3 In the Key – Toronto Raptors Game-Day Preview vs. Pistons

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST in 3 in the Key

The Detroit Pistons have been the cream of the NBA crop for the past few years now. Even when they haven’t won it all, they’ve been dominant during the regular season and through most of the playoffs. The talk of the league up until recently has been the Boston Celtics and the Pistons thrived on this by playing the role of sleeper, reeling off victory after victory.
However the past week hasn’t exactly been the greatest in Pistons’ history. The team is two and two in their past four games and thanks to a close win over the Bobcats, avoided going one and three. I asked Jesse Murphy of Pistons Nation about this when we spoke via email yesterday:

RaptorsHQ: So the Pistons were crusing along until their loss to the Celtics, a hard-fought match. Since then, they've been lambasted by the Mavericks and Knicks and really, were saved from going 1 and 3 in that stretch by some horrendous refereeing to pull one out against the Bobcats. What gives? Is the team simply borred and really only getting up to play against the San Antonio's and Boston's of the league? Or are you seeing issues with the team's offensive execution?

PistonsNation: Well, first off I don't think refereeing won us the Charlotte game. It wasn't our finest moment but it was a fair win – that was basket interference.

Right now the offense is stagnant. We're settling for long perimeter shots, that aren't falling, and not trying to establish the paint. I’ve always made the analogy with football whereas you set up the pass with the run the same way you sent up the perimeter game with your inside game.

Once you establish the paint you can spread the opposition's defense for the long ball.

The one red flag that has come up for me personally is the Pistons inability to handle big bodies that was brought to life via Glen Davis of the Celtics setting up shop in the lane in the 4th quarter of that Celtics game. It again reared its ugly head last night vs. NY's Curry/Randolph combo. In the past we've always had guy like Elden Campbell or Dale Davis who specialized in neutralizing mass down low. I think Joe might want to see what's out there in that type of player by the time the trade deadline gets here.

Other than that I'm not too worried. This is one of the premier teams in the NBA. It's a vet group that has from time-to-time let the dog days of January/February get the best of them. They just need to battle through the complacency and be ready to make that run at the Larry O'Brien.

I’m still not sure about the offensive goaltending call so had to give Jesse some grief about that, but some interesting points in regards to the Pistons handling other teams’ "bigs."

The Raptors don’t have the luxury of an Eddie Curry or a Zach Randolph of course but they do have Andrea Bargnani, my first key...

1. The Il Mago factor. Andrea’s struggles have replaced the TJ-Jose debate in terms of being the hot-button topic of the moment for Raptors’ fans...and rightfully so. To say the Big Soph has struggled would be an understatement and many fans are already calling for a mulligan on his draft as Brandon Roy is apparently the now-correct choice. This logic I still have a hard time understanding for several reasons, many which I’ve voiced on the site already. But one of our readers put it quite well in this post:

"...the talk about Bargnani over Roy is a little silly. If you'll recall, the consensus EVERYWHERE was that Roy wouldn't go higher than 4 or 5. It's not like any other team would have taken Roy with the first overall pick either. Any other team would have taken Bargnani, Aldridge or Thomas first, if only to later trade the pick for something of more use to them, since they were the consensus top three picks. For God's sake, it was considered a total tossup whether Brandon Roy or Randy Foye would be the best guard to come out of that draft. If that doesn't prove the draft is a crapshoot, I don't know what does.

And anyways, Roy is a year and a half older than Bargnani, I mean he's from the same graduating class as Bosh and Carmelo! He played four years of college ball, the last couple as the go-to option for a highly ranked team. He isn't being asked to adjust his game or his life very much at all. Compare that with Bargnani, who has had to move to a new country, learn a new language, learn a new position, and all the while everyone is telling him something different he should do, or shouldn't do. Not to mention big men always take longer to develop. It is too early to say the Raps should have taken him over Bargnani, their situations right now are apples and oranges.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The other thing I keep thinking is that while Roy may indeed be the best player from this draft crop at present, I worry about his style of play. It’s quite reminiscent of Dwyane Wade…yes that same Wade who may not be a factor for the rest of the year due to off-season surgery.

So here is my take on Andrea - FORGET ABOUT HIM.

It’s the same thing Toronto needs to start doing with TJ Ford. Yes, the team would be much more dangerous if they had all hands on deck and everyone playing at the top of their games. But they don’t, that’s the reality of things. Counting Andrea’s relative no-show, Toronto is missing three key pieces from last year.

However the Raptors still have a solid group and when they are playing as unit and being aggressive, as we’ve seen for the majority of the past few games, they can compete with just about any team in the league. In this way, anything they get from Andrea will be a bonus, and likewise from TJ when he eventually returns. Unlike last year, teams are now scouting for Andrea and as many have mentioned, he’s trying to do too many things to justify his start at the 5. Last year all he had to do was come in and shoot, something he’s quite good at for a seven-footer.

Therefore getting back to tonight’s game, I’m hoping that Sam Mitchell lets Andrea play through some of his foul trouble (assuming he doesn’t pick up four or five in the first quarter.) Offensively he can help open things up for CB4 and co. and on the boards, well, just put a body on someone and let Jamario clean things up. I'm not expecting huge things tonight, but the kid has the demeanor to bounce back and just needs to get back to his forte - scoring the ball. If you remember last year, once he was doing that, the other elements of his game started to come around as well.

Bargnani could be a big factor tonight...if he just plays to his strengths...

3. Bench Play. Yikes, do we even need to get into this? We saw how much better Toronto can be when they at least get something from their second unit (ie Delfino on Sunday) and with Detroit’s depth, this is a must again tonight. I’m just not sure how that’s going to happen however considering the malaise at the back-up point guard spot. Is there a D-League alternative? The NBDL is having its annual showcase this week and Maurizio Gherardini and scouting director Jim Kelly are representing the Raptors. Can Toronto find another diamond in the rough there, someone who could fill the spot until TJ’s return? Hmmm...perhaps retaining Darrick Martin wasn’t such a great plan after all.

So with their momentum and the Pistons’ recent struggles, can the Raptors pull this one out? Heading into games against Sacramento, Atlanta and Philly, it would certainly be a great bridge into these next three games against lesser clubs. I do think it will be another closely contested match however much-like my thoughts against Portland, I think Toronto will come up just short in the end. According to ESPN.com today,

"The Pistons have an eight-game win streak at home against the Raptors. The last time the Raptors won in Detroit was in April, 2003.

Vince Carter, Rafer Alston and reserve Pistons guard Lindsey Hunter were all a part of that Raptors team led by Lenny Wilkins. Danny Manning was even playing for the Pistons and ESPN's very own Rick Carlisle was the Pistons coach."

Man that seems like ages ago now.

Let’s hope I’m wrong and that Toronto starts a streak of its own tonight.

FRANCHISE

Tweet Comment 24 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

When I think of the Pistons of today I think of "tough". They have all kinds of weapons but what they really have is a mean edge to them. So,more than anything, the Raps have to prepare themselves mentally. The Raps do have a small advantage tonite and that's the element of surprise as it will not be impossible that the Piston could take them a bit lightly.

by Rt on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I cant agree more...the Pistons are tough....but last time I checked we have some pretty big boys as well....Let Rasho,and Hump,and Bargs,& whoever else who has the balls to take all their 6 fouls,they want to dance ,we can dance to.Intimidation works if you let it work !!!Whats with Smitch,yup I havent talked to Bargs in 21 days....

by d279 on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Thanks again for the inclusion and for lending the insightful look at Carlos Delfino for the PN preview.

Enjoy the game!

by PistonsNation on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Hopefully we carry over from the Portland(who looked great last nite against the Nets) victory. A win tonite would be huge because the next three games are definately winnable.
Interesting article on Bargnani in the Sun today.A must read considering all the talk thats been going on here about the guy.

by Tinman on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Why does the Raps always get to play a team that has something to prove...If they are not on a winning streak, its coming off an embarrasing loss...ala Pistons...I see the Raps beating the Pistons tonight. Those veteran teams are at the stage right now where they are looking for a second wind..remember I told you that Boston will be losing a few games now after the loss to the Bobcats..what are they 1 win in there last 4. The same will happen to Detroit. Which is perfect for the Raps.

Did anyone see the Boston/Wiz game..they don't look so unbeatable now do they. I actually wanted Boston to win last night just so the Raps could move closer to the 4th spot but boy is Washington ever playing some good ball. They are like the Portland of the East. I am with Franchise on the Blazers team...I like that team they are pure fun to watch. After a double overtime loss you would think that they would be a little down and tired, they went in to Jersey and put a licking on the Nets..good for you Portland...lol.

This should be a good game to watch tonight. I hope Sam keeps Bargnani in the game tonight we could use his height to create some match up problems for the Pistons.
Go Raps....Raps4Life

by raps4life on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

No worries PN - sorry, forgot to add the link to your site so just updated. (www.pistonsnation.com)

Good points on the toughness factor tonight. Toronto has played tough in their past three games absorbing the other team's runs so hopefully that holds true tonight. Like you raps4life - hoping to see Mitchell get creative with his use of Bargs to make Flip...flip.

by Franchise on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

So you picked Portland(on the road, early start), your picking the Pistions tonite - sure as hell hope you pick us over Sacramento tomorrow

by Tinman on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Watching the last pistons game, I found myself thinking Rasheed Wallace is the type of player Bargnani is becoming (on offense), minus the emotional outbursts. He can play on the block, shoot threes, he's good for one or two dribbles to the rim. Unlike bargnani though, he keeps things simple. I'd like to see bargnani do that a little more.

I think the key to this game, though, is the Bosh/Wallace match-up. He's always had Bosh's number defensively and if that changes tonight, I like our chances.

by axl on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I agree with your comments on forgetting about Andrea & TJ till they can contribute.

But I think BC is missing the boat on finding a PG who can run the 2nd unit and give Jose a break. Raptors face a disadvantage when playing a team with back-ups that contribute, like Pistons last game.

by Johnn19 on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Lot of talk about Bargs....found this article in the sun http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/15/4773487-sun.html
looks like Sam has been showing Bargs some tough love.

Last time against the Pistons andrea had a breakout game on offence...although I think that had more to do with Rasheed being a lazy bumb. Hopefully he doesn't decide to show up again tonight.

I think a key for the raptors will be getting out to an early start. I don't think the Pistons will ever lack confidence however I think you can really frustrate them especially Rasheed. They've lost a few games and if the raps break out early hopefully they get the "here we go again" mentality and don't play to their ability.

However I think they will. My heart says go with the raps but my brain says go with the Pistons. I say Pistons by a slim margine.

by wtf on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

What a story Jamario is turning out to be...I will be his biggest fan on Allstar weekend. That was excellen for the NBA to invite JM in the Slam Dunk contest. I hope he wins it ..lord knows with his salary any little bit will help...lol. I am routing for an invite for Parker in the Verison 3pt competition. That would be what 5 Raptors at the Allstar weekend..wow..Bosh, Bargnani, Moon, Kapono and possible Parker. And it could be 6 if the coaches do the right thing and pick Jose. He is clearly one of the top 2 pg in East....Everytime I voted for the Allstar players I put Jose's name in that little box, I hope everyone in Canada is doing the same.
6 Raptor at Allstar weekend Wow........Go get those Pistons Raps......Raps4Life baby.

by raps4life on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

axl, I think your bargnani as Rasheed statement is dead on. All this Dirk talk is confusing as hell, most of all for Bargnani, since Dirk plays the 4!

by LAs Only Raptor Fan on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Yeah, LA, I think it's clear he wants to be more than a shooter. Although, even dirk seems to be looking to get in the paint a lot more lately...

But yeah, I like bargnani with his back to the basket. He keeps his elbows up, he's not afraid, he's tall.

by axl on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Oops sorry, was trying to forget about bargnani, but interesting article.

http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/Basketball/2008/01/15/4773487-sun.html

by axl on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

There is a great post in Grange's blog re: Bargs playing out of position.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/wbbasketball

I tend to disagree with Grange on this one. Andrea was drafted #1, not because he had a fantastic post up game but because he reminded people of Dirk - a big man capable of knocking down J'a and trey's. Plus he has great court vision and can pass the ball very well. I can't believe BC said "hey he's tall so why don't we change his game style and make him a prototypical centre". BC has been successful as a GM because he puts players in roles that they can succeed in. Moon is a perfect example - he's been successful because they let his greatest attribute come through - his athletiscm. Jamario is obvioulsy not the protypical SF.

Defensively, it doesn't matter if Barg's is called a centre, or PF or SF. That's semantics on the defensive side, but I do agree with most people when they say that with his size he needs to pull down some more boards and box out other bigs, so as not be a liability on the defensive side of the ball.

by Clawed on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Aren't we still living down the curse of Childs? (no wins there since?)

Thanks for the links WTF and Clawed.

I read that SUN article & it worried the shit out of me, short term at least....communication breakdown? This article begs more questions really, but interesting insight into the team, nonetheless.

Grange states Bargnani's development issue accurately.

I have been impressed with Andrea's recent drives to the hoop, though...he'll continue to improve there.

So he's not a defensive juggernaut, the guy is offensively sick and just needs to be adequate on D, play with his head, give some extra effort, which it sounds like Mitchell thinks he's not getting.

Davl thanks for the encouragement; I won't be leading Sunday Church classes anytime soon, but I'll be one nice poster for now.

Tonight? Raps win.

by DayOner on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Watching the game....pretty painful to watch

Hopefully Andrea comes in and gets to work on some things in a game situation as the raps won't win this game.

Why Bosh is still in the game is beyond me....

Quick question Sam was just yelling at the ref to say he blew the call which he did.....however I think he may have said something as the ref was walking away......the "f" in my name....did I hear correct?

by wtf on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

I am in awe of Bargnani right now. Never knew it was possible to regress so much, so fast. Did his rookie season really happen? The confident, smart, unflappable , confident Il Mago of last year seems like a dream.

I HATE Juan Brixon the brick-layer.

Sometimes I think this team is made up of 1 point man, 2 bigs, and 13 shooting guards.

Oh well, just venting. I am not mad at Sam for neglecting to put Bargs back in the game,. His ass deserves to be nailed to the bench until he shows the desire or the ability to be on the floor.

by SonicSuper on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Oh yeah, how the Raps blew the call on Jamario (clearly standing behind the 3 point line) AFTER viewing the replay is completely beyond me.

by SonicSuper on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

*refs* (not Raps). still mad.

by SonicSuper on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

"But while Mitchell and his coaching staff have endeavoured to help Bargnani through this transition, their efforts have not always been met by an appreciative Bargnani in Mitchell's opinion. Mitchell has seen Bargnani go through the one-on-one drills that would help him make the transition with a half-hearted effort." -- Ganter article in TO Sun

Wow. That is not good. A rook not willing to do what he needs to do to play the game. Wrong attitude, kid. If that is truly the case, and Ganter's followup with Smitch saying how he treated B-Ninny later with the cold shoulder makes it seem true...wow. Them is bad vibes. That is a cancer. He thinks he is bigger than the team? Look at me, I am the #1 pick? Sounds like Wince all over again, except Wince had a better skill set to begin with.

If we can get anything in return, ship the bum out.

by gerry on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Slow down, Gerry, slow down! Faith in the Smitch!

As per tonites loss - guess it was expected. Detroit always gets us in the third. Turned it off and watched American Idol.

by Tinman on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Bargs sucked again

http://cuzoogle.wordpress.com/2008/01/16/raps-get-ripped/

by Cuzzy on Jan 15, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions

Nice comment about Roy above. He wasn't even Portland's top pick!

Ugly game indeed. Sam pulled a Cito Gaston with his bench players. They brought some momentum though should have brought back the starters earlier to build upon it.

by acie on Jan 16, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions