Nowhere in the article do I state that Toronto is going to win 50 games, challenge for a top 4 spot in the conference, or even play .500 ball.

However I do feel that on paper that Toronto is better both talent and chemistry-wise then the following clubs:

Philly
Atlanta
Boston
Charlotte
New York

I also feel that barring injuries, the Raptors will be battling clubs like Orlando, Washington and Indiana for the last playoff spot.

So my idea of realism is seeing players like Chris Bosh, Jose Calderon and TJ Ford continue in their development while being supported for the first time in years by a solid group of surrounding players at every position. And I think the result should definitely be more positive then the past few seasons.

In terms of other failed "Euro pros"...I'm not sure this is a cut and dry issue. Yes there are lots of players who just haven't stuck in the NBA for one reason or another (Skita, Lampe etc) but on the other side of the coin, players like Ginobili, Diaw, Petrovic, Krstic and Parker all honed their games overseas and have become successful NBA pros to varrying degrees.

I don't feel Toronto's off-season signings have the same upside as many of the aforementioned players, but I do think they'll be solid additions. There's a reason Colangelo hired Gherardini after all...

by Franchise on Sep 7, 2006 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

Franchise, first off let me state I love the Raps and I enjoy reading this blog a great deal. I didn't misinterpret your article...I understood that you were saying we should be fighting for one of the final playoff spots. I just don't see it.

I think on paper, a healthy Charlotte and Philly both blow us out of the water. And when you look at potential, the Celtics have a way better upside coming into this season then we do (Delonte/Telfair destroy our pg situation and if their young bigs round into form, they have one of top 5 pure scorers in game and decent bench - edge, Celts). That leaves New York and Atlanta. No arguments there. The Knicks should be awesomely crappy this year which I love - thanks Isiah. I think realistically we're on par with Atlanta...which is scary but the truth.

I think optimism is necessary but lets just not get ahead of ourselves. You don't just walk away from a superstar imploding your franchise the way Vince did. Its gonna take time, love and tenderness (thanks MB). So Marcia, Iâ€™m not a hater, and Iâ€™ve never heard this argument that players donâ€™t come cause of the fans, the fans in T.O. are amazing, always have been, always will be. If anything, I hear comments from players about how impressed they are by the fanbase. Its management that has been the downfault and this seems to be one thing weâ€™ve shored up.

As for what weâ€™ve learned from the Championships this summer. For me itâ€™s a gentle reminder of the differences between international ball and the NBA. Unlike in â€˜Euroballâ€™ in the NBA, teams wonâ€™t get away with being paper-thin up front on defence which the raps are. Whoâ€™s playing D on this team? Weâ€™re gonna give up well over 100 a game. I think we can all agree that the league is improving and teams are adding/developing more and more scorers/slashers who are going to reek havoc on our interior D.

Franchise, its hard living through these seasons I know, Iâ€™ve been here since the start, but itâ€™s a little easier to make it through them when you donâ€™t walk in with lofty expectations. Weâ€™re gonna be crap, weâ€™ll play some exciting games, put up 35 wins and hope we get as lucky with our lottery pick (number not actual selection) next year when it really counts as the draft next year should be sick. Then we can talk again this time next year hopefully after BC has pulled off some major moves with all that cap space. Til then, this guy aint holding his breathe for an 8th seed and a shallacking at the hands of Dwade and the Heat.

by A Realist on Sep 8, 2006 5:56 AM EDT reply actions

Toronto fans too negative ? Try New York, Philly etc.
That's just the reality . TJ and Calderon cannot be compared with Steve Nash in 3 pt shooting . BTW, Nash is Canadian !

by nike on Sep 8, 2006 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

Oh NIKE, I don't think anyone was saying TJ and Calderon are better than Nash, and everyone knows Nash is a SOUTH AFRICAN CANADIAN!!, and I love Nash and the Phoenix Suns, but please remember Nash plays for the Suns - TJ and Calderon play for the Raptors. I would love to see Nash play for his adopted country. Before he was MVP, no one even knew or cared that he was Canadian! I will never say anything negative of any Raps player and I do see the comparison between Calderon and Steve Nash(the Canadian.)

by Marcia on Sep 8, 2006 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

What?! Nash is Canadian? Does our media know that? Shouldn't he get some more hype up here then? He is the reigning two-time MVP after all. Next, you're going to tell me Iverson's American. But he couldn't be, he doesn't even play for the U.S.

by Tim on Sep 8, 2006 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

The Garbage Man and the Shoe Salesman. Taking us all the way to the top.

Bit of a stretch, though a playoff spot is definitely in the picture and the Raps match should match up well against most East teams. Mitchell would seem to be the weakest link, though on boards like this, you would think a slow start out of the gate will mean a quick dismissal.

Will like to see if we can bring in the Big Greek.
Tis where we are lacking.

So does Mitch speak the international language, or just gibberish? He's got a decent menu in fornt of him, seems to be a question of whether he can order the right dish.

by Acie on Sep 8, 2006 1:53 PM EDT reply actions