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

Variation on what I posted in the previous thread, but I would argue, like Barkley and CB4 did, that Turkoglu really deserves it -- even over Jose. Turk has been playing at a very high level as a starter ALL year (his FG% and TOs notwithstanding), the Magic have more wins, and Jose became a starter by default.

The Pistons, Celtics and Magic are the top 3 teams in the East and only the first two teams have 2 players selected. Hopefully Turk will win most improved player (he is certainly the most best value pick on my Fantasy squad).

It is somewhat interesting that CB4 promoted Hedo over Jose, but perhaps this goes along with his "humbleness" of giving props to a member of the opposition as opposed to his own team(mates). Of course, this was not an issue with the me-first P2, who pumped up Ray Ray even though there were already two Celtics going and Jesus has had his worst OFFENSIVE season in about 10 years.

A good test tonite against a team that might be tired. What Raptors team shows up.
As for Bargnani's ranking in that stupid, moronic calculation. You can crunch numbers to come up with any result you want.

Wow, I love this site. I started with the Bargnani bust. I haven't had to post anything recently. Why? Because most of the naysayers who argued against me are proving that I'm right. For instance Franchise just pointed out that Bargnani is the worst players in the game. LOL. You just made my weekend. :)
Thanks.

Great breakdown Franchise,

Looking forward to this game tonight, crowd (whoever makes it to the ACC through the snow) will be all geeked up for the Lakeshow!

Yesterday I heard rumours that TJ did an interview on the fan 590. Apparently TJ’s comments concerning his role on the team vis-à-vis Calderone’s inspirational play as of late, were "intriguing". Did anyone hear the interview? Can anyone shed any light on what was said by TJ and when he will start practicing with the team?

If Raps turn up tonight we should win but winning against a depleted tired team in my mind is not a good test but I’ll take it.
I feel somewhat cheated that the home & home match against Washington with a healthy Butler didn’t take place. The Raps may have been more focused if he had played.

BargsBust, unless you have something to contribute to the discussion, myself, along with the rest of the readers think that you need to stop wasting your time typing and save your energy for people who care about what you think.

WTF WHAT A STEAL

Real GM is reporting Pau Gasol will be a laker in exchanging for Kwame, Jarvais Crittenton and first round picks in 2008 and 2010

Bargbust - The numbers are ugly, but there have been some very good things happening on the court. That kick out to delfino for the three? The look offs, the drive and kicks to cb, finishing left/reverse? Lots of flashes of greatness to my eyes.

Will we ever see him dive for a ball? That I don't know, but you have to admit the jury's still out on this kid.

I think that's a good way to look at it, axl. There's certainly a lot of reason to be pessimistic, and it's true that the likelihood that he'll turn into another Nowitzki is sketchy at best at this point, but the signs that he might get back on track to a productive career are showing up in bigger numbers recently, and that's something to take heart in. =)

Bargidiot - here I thought you stopped posting because he's actually has played pretty well the last few games. I called you out several posts ago - you didn't answer. Feel free to criticize anytime you want, Bargidiot, but show some love when he plays decent. Why have you been silent?

PS - Sorry to call a poster here an idiot, but some things just need to be said.

Oldschool - depleted? There missing Bynum, were missing Ford and Garbarosa. Tired - they are two games into a road trip, so its a back to back. Back to backs are not unusual.
Any team that has Kobe is a test.
Why undermine a victory before it happens. Might be the first time I've disagreed with you.

Actually costa, I was trying to say forget the stats and watch him play. His instincts are good.

LA Times has confirmed it. Wow, crazy trade!

It's fantastic for the Lakers, but don't be too quick to think the Grizzlies got totally fleeced. They got exactly what they wanted... big cap space at the end of the year, 2 draft picks and a good looking youngster in Crittendon (though I'll bet they were gunning for Farmar).

In fact, this is doubly interesting for the Raps in that the Grizzlies now become a factor in the offseason free agent market. They would now have the cap space to make an offer to a Mr. Calderon that could force the Raps to up their offer to keep him. *gulp*

axl,

So was I =P

"...but the signs that he might get back on track to a productive career are showing up in bigger numbers recently, and that's something to take heart in."

What I meant was there were more signs, like the ones you mention, but it's true that as I reread that phrase, it was confusing. My apologies. =)

That Gasol deal IS a steal for the Lake Show.....and it sets up the Lakers as the favorites (in my mind) in the Kidd sweepstakes now as well. You wouldn't think they need Bynum AND Gasol, but even if this is all they do, they just got a lot better.

Hate to disagree with you again, Costa, but removing Pau from the Grizzlies equation makes it even LESS likely that they'll bid on JC. They are so guard-heavy now with Conley, Lowry and Navarro, it would give them the same headache that we have in Toronto (i.e. TJ vs. Jose, Jose vs. TJ, blah blah). And then some.

I think I'm actually gonna start Bargs in my Fantasy League tonight because -- not that Kwame Brown-out would be a problem -- but I think Bosh & Bargs will go off on Turiaf and....? With this horrid weather I don't think we'll be seeing any 7-foot Spaniards in the house tonight.

Got sent home because of the weather...can't hate on that. Crazy deals, for sure - at first I thought that Memphis was trying to collect busted top picks in Kwame, Stro Show and Darko...that would be possibly the three worst top 3 picks. (Bargsbust - Bargnani even when struggling provides more than any of these three.) But then Memphis dealt Stromile to New Jersey for Collins today as well...what a fire sale in Memphis.

Kobe has to be one happy dude that's for sure. And wow, talk about a powerhouse starting 5 and an even tougher top 8 in the West. If Kobe can't win with these guys when Bynum gets back...

In Raps news, props to Jamario Moon, named the NBA's Rookie of the Month for January.

PS - Also just saw that Marc Gasol is going to Memphis in the deal. Wonder if this was to placate Navarro...Sergi - any thoughts?

PPS - JJ, I'm telling you right now, Hedo is a fraud of an All-Star option. Not sure if you've seen many Magic games this year but he's absolutely maddening in terms of shot selection. He's exactly like a 6-10 version of Mike James.

Looks like Collins from NJ will be on the move for Swift from the Grizz.

Also the bobcats have just signed Earl Boykins.

Is Navarro a pg or undersized sg? Why do they have so many pgs?

Either way with a big trade like this I expect a lot of the lakers will be distracted and not paying attention to the game. Raps need to capatalize and pull out a win tonight.

Wow, huge upgrade for the lakers. Should play into our hands for a win tonight though. I have my doubts about gasol's effect on the locker room just because memphis should have been better.

Costa - gotcha now bro

You're right about that jj, there's indeed a logjam at the guard position in Memphis (which is a main reason why Stoudamire is no longer there). If nothing else, however, they become another potential suitor that can be used as leverage. As it stood before the trade, the only team with any cap space this offseason was Philadelphia.

But you're right, Memphis wouldn't be much of a bargaining chip for Calderon.

Whatever, Franchise, in Henry Abbott's All-Star reject recap post -- which I only read because YOU posted the link above -- he wrote about Hedo:

Hedo Turkoglu
In what was supposed to be the season he became redundant (thanks to the arrival of Rashard Lewis), Turkoglu instead became resplendent. He freaks out defenses by being a tremedous shooter and slashing with grace. But most importantly, he is the best Magic player at getting the ball to Dwight Howard in a position where he can use it. He's also a go-to guy in the clutch. I'd take him over Hamilton, Kidd, gimpy Wade, and right there with Jamison and Johnson.

---

I think you just regret you didn't draft him onto your Fantasy team. ;-)

wtf raises a good point. The only reason the Grizz traded for Navarro was because of Pau, because having him, Lowry and Conley doesn't make sense, they're all way too small. I think he's on the block, too, but, Espana quotient notwithstanding, he's the exact opposite of what the Raps need (yet another amazing but undersized shooter).

yeah, the lakers just became a much better team. pretty scary, actually, if the chemistry is right.

.... But what about Mike Miller? A NON-undersized SF who CAN create his own shot, and rebounds quite well (7 RPG this season). How about Kapono and Graham?

Miller can come, but his hairband stays in memphis

I don't understand people that refuse to even consider that their opinions might change, no matter what the evidence. What if Bargs starts playing great again, Bargsbust? What if Calderon turned out to be a better player than Ford, Marcia? Its depressing.

Anyhow, what did TJ say? I'm curious.

Hey jjdynamite, you can give Joey G away any time but Kap 1 stays. I think you package up Joey and some draft stuff for Miller if you are thinking that way. However, I do want to point out that Miller is a "shoot first" ask questions later type player who typically can't break down guys who are of similar size and quickness. His defense is also a question..(Not that Kapono is a shut down specialist by any means) i just think Kap 1 is a better team player who understands his place on the Raps. Does anyone else agree?

I'm out....gotta shovel out.

Fresh1

AXL, LOL!
You know what, we don't need more of the same. Both Miller and the shoelace he ties around his head can stay in memphis...

C'mon, didn't anyone hear TJ's interview on the fan yesterday??

re: Gasol trade, I think Gasol will be a great fit for that club. Thinking back to his play for Spain, he has alot of perimeter skills (ie a legit threat from Euro 3pt line) that he can use to really effect the game offensively.
In the NBA he was asked to be more of a traditional post presence, but long term, with Bynum anchoring the post (and handling the defensive chores), I see Pau taking his offensive numbers up a notch.

It does make me wonder if this signals the end of Lamar Odom's time in Laker Land.

10m plus is alot for a third option on a offense monopolized by Kobe Bryant.

Franchise: No, I don't think so... Remember Navarro signed a one-year deal, and having Gasol at his side has surely helped him a lot adapting to the NBA in the first weeks, but now Navarro is already starting to earn his minutes (and a name) with his game so he doesn't need Pau that much for the remaining months.

I'm sure Marc Gasol is gonna be a very overlooked piece of the trade in the US media, but he is having an incredibly huge year in the Spanish league. He is leading the "ACB ranking" stat (which is a combined statistic similar to Hollinger's PER), second to Rudy in scoring, and second in rebounding as well (see for yourself at http://www.acb.com/stsindiv.php?cod_competicion=LACB&cod_edicion=52&cod_fase=LR). He is unanimously considered one of the best centers in Europe already (some say the best one).

In my opinion, very good deal for the Lakers, awesome deal for Pau Gasol, and for the Grizzlies it's very disappointing looking at it short-term, but long-term having Marc Gasol+cap space+draft picks they have at least a notable chance to a very bright future.

It's kinda fun skimming all the giggly school-girl comments flooding Forum Blue and Gold =P

While I argued that the trade was logical if not exciting on the Memphis side, I somehow doubt the mood will be similar on the Grizzlies blogs.

Quote of year courtesy of jjdynomite:

"I think you just regret you didn't draft him onto your Fantasy team. ;-)"

Seeing as how I'm dominating a league that both Franchise and Howland are involved in, as well as being the guy who drafted Hedo, that post made my day!

fresh1,

As far as Mike Miller vs. Kapono, I don't think it's fair to compare those two when it comes to a role player mindset.

As jj summed up earlier, Miller doesn't have a role player's game, so why should he think like one?

Regarding Bargs, I think that comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki have to be tempered a little bit. It's a nice comparison to ASPIRE to, but only in the same context that people keep looking scanning drafted swingmen for the next Jordan.

Is Grant Hill a failure cause he didn't mirror Jordan, or did he put his game forward as a unique take on the small forward position.

From what we've seen so far, I'd like to think that in a few years, Andrea is held up
along side Pau and Dirk, with his passing game being his unique characteristic.

As far as today's game, I'd echo Franchise's sentiments regarding jumping on the Lakers early.

If the Raptors win this game, it'll be cause they were able to sustain their offensive and defensive effort from start to finish.

If the game's close at the end, then the Raptors are playing right into Kobe's hands.

WOW… the LAKESHOW is back in effect. What a steal… Pau starting and Bynum off the bench… are you kidding me? Much better outcome with this deal than bringing over Mr. J-Kidd… can anyone say potential finals candidate. Sources are indicating that Colangelo is seriously looking to shore up the 2 guard/rebounding positions for the RAPS. One scenario has us going after C-MAGG from the clips, while another has BC very much interested in A.I…. the other AI (Andre Iguodala- who turned down 50+ million) as he should have been a raptor since the 2005 draft where we took the Brazilian Beast. The pieces we have to dangle are J-Dix, Rasho, Joey-G, K-Hump, Baston, Kap-One. Not sure if these deals will happen, or what BIGS we will go after but BC is very much in the hunt to improve our RAPS. If not for those darn Celtics… we are division champs again. Lakers should be exhausted tonight (Detroit) and mentally drained from the trade… look for a Raptor ‘W’- do not see KB24 having a good game. Do expect BARGS and BOSH to go off. BIGGUPS to all those who made use of a shovel today.

k when u see what the lakers gave up to get gasol..it really makes u wonder why Toronto didnt go after him...if it was that easy to pry him away from memphis...we should of had a good shot at that...i would say something like Rahso, hump and ford for gasol would work...not sure about it financially tho...guess it doesnt really matter now tho...would love to see Iguodala in a raps uni tho

I miss Marcia, she would know what TJ said on theFan590.
Right, Marcia?
.....
Marcia....

...Anywho, its been a while, been reading Doug's blog for my Raptor Diet lately.
But the Raps always have issues with teams that have SuPerStaRs!!!!!!!!
If the lakers dont exert alotta energy and keep the game close with offensive rebounding, look to Kobe taking over crunch time!

Thats my 2Cents!

Peas&Luv

TJ wil be back very very soon, I truly believe he will be back after the all star. He said he is very close to practicing with the team.

say this over and over. why these guys fall in love with their perimter shots (ie Delfino)? LA does a lot more. At least Bargs is doing something, but TO is not playing this half well at all.

Kapono and Delfino are both pylons, compared to the guys on the LA bench.

starting to get that excited feeling whenever bargs touches the ball again. What a great half for andrea, he's kept us in it. Even bargsbust has gotta show some love

This is some horrific defense on display by the Raps tonight. =(

Frustrating loss in many ways, will be discussing in depth in the AM. Kobe, well, what can you say - unreal.

Bargs looked great though offensively at least. Too bad the rest of the team didn't play with the same aggression...

I don't know how good a coach Jack was but really like him as an announcer. He said two things - Lakers were excited about the Gasol deal and secondly, we lost to a better team.
Kobe is something else. I watched Lebron a few nights ago and was just amazed thinking how he is the best player in the game today and here Kobe goes and reminds me to not be so quick. Might be entering a golden age of basketball. Tough when Kobe is hot and his teammates are knocking down their shots.

Not down by this game, and pleased with Andreas. Not saying he's where I want him to be, but last half dozen games he's been good. Wish he and Bosh develope better chemistry.

Last point - the reffing was horrible. Delfino and Calderone couldn't get a break. That Violet whats her face - just horrible. Think she's in love with Kobe

Mitchell's idea of subbing dixon for bargs was a disaster. He and calderon should have played the whole fourth. Hard foul on kobe wouldn't have hurt, what a game he had though, not much you can do.

The lakers are my second favourite team after the raptors so I kind of had a half smile watching bryant and fisher pick apart the raps d, until the fourth when the lakers picked up their d.

Rather than getting disprupted by the trade stuff, looked like they were energized by it.

Back to my point about chemistry between Bosh and Bargnani. Anybody else agree that it seems to be lacking. If these two are our cornerstones for the coming future I want to see better chemistry. Wonder if Bosh gave him some of Sam's tough love. He did look lost out there for a while - starting to look like he's back. Strongly believe he misse Garbarosa more than anythig else - hey how's his condition? Don't uderestimate what he brings. We all can see its toughness(and smarts)that this team is currently lacking, and that man brings both. I hope he"s back next season! Any chance for the playoffs?
Am I rambling , shoot .. on my seventh Stella tallboy....
Think I'll pick a fight with Marcia
You read it here first - Jose Calderon is our starting pointguard for, at least, the rest of the season(and playoffs). TJ is a great young pointguard, and will be our starter in the future, but he will be fantastic coming off the bench.

Turning poing Kobe getting off bus after touch up on tie!!

I watched kept saying holy!!

This guy did what He wanted
To who He wanted When He wanted! Holy!

Recap by the numbers #24
H O L Y!!!!!!!

We are a young team and this night Lakers had a statement game - no way for us to withstand such an onslaught. They smell NBA championship and everyone wants to be a part of it.
There is one trend that's worth noticing: CB4 plays bad in big games against the likes of Collins, Varejao and Turiaf whereas Bargnani plays well in the same type of games. A colleague at work told me last year that CB4 was playing so well (last January) because he wanted bad to be at the ASG. Then he played mediocre in March and play-offs. I'll see this season: did he get his wish and then take a vacation mentally?
No posting for a while for me. Great site guys.

Yes, Kobe took over and did what he pleased, but having been at the game I was disappointed with Smitch's substitutions.

The game was still relatively close when he brought Bargs and Parker back in during the 4th, but he left Kapono on the floor instead of putting Delfino, or even Moon, back in and that was a big mistake.

Kapono made some nice quick shots, but he was totally lost on defence, way moreso than the rest of the team. With that much more offence coming back on the floor he should have been yanked for Delfino. Remember, Kapono's man to cover was Sasha "8 of 10 for 22 points" Vujacic. Ugh.

Loved Bargs' aggressiveness early in the game - who spiked his orange juice today??

Wow Odom is an incredibly frustrating player to watch. So inconsistent, and lacks aggression. On another note, in the 4th.........Kobe is killing delfino/moon/parker and mitchell decides on DIXON? Camman sammy...............the thing that worries me about the playoffs is sam's in game strategy..........it's so confusing.....DIXON?!!!! i wouldn't even take a bad joey or a broken garbo over dixon..............wow, jus wow, i can't understand mitchell.

Greeting. O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet.
I am from Uzbekistan and also now teach English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Rejinl ve only seen it on two of the ppl I follow.Frontline plus flea control provides your dog with the most complete spot on flea and tick protection available."

Thanks for the help :(, Flower.

Badly need your help. Laughing is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one spot.
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THX 8-), Apirka.