Tip-In, Toronto Raptors Post-Game: The Amazing Kobe Bryant

go to the rim, interior scoring, attack, penetrate, slash...

doesn't matter what you call it, most of the Raps just don't get consistently.

You know, this was a game where we really needed TJ's speed and energy to run past the Lakers. They are a bigger team, and with JC playing half-court, the Raps can't get around those arms, or at least didn't try very hard.

So, can you guys come up with a list of targets at the SF position that you think Colangelo will go after since the Raps are clearly going nowhere with Moonie starting? (still a good bench player, one day). I've got:

Maggette, Miller, Artest, Josh Smith (in my sexiest dreams only), Pietrus, RJefferson (despite being enemy #2), Igoudala (again, sexy dream), Marion (WWWAAAYYY too good), Webster, Salmons (ha!), Harpring.

As has been said numerous times, however, how can the Raps afford to re-sign Calderon AND fix their #1 problem at the small forward. Ford already makes too much money and likely won't be movable until next year's trade deadline due to the neck-thing.

Which of the players above are plausible? Will any of them put the Raps into the top 12 teams in the NBA (because they aren't close to that right now)?
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At least Bargs shot well last night and, as you mentioned, drove to the basket . . . in the 1st half.

Yeah Plan A strikes again. I think moon's getting it though. Also think smitch should've stuck with him defending kobe, he's the only raptor who even has a chance to disrupt his shot.

MoPete could never really shut down kobe either, but I just keep feeling Kapono was no upgrade on him. Last night was the perfect example, he defends better, he can attack the rim, he still shoots the three (and gets open easier to boot). Watching kapono out there is painful.

Being BC's only second season,however he doesn't hit me as a patient man ,content in settling on remaining a second tier team...Before the trade deadline,he will bring in a rebounder and a slasher...I dont know who and for what cost...but he will pull the trigger.Mon,Moon, this kid or man could be great one day,but not just yet....enough with the finess,slam that bitch !!!!Bargsbust where did you go ?The Lakers stole Casol...Memphis got robbed,can you say Finals?..

Oh yeah, had to mention, sherm's Game in a Game thing, interesting clips, nice analysis, WHY IS IT ON WHEN THE BALL IS IN PLAY!?!?!?! ARRRRGGH!!

BC will have it tattooed on their foreheads before long.

I think a deal is coming for someone on the inside.

Im not saying I wanted Stromile but there are players like him out there.

Please pass this along to any female Raps fans you know

Help choose this year's Rap-chelor!

follow the link and rate the Raptors on who has the best smile, eyes etc.

pass it on to your friends.

http://cuzoogle.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/rating-the-raptors-ladies-style/

Last night I once again felt like someone needed to step up and foul Kobe hard. Not try to injury him but remind him that going into the paint would be pricey. I Do not understand how this team can be so soft.
Anyhow, I have serious doubts that this team is going to make a move before the deadline this year and I am not sure how they are going to be able to fix their problems in the offseason without the money or a good draft position. I really think it would be worth it to tank a little and see if we can get a good lottery spot to draft what we need. I know I know that is an over reaction but its frustrating. The raps are in a spot that so many teams find themselves in. Good enough to compete and make the playoffs not good enough to go far (paging Memphis Grizzlies).
Which brings me to my point, realistically, we cannot afford to take on much salary and we are going to have issues signing both Delfino and Calderon in the offseason and address the teams issues. That means we have to make a trade and more than likely give up some pieces. Outside of Delfino, Calderon, Bosh and Tj there aint a lot other teams are going to give us players for unless someone gets into a fight with their coach. I really think we are in the same spot we were in last summer when a decision on the future of the franchise needs to be made. Do we keep plugging away as a middle of the pack team and hope the stars line up or do me trade ford or calderon and some other pieces and get the player that we need? As much as some people on here love him, you have to believe that BC will try and offload ford in the offseason to get some help (if nothing more than salary cap relief). That way the Raps will have an opportunity to get even better in the future and maybe become an elite team instead of just ok.

does anyone else often miss garbo?
He's the starting SF we need.

Think AB put a nice check on Kobe when he had him beat - but then Kobe is not the type of player to back down. Only serves as motivation. We got beat by talent last night, not toughness.

Wow, I've been getting a lot of attention on this website. I don't understand how most of you don't see that Bargs is the problem right now.

We need rebounding.
We need toughness.
We need defense.
Who provides these three characeristics?
Point Guards? Nope. Your wings? Perhaps. But primarily Centers do.

Camby, Howard, Kaman lead the league in rebounding and defense.

Who's our Center? Mr Softie - Il Mago.
However, It doesn't matter that Bargs scores 28 points. If we have a donut size hole in the middle on defense, any slasher type player, especially superstars are going to be able to have a cakewalk over these Raptors and score in the paint. Kobe and Lebron have both been able to have huge games against the Raptors because of Bargs pathetic defense.

I will leave you on a positive note , on the last five games or so Il Mago is coming back and forming into the player that we expect him to be a -scorer with a little bit of rebounding. But, he needs to learn how to use his 250 lbs body. Who knows in a couple of years with consistent play he could be the top NBA scorer in the game.

I see some progress in his play making abilities and he's starting to play consistently, which is great. Lets hope he can keep it up and overcome his obstacles, because if he loses his confidence again, the Raptors aren't going to progress and neither will he.

We'll be sitting here in the off-season saying how he needs to be shipped and traded because he's a phantom at the center position on defense.

For all those who have called me out on this site, I don't have the time of day to read all of the hundreds of posts so I might have missed you. But, I hope I have answered your questions.

And some of you writers take this website way too seriously, please take my words with a grain of salt. Who knows I might just be playing devils advocate here.

Mcgateway...what pieces did Memphis give up again,I missed that....a used basketball and a pair of running shoes,trust me BC will make something happen,we may not be happy with what we might have to give up but....outside of TJ" injuries,would you not say giving up Charlie was worth it? lets let the guy making the big bucks make the big decisions.....and yup we are still soft,for once I would like to see Bargs park his pasta ass on someone and drive him to the floor ( of course,gently) like everyone does to us....)

Kobe and Lebron have both been able to have huge games against the Raptors because of Bargs pathetic defense.

Like they never do this to any other teams! That statement is a joke!

Nice try to save face there bargsbutt, it's ok, we forgive you now that we know you're a bargnani fan.

Regardless of how terrible our offence was we still managed 100 points....it was our defence that did us in.

Thats why I never like stats in determining how good a player is....people were screaming for baron davis or stephen jackson and mentioned their numbers....well nobody mentioned the numbers they give up either....same thing with the raps last night...played decent on offence and got ripped on the other end.

Sam Mitchell's comment was great....be thankful they're in the west.

The raps have no way of stopping a player like kobe...not to worry because theres only 1 of him in the league....lebron might be able to do it as well but there really isn't anybody else. And the raps have shown the ability to beat big name teams like the spurs and hornets.

The most important thing (even more so than winning) is that Bosh and Bargs get comfortable playing on the floor together and both have good nights.

I've always been a believer that you can teach and work on creating a good defence...however you offence is your offence. No we will never be the Pistons or Spurs on the defensive end however we have shown a tremendous amount of improvement on the defensive end from last year.

My concern is actually with Chris Bosh. As the franchise player, he just isn't all-dominating. He's been quite stoppable at times. At the ends of games, he is liable to turn the ball over, and good plays are often negated by bad ones. Sure, he hit a 3 at the end of the Washington game, but he also took a lot of ill advised shots down the stretch, and in OT.

Anyhow, I don't want to rag on him. Not everyone can be a Kobe, Lebron, or Garnett.

the kobettes, love it.

cb4 gets no props for 15 rebs?

Thoughts:

1. Yikes, Mamba strikes again. Franchise, disagree with you a bit that "it's not like [Bryant] was forced into tough shots." The degree of difficulty of some of his shots was off-the-charts, and he made them. So many off-balance "And 1s". Personality notwithstanding (and MJ wasn't the most pleasant guy to be around, either) he is one of the best players of ALL-time. We are witnesses.

2. I posted a version this on Arsenalist, but will re-iterate to reflect Aaron's and McGateway's concerns. We are only in Year 2 of BC’s architecting; he has a plan. That’s why Rasho’s, AP’s, Garbo’s, Baston’s and Graham’s contracts all end at the same time at the end of 2008-2009 (http://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/toronto.htm). Even if Jose and Carlos take another $15 million combined, there is plenty of cap room to sign a big-time SG/SF after NEXT season.

Toronto is not Memphis, Minny or Milwaukee (maybe it's an "M" thing). American players are learning to like it here (look at CV's T-Dot-praising posts on his blog). I truly believe CB4’s long-term signing, positive attitude and evangelism has changed that aspect of the franchise.

Unfortunately, this means more of the same next season (i.e. 2 steps forward, 1 step back). But Bargs is no Duncan or Wade, winning it all in their 2nd years (and last I checked The Admiral and Shaq aren’t on the Raps). BC didn’t imagine Bargs leading the Raps to the Promised Land in his Sophomore or even Junior season. Bosh neither, at age 23. More patience is needed. Kobe is 29.5-years-old for Chrissakes.

3. Okay, this is the last time I'm posting about (or to) BargsBitch. We are all fans here, and for you to come on here consistently slamming a work-in-progress-but-off-the-charts-upside pick, only serves to piss many of us royally off. Davl commented on your incredibly inane statement that Kobe (SG) and LeBron (SF) went off because of BARGS's (PF/C) D. If you look at the box score last night, Radman was 3-9 and 0-2 from 3, Odom was 5-10 and 0-1 from 3. Hey, maybe it's Bargs' fault that Vujacic and Farmar hit 7 threes, too?

And one more thing about "defensive Centers" and their impact on a team. How well is Kaman’s team doing, you fool? How well did Howard and the Magic do before they picked up a long-bomber like ‘Shard and re-integrated Turk into the offense? And last I checked the Nuggets aren’t going anywhere with Camby, even with their impressive offensive firepower of Iverson and Melo.

Fact is, one can criticize with substantiated criticisms, as I have done about Jose's and AP's declining D. But since you don't bother substantiating anything, I dub you a hater, and from now on you are on my ignore-reading-and-ignore-responding list. Cheerio.

McGateway,

A quote from the Memphis GM:

"Brown was the highest expiring contract we could find in the league," Wallace said.

The recent trades of Superstars like Gasol, Iverson
show that in the NBA the opportunity for salary cap space is more important then the sum of talent received.

If you are looking for changes they may be coming sooner then you think. Rasho's got a big deal expiring next year, as does Garbs, Parker,Joey, Baston. That adds up to (Hoopshype- 21.8 million)

(I realize that costs of re-placements for the aforementioned players and Calderon's extension have to be factored in. However, expiring contracts give them the chance to get the RIGHT replacements Long Term)

This summer and next season, this sets the Raptors up to be big players in the trade game, or at the very least be everybody's best friend when it comes to helping others faciliate a deal of their own.

The trick will be finding teams like Philly last year and Memphis this year, who decide its time to blow things up mid-season.
(When you look at how well Howland and Franchise broke down the options for a 3rd point guard, and the free agent summer mini-camp last year, they'll have a field day with the possibilities )

Heck, we can even ask CB4 to help B-Co sort the deals out. That youtube clip has Closer written all over it ;-)

I would like to be a fly on the wall in Colangelo’s office.
I did not follow in detail his exploits before he accepted the gm role here however I do accept the team he help build in Phoenix but all standards have been impressive. What I don’t know to date is how willing is he to make a bold move to improve the team. He’s obviously a man of action when it comes to ridding team of deadwood and recognizing superior talent in youthful athletes. He has convinced me that he has a big picture vision of the club but how willing is he to making a bold statement via the trade route that could include a player or two that fans have accepted has an integral part of the team core?

Will he dabble on the edges and consider only dealing bench players of little consequence to the core group?
Is he more content to wait until the summer of 2009 when he’ll have considerable cap space to sign free agents?
Is he capable of acknowledging and fixing decisions on player he might have overvalued in their skill sets? GMs have been known not to recognize their own failures.

These are questions that only can be answered in the passage of time but is should be interesting to witness how it all plays out.

I was reading the star today and in the raps preview section it states TJ ford will be coming back to TO to be with the team. He was supposed to be back for the lakers match up however with the snow storm it wasn't possible.

Thats true, actually. Bosh is a damn good rebounder. I did kind of forget about that.

My major concern is with our reigning Coach of the Year, Sam Horatio Mitchell. What's the game plan? What is the overall strategic vision/tactical style that our team plays? "Take lots of shots, and if we hit them, Good!" does not count as a plan, in my opinion.

Other teams have clear identities: run-and-gun, half-court, oppressive defense, etc. We don't, and Sam has lamented that the identity of this team has yet to emerge. Well, I hate to tell you buddy, but a big part of that is your job as coach! Did the triangle offense spontaneously emerge from the void?

Of note, from the articles that have emerged relating to JC's possible participation in the all start game, it seems to me that Jose Calderon has become the point guard he is today almost in spite of Sam. Apparently Sam often wouldn't even play him in practice and he had to claw, scratch, lie, and steal for every second of PT. I wouldn't call it "tough love"... more like zero love. Who knows, maybe it inspired him.

Why is everyone here getting their knickers in a knot over BargsBust. He's made a lot of valid points.

And not in a racist, totally moronic, childish way like various other chatters (who will remain nameless).

I simple can't believe BC is not trying to get a rebounder, if he thinks Andrea is going to take us to the play he is wrong.

Salmons, WHY?!!!!!!!!!! Did you never come here?

Some wings off the top of my head. All of the wizards wings (butler, stevenson, young, mason etc). The kings have some good wings as well, indiana has granger and daniels (not too high on daniels though). Maybe Chicago, makes a change for the sake of change. Anywayz those would be some teams i would be looking at. For toughness matty h in utah and najera from the nuggets

We shall see what happens, i dont think bc makes a change tho.

Am I the only one concerned with what’s going on in the NBA?
I’m as interested as the next guy over the heist in the form of the Memphis – LA trade but really, Stern can’t be happy with the recent developments in the league.
You have the recent fire sales in Minnesota and Memphis, the pending departure of the Sonics team from Seattle and financial woes in cities such as Milwaukee, New Orleans, Atlanta. Sacramento is having their problems as well.

Do you think (Howland, Franchise) this topic is worth examining when you have a slow period in your blog activities? It starting to resemble the NHL.

Small thought... While I was as blown away as anyone by Kobe last night, I still think Lebron has surpassed him.

Araujo vs. Bargs:

Total career points for Araujo-389 (139 games)
Bargnani this year-404 (42 games)

Even if Bargnani plays the rest of the teams' games this year and scores zero, he will still average 5.2 for the year, just about double Hoffa's average for his career.

Jesus that was a bad pick!

Did anyone else see the Blane Harrington video on CB4's Youtube channel?

check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k31visEt9M

My concerns about last nights game: Soft again! Same old story, the game gets physical and the jumpers start flying. Yes the officiating was terrible, but it was terrible on both sides of the ball. The Lakers just adjusted to it better.

Sam Mitchell: I saw Parker and Delfino get lit up repeatedly by Kobe, and I saw 2 possessions where Moon ended up on Kobe. The result? 2 forced long jumpshots. I'd much rather have a guy on the second half of a back-to-back jacking up long 2's and 3's, while not having to double him, then sticking a guy right up on him and then having to throw a double on him as soon as he blew by. Jamario has the length and quickness to give Kobe some trouble. He can play off of him and still challenge a shot. This doesn't mean Kobe wouldn't have figured out how to destroy him too, but I would have liked to see the attempt.

With that said, I 100% agree with the "trying to put flowers in a vase" comment regarding Jamario around the basket. He does not like contact at all. For god sake's Jamario, JUST DUNK THE BALL.

It is inexcusable that a team that played a tough game the night before has more juice than the team that didn't.

On the upside, I've come up with a new drinking game to play during Raptors games. Every time Bargnani grabs a rebound, take a shot. This works because you'll probably only have to take 1 or 2 all night, which leaves you comfortably buzzed for the night out after the game.

That's tongue in cheek (kind of....I may actually try it), but it should be said that Bargs had a good game last night and looks to be coming around.

Everyone take a drink of Koolaid and relax. The LAL loss is one game to a better team (who played a perfect game) vs one of the top players in the NBA for the last 10 years, maybe for all time. Even given the impact of Kobe, who no team in the NBA can guard when he is in a ZONE, as last nite, the real difference was in the bench play. Their 2 = 37pts our 4 = 18pts, Raps lose by 20. Untill TJ returns Rap's are a middle of the pack team without the bench able to contribute. With TJ and the bench playing like they did last year they can challenge for the top 4, but not before. There is no magic that BC will do to find a saviour this year.

By the way the inference that Bosh had a poor game or struggled with 22pts & 15rbs is pretty funny. He exceeded his avg numbers against a very physical opponent who the refs were failing to call obvious fouls on.

A few thoughts:

- The Lakers are better than the Raps
- Didn't really matter who covered Kobe last night, especially since when he passed out of the double the Raps got burned by Farmar and co.
- Every time Bargnani takes a step forward like last night, the franchise takes a step forward
- There's a problem when the toughest guy on your team is your coach. But I don't think the Raps simply need a rebounder (otherwise they should just play more Hump, Maceo and Joey). They need a guy who can prevent points in the paint on D, and who can get to the free throw line on O. Will Bargs evolve into this player? I haven't ruled it out. Not too long ago Alex Rios was said by plenty of pundits to have no more than 10 home run power. Last year he hit 24 and next year he'll hit 30 (sorry to throw out the baseball analogy but its the first thing that came to mind)
- I am in total agreement withe everyone who acknowledges we are in year 2 of the rebuilding plan. So far, I think its going quite nicely. Still some missing pieces, but what did we expect?
- Lots to look forward to with this franchise. The present bumps along the road will make future success all the more enjoyable.

I'm actually happy with Moon at the 3. I think he will grow into the role, and by this time next year, be a huge advantage in our starting 5. I actually think it is Parker who is the weakest link. Don't get me wrong, I like him. He is a very nice player.

I just don't think he is our long term solution at the 2, especially the way his defense has fallen off this year. It seems every loss is a result of other teams 2/3 killing us.

We lost the game because of Bargnani's soft defense?

I disagree. I was at the game last night and for once, I don't blame Bargs for the clubs defensive woes. He played aggressive throughout, and did everything he could to stay between his man and the basket. The team as a whole failed because they refused to punish anyone (and I mean anyone) who entered the paint. The team is way too soft as many suggested. This includes Bosh. He tries to swipe at the ball, but is always a split second too late. They need to attack the player as he elevates for the basket...not afterward.

Oh...and the officiating was atrocious. The Raps can't seem to buy a foul (especially with Violet's officiating crew). I was at the game last year against the Lakers when we almost blew it at the end, and once again, it was Violet making some very sketchy and favourable calls in favour of Kobe and the Kobettes, but completely disregarding our superstar while getting mugged going to the basket. Is this an "earned respect" issue, or do you guys think that it has something to do with our team being Canadian...just a thought.

In regards to Moon covering Kobe. I made a similar observation during last night's game. Moon was pulled out in favour of Delfino, which surprised me at the time. Moon was forcing Kobe to jack up long twos and threes with some success...then he suddenly gets subbed out!

Somebody had a nice quote, when Bargs takes a step forward so to does the franchise.

Regardless of the loss I was pretty happy becaue of Bargs performance.

I think a lot of the defence people give in regards to Bargs can also be given in defence of moon. Yes the guy has jaw dropping potential but there is a reason he went undrafted and there is a reason why they guy was in the D league for like 7 years. He has ways to go in his development.

Thus far he has been the greatest suprise for the raptors and theres probably more to come so I'm thrilled with that as well.

Some easy games coming up hopefully we can inch our way closer to Orlando.

Dam you rapstv

Aaron...incidentally, in the next few weeks leading up to the trade deadline we're going to be running a series called "Wishful Thinking," which will examine some trade scenarios for some of the swingmen you just mentioned. Hopefully this Memphis-LA deal shakes things up and forces other GM's to start to make some moves...to which BC can take advantage of. First installment will be on Wednesday.

Watching Kapono last night on the defensive end was painful (just like Sherman's commentary WHILE THE PLAY WAS ON as you mentioned Axl.) No one is going to stop Kobe of course, but Kapono sometimes is running around on D like a chicken with his head cut off. Put him and Bargs on the court together and it's a regular farmhouse!

Funniest example was Kapono getting switched on Farmar for a little UCLA past and present mano-a-mano...and Kapono promptly got burnt. (Speaking of UCLA, for any who have acces to ESPN or the Sports Pack, UCLA-Zona on in about five minutes. Good chance to check out about five potential first-round picks this year.)

The problem with Kapono, Moon, and even Parker and Bargs at times, is that they are all too one-dimensional. You put Moon in for D and maybe he helps get stops, but then he settles for jumpers on the other end and hurts your offence. That's why he needs to get going to the rim more (although I recognize the fact that he's gone from a pure defensive force in the minors to a starter in the NBA.)

Kapono is the opposite - all offense but no defense.

It's not such an issue when we're talking bench players, but when three of your five starters are only really impactful on one end of the court...

And yes I'm talking Parker here too. Like you mentioned LA - does anyone else find him overcomitting on D this year and therefore getting beat much too easily? He's shooting great, but right now defensively he looks to me like Kapono version 3.0. When was the last time you remember him really keeping an opposing scorer in check?

And speaking of keeping guys in check, JJ, yep, Kobe hit some ridiculous shots, especially that turn-around buzzer-beating 3. But as the arsenalist said:

Our defense on Kobe ranged from helping-early, helping-late and not helping at all.

When he's going, he's probably the toughest in the league to stop. But about a third of his shots, especially dunks where there was absolutely NO help on the play, were way too easy. The Raps really need to start bumping guys around a bit. Even on the game's last play with LA up by 20, Turiaf blocked one of the Raps' lay-up attempts. It's that kind of intensity that Toronto needs an injection of.

Ok - Zona game is on, I'm out for now. Someone has a sign that says "Digger is a Pimp," gotta like that.

Enjoy the superbowl and Howland and I will be back Monday with the pre-game chat about the horrid creation known as the Miami Heat.

PS - Missed some other comments I wanted to touch on...

Thanks for the Youtube link Andrew Lafleur. Although I'm starting to wonder where CB4 is going with all of this...think I'd rather see him being filmed in the gym working on his right-handed post moves...

Old School - Great point about the Memphis situation. Was pouring through the blog and news coverage of the trade and it's pretty sad if you're a Grizz fan. We'll have to get into this when we have a break in Raps action in the next while.

And finally Yardley, your comment made me laugh out loud. You know we're already pumped just because the Raptors have a first round pick this year, can't wait for the workouts to begin...in about four months time...

Oh to be a fly on the wall of the Legomaster's office...

Does anyone notice that Moon cannot play man to man defense at all? Sure, his help defense is good, but watching him leave his feet early to block every shot is really f***in annoying.

In the D League Moon could leave his feet on those plays and still recover for blocks. He's gotta learn to stay down more but I think he will.

Looking forward to the swingman breakdown boys, keep up the great work at the HQ!

Some thoughts:
Not too worried about the loss, this was one of those NBA games where the best player on the court won the game. Not in the least trying to compare Vince's abilities to Kobe's, but we did have some games like that when Vince was here.
Would like to say LA's not this good, by pointing out their shooting % (same reason TO's not as good as it was as the game against Boston). But my argument fails when I realize that, besides Kobe, most of the shots taken by the Kobette's were sound, in the flow of the game, and often taking advantage of being left wide open or with a mismatch after a Toronto switch.
I understand the point about Parker's defence but I don't think the comparison to Kapono is legit. Kapono, last night, in a game where cheating over to Kobe was called for, seemed to be simply confused. Man, he just looked just sad out there moving side to side, getting caught in no mans land. He looked completely lost, a non athletic man playing in a league too good for him. On O, of course, brilliant spot up shooter.
Need: swingman to play good D, slash to the rim to score, and pick up 6-8 rebounds a game.

I was at the Laker game, about 4 rows up from the floor level seats. I have to say a few things on the night. First of all, the energy was all Lakers. Maybe it was the Gasol news, but everytime we came back to within a possession after being down by 10, we'd be down by 10 again in a minute. Kobe was made to work for his points and he just made some sick shots.

As for the defence on Kobe, it didn't seem to me that Moon was on him much at all. Parker seemed to be the one with the assignment, and then Delfino. I was hoping to see a little more Moon on Kobe.

As for Bargs, I liked how he played. He may not have been that effective defensively, but he was much better than before. Also, he was really moving his feet and trying to get into good position. Also, it didn't look like they exposed him that much because he was playing a bit better positionally - something Rasho does very well. The best thing he did all night was give Kobe a hard hip foul that sent him into the seats. Bosh got knocked down in a similar way by Odom and it was nice to see Bargs send a message - something this team has been very soft about, witness the whole game with Atlanta that ended with TJ on a stretcher. Big guys take some time to develop in this league. We made the committment to play him, and so we are making the committment to put up with a developing defender for the next three years. Make a choice: play him and take the streaky shooting and slow developing defence; or put him out to pasture and go for a big interior presence. We want to compete in a few years and should not be too worried about losing now. What are we? Leaf Fans!
Moonie needs to work on his jumper and his stones a bit. He's got a starter's tools. I hope Sam keeps him growing, too. His prime may be shorter, seeing as that he is 27, but his future looks good. Especially if he learns to shoot.