Tip-In: Swingin’ Along

I'm not saying for sure for sure, but it looked like the twolves gave this game away. The defense you mentioned, the fact that james sat when he was playing well, ricky davis sitting until the five minutes mark when he was really playing well, this info from espn rumour central:
Dancing With The Music
Apr 10 - Kevin Garnett concedes that it might be time to give more minutes to the younger players. It's just that he would have liked a heads-up first.
Garnett appeared miffed after Saturday's game, when he played just 31 ½ minutes.

Between then and Monday, Garnett and coach Randy Wittman have talked. After shootaround, Garnett said he's OK with the plan, but: "If they want to play the young guys instead of [the vets], then so be it," he said. "But tell me that ahead of time. Be up front with it. ... I've been to this party before, I've danced to this music. I could sort of see it coming." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune

Raps will get crushed if we play like this against he bulls, but with a long layoff and AB back I'm sure we'll give them a great fight.

oops, meant to say pistons

hey axl, you realize they were playing their 5th game in 7 nights, right?

for them to come out in the 4th and turn it up like they did, for me, spoke more about these guys and their growing confidence than did the win against the bulls the other night. (which I was at, upgrading my sprite zone tix for platinum ones 10 rows up from centre court!!)

it's funny how there isn't much to say with all this winning going on, but I love it. and a special congratulations should probably go out to you guys here at the raptors hq too, (along with their prior sites,) for giving us fans a place to go to and vent while all the losing was going on.

and kilo-graham - whoever came up with that: it's awesome!

can't wait for the pistons game

Great win last night. The guys are playing with such confidence right now, i like our chances of splitting the two games with Detroit and winning the rest. Check out nba.com for a great video on the Raps, says it's just a preview and it ends just before our saviour (BC) arrives. The rest is supposed to air tonight at 7:00 so i'll be on the lookout for that...sorry no link..

Good win vs TWolves. KG always gives Bosh trouble.

Im a little miffed at the lack of exposure for a playoff team. Not only are the games being shown mainly on Rap TV lately now the radio broadcast has been dumped off the fan for the Jays. This is the time when the team needs max exposure and the casual fan can't find the games anywhere. Too bad...

Excellent TEAM effort 5 games in 7 days 4 wins 3 on the road. Outstanding PG play with TJ keeping team in the game (10ast/17pts) and Jose applying the hammer in the fourth (7ast/12pts) for the win. A clear advantage Rap's have over most teams.

Miami @ Charlotte tonight:

O'Neal not playing re funeral
Posey uncertain re the DUI
Payton also may not play due to injury

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/specials/nba_stories_toronto_a_block.asx

NBA Stories: Toronto Raptors

Here's the sneak peak of NBA Stories: Toronto Raptors, that takes a look at the turnaround that the team has experienced over the past season.

I really hated Mike James last year. I admit that he brought fire, intensity, and lots of scoring. However he was a ball-hog, didn't know how to run an offense, and for a guy that was heralded as a good defender, was a pylon on defense.

Just looking at the make-up of Raps this year, we would be less successful with him. I'm sure TJ would start and we would have tried to put him at the two or off the bench. In the brief stints in those roles last year, he stunk - he needed the ball in his hands to be effective and he needed to start.

Just throwing this out there but if MoPete does go this summer, what does everyone think about Travis Outlaw? I believe he's a free agent and I feel like he's one of those guys whose game would flourish in a different environment.

Go Raps! Boo Miami!

Kilo-Graham???? hmmm..doesn't work as well.

The raps had a great load of patience last night, the rotation has been great since the all-star break. It's nice to see the hard work pay off. When bargs gets back it'll be a nice warm up with about 15-20 mins ...then come playoff time is when we see the depth of the raptors start to payoff tenfold.

Newnickname for Garbojosa = El Matador.

Don't steal this one, it's copyright protected. Jk..remember you heard it first here.

Travis Outlaw...interesting...not starter material but an athletic guy who can get to the rim, rebound and block shots. We'll be team Portlant part 2.

Is it me or does anyone else find KG to be completely overhyped? The freaking guy took twice as many shots for nearly the same number of points as Bosh and lately has the temerity to talk smack about other PF/Centers like Howard. Instead of complaining about the team management puts around him, he should take lessons from Bosh about how to make a team better. I mean the Wolves have talent, Raps could use a couple of players off their team - Craig Smith in particular. And to me, it seemed the Minny coach wanted to give the game away in the 4th. And I don't blame him. We have been there..although it seems an eternity ago.

7 players scored in double figures come on guys

come on guys 7 players in double figures

Kilo-Graham? Fantastic! I love it.

KG vs CB4, BC vs McHale,

KG is not overhyped. He's been a 20 - 10 guy for years. Everybody has bad nights. Last night was his. KG's comments about Dwight Howard were blunt but right on and (I think) meant to be constructive criticism.

McHale is one of the best examples of a Hall of Fame player who hasn't cut it as a GM. Ever since the Timberwolves' infamous illegal signing of Joe Smith, this team has suffered. For such incompetence Garnett should have tried to get McHale fired long ago. I would have.

In contrast BC has shown great leadership in blowing up last year's bad Raptors team and bringing in all the new players. With Embry's help the Raps still have some cap space left too.

It's all about leadership. If we can heap praise on a GM for bringing in an whole new team then we should be able to lay blame on a GM for assembling a poor team like the Timberwolves.

The wolves are over the salary cap, might lose their 1st round draft pick, made no deals at the trade deadline and will miss the playoffs for what? the third year in row. Not KG's fault.

In contrast BC unloaded a bust in Fred Jones for the productive Juan Dixon and was quick to pick up Luke Jackson when injuries started to pile up.

Finally, CB4 is an allstar player who has raised his game and that of his teammates. He has a similar game to Garnett but this is only his 4th year.

Garnett has been the man for over 12 years. What more could Garnett do to make his team better than 20.5ppg, 11.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.4spg for his career and one MVP award?

Take a look at the standings. In MOST cases where a team is floundering look at the ownership/ GM situation. You'll find a common connection at the leadership level.

Players don't assemble teams, GMs do

So I spend the week in Vegas and saw Joey posting up some decent #s, thought it might have been a desert Mirage. Good on Joey for stepping up. As I said previously, for this team to be a championship contender, Bargs needs to become a all-star and they need to acquire a high quality lunch bucket guy & hopefully Joey can fill that role. When he hit that dribble fade left jumper in the first Q, I actually took a double take (like when a hot chick walks by!).

Mike who? That dude is not a winner! I said that last year and took flak for it, but I stand by it. The big question around here earlier in the winter was who'd be the clutch shooter on this team. M. James takes large quantities of clutch shots, so hitting the odd one made him seem better than he was. Poor defender, bad FG% & As for a PG. Should be a career backup if he wants to win.

Anyone ever having KG in a fantasy pool knows his value! As much as I love CB4, who in their right mind wouldn't swing a deal straight up?!?! As Toronto has proven, one player doesn't make a team, unless your name is Shaq.

Glad to be home.

It may have been mentioned here but I havn't caught up on my readings. Anyone saw that article on hoopshype.com calling Smitch COA? (http://www.google.com/gwt/n?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoopshype.com%2Fcolumns%2Fcoach_brown.htm&_gwt_noimg=1&hl=en&mrestrict=xhtml&lr=&q=hoophype&source=m&site=search)

Trade CB4 for KG straight up??? Are you Crazy? Bosh is only in his fourth year, KG has played 10 or 11 years. There's not a player in the league I would trade Bosh for,including LBJ & D Wade!

I think since January, we've all been waiting for this team to cool off a little but that hasn't happened. Could this team be as good as there record in 07 has been. What a tough matchup we are gonna be for any team in the playoffs.
This season has been one high after another, even while dealing through key injuries= can;t recall ever rooting for ateam as much as this.
Hope nobody feels insulted by this post.

Say no to Outlaw, an athletic freak but a mental midget. He and Stromile Swift play Xs and Os with just one square.

One square! hehe
Also looking at Hoopshype, it seems Outlaw still has a year left on his deal so long as the Blazers extend him a qualifying offer. Doubt they let him walk for nothing.

I have been thinking for AGES what player this team might be looking at for the offseason, and the only position this team should be looking at SF. Hopefully JG can step up, but I doubt anyone is banking on that. If anyone else has any ideas, fire away. here is who I was thinking about.

Gerald Wallace - free agent, this is just a pipe dream really, we can't really afford him, but his defence, rebounding and slashing to the net is a perfect fit for this club.

Grant Hill - free agent, might be willing to take the full mid level. If he would accept the 6th man role, I think he would be perfect to come off the bench when Joey messes up.

Chuck Hayes - very strong, under sized SF that play D and hits the boards (22mins, 6.8rebs). He would help us in our weakest area and might be a more affordable, realistic option.

Hakim Warrick - we would have to trade for him, and would have to give something up to get him, but he fits what we need pretty damned well.

I am sure we can also use a tough, banger of back up center, but then what happens to Rasho? Besides, after all the changes last season, a quiet offseason won't hurt. Any others?

Robert Archibald

No matter what changes BC makes I hope Humperies stays around.

Miami lost to Charlote again so Rap's have a 3 game lead for Home Court with 4 games to go.

Anyone manage to get playoff tix? Let me rephrase that, anyone who is NOT a season ticket holder or knows one, manage to get tickets?

Anyone know where I can watch the rest of the NBA Stories on the Raptors?

It was broadcast on ESPN2...but I don't think Canadians can get that channel

NBA Stories - Raptors

part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZNRiP4QOc8

part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCdzrhkCUVw&mode=related&search=

Now with 3rd seed pretty much secured, we can turn our focus to who we might be facing.

Huge game tonight between Miami and Washington. On the one hand, I’d like Miami to win as they are in danger of slipping to that 6th spot and will face us in the first round. Is this potentially by design? Is Riley picking us as an opponent instead of the Cavs/Bulls? It would also ensure they avoid Detroit till the finals. I think there may be something there.

On the other hand, Washington is in real danger of slipping into 7th. If you look at the remaining schedules of NJ and WAS, this is quite possible.

I am very optimistic that we stand a good chance to beat who ever we may face in the first round, but I’m not stupid. Washington would be the best match up for us.

Go Miami! Or is it Washington? This may be a game time decision.

I also think the Cavs will overtake the Bulls for 2nd seed and as our second round opponent.

Yeah, that's a tough one erezona. I wouldn't be surprised at all if miami were angling to play the raps, but the bulls and cavs are looking much more beatable as things go on. I think the nets would be just as dangerous(and this has nothing to do with vince's ex-raptor status). They've got the scoring and better D than washington. I'd rather have the raps play the wiz with arenas and butler than the nets any day, but I like our chances against either. Based on last year's playoffs, with Miami we'd be in big trouble. Although part of me wonders if they will be healthy enough...

Go Miamington!

Miamington, love it.

Also, Washmi?

How fun was it that they played the old aerosmith song "dream on" late in the fourth?

I guess that's the message to minny fans: Dream on....

Feels good to be in the playoffs man, those were some looong years.

Peace