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

by RaptorsHQ - Archives on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT in 3 in the Key

Pistons Decisions - Good and Bad...

What if Portland had selected Michael Jordan and not Sam Bowie?

What if Bill Buckner had caught the ground ball to first base?

What if Tiger Woods had never rebuilt his golf swing?

You could go on and on.

However it makes for some thought-provoking discussion anytime these scenarios are brought up and recently, ESPN.com’s Bill Simmons (aka the Sports Guy) took a look at some interesting "what if?" scenarios from the last decade in the NBA.

Some of his "what ifs" that really made me think were what if Boozer had never screwed over the Cavs (Booze and Lebron together now – can you imagine that combo??), Jason Williams had never crashed his motorcycle (something I was thinking about Saturday night after seeing him at the Duke-Carolina game and for the record, I think Simmons is bang-on with his assessment of Williams’ potential) and most shockingly, Duncan had signed with Orlando in 2000.

However I think there are a few huge NBA "what ifs" that Simmons left off this list, especially for us Raptors fans.

What if the Raptors had never drafted Chris Bosh?

Let’s rewind the tape.

Simmons comes to this scenario in two ways when asking "What if Memphis had landed Lebron instead of Cleveland…" The Raptors that year of course were on the short list of teams to nab James too, until the Raptors logo was pulled out of the fourth place envelope.

But what if they had gotten the top pick that year? Would we still be watching a Lebron-Carter duo? Or would Lebron have refused an extension and attempted to march off to New York?

Even scarier though is the second scenario.

Let’s say Toronto didn’t win the lottery that year, and still held the fourth pick.

What if Joe Dumars changes gears and takes Carmello Anthony with the second pick and Denver takes Bosh at 3?

Could we have been attempting to rebuild around Darko?

Think about that for a second, because it’s a scary real possibility. Grunwald was always fairly good at assessing the draft but if Dumars, quite respectable himself, was fooled into taking Darko, why not Glen as well?

I mean, this is the team that drafted Hoffa because it needed a big! Do you think the Raps would have passed on a 7-footer who was supposed to be the next evolution of a big man?

Vince Carter would have still undoubtedly wanted out, albeit probably even faster, and what would this club have been left with? Certainly not a foundation to build around and with Darko on board, this team’s best player for a few seasons would probably have been Mo Pete. We’re not talking a couple of seasons with Bosh of 33, 33 and 27 wins. With Darko and no Bosh, does this team even win 20 games a season? Memphis is sitting at 15 wins right now with 20 games remaining and they have Rudy Gay and Mike Miller!

If Darko’s number had been called instead of CB4, would it even be a stretch to say that the Raptors might have found themselves in a situation much like the Sonics currently, albeit for slightly different reasons?

The reality of course is that Bosh is now looking like a lock for the All-Star game each season for the Raptors, Lebron is looking to win his first MVP award (something that Howland and I both agreed on for once in our recent blog-roll MVP voting) while Darko is probably a few years removed from being out of the NBA if he doesn’t start showing some of the potential he was originally drafted on.

So now I’m going to throw another "what if" scenario at you, this time one concerning the present.

What if Sam Mitchell puts TJ Ford back in the starting line-up at some point on this road trip while Bosh is out?

Yes, a testy subject for sure so let’s start by looking at some numbers.

According to 82 games.com, a staggering 70 per cent of the Raptors’ field goal attempts come from jump shots this season. This makes Toronto one of three teams in the league with that high a percentage. (Without Chris Bosh, I’m guessing that percentage is even higher, perhaps upwards of 75 per cent.)

Without Bosh - should Toronto think about starting TJ Ford?

20 turnovers by the Seattle Sonics Sunday afternoon gave the Raptors a nice boost in this area but on this road trip, with the exception of maybe Denver and Sacramento, I can’t see that reoccurring.

In addition, sans Bosh the Raptors’ free throw attempts (which were already at the bottom of the league) have dipped from 21.3 a game to 17.5 and with no one getting to the line or getting open looks, Toronto has found themselves struggling to get easy baskets (save against Seattle.)

With so much of Toronto’s offence predicated on jump shooting, the Raptors need to draw in defenders to open things up and whether you like him as a player or not, TJ Ford is Toronto’s best bet in this regard.

Now before I go any further, let me just say that I think Jose Calderon should be the starter on this club. I think he does a better job of getting teammates involved than TJ, and his style of play is a better fit with the usual starting five, especially because of his ability to hit the long-range shot.

However with Bosh out of the line-up, I’ve found that Jose has not been as effective. Jose can curl to the rim off the pick and roll with the best of them, and does a great job finding seams in the defence, but he’s not a creator off the dribble the way TJ Ford is. And without Bosh drawing fouls and getting open looks for shooters, Toronto essentially has a starting five of two great jump shooters (Parker and Calderon), one decent jump shooter who burns hot and cold (Bargnani), one defensive minded player who THINKS he’s a great jump shooter (Moon) and a "pick and pop" big-man whose post moves are mostly relegated to jump hooks.

Nope, not a lot of shot creation coming from these five.

I think that’s why then we’ve seen such rough starts from Toronto over the past two weeks.

But with TJ starting, I think that might change. It would enable the Raptors to set a better tone early, and allow the Raptors’ "Plan A," to really get going offensively.

This team is still not a great defensive club (and now without Bosh they are allowing opponents to score on average seven more points per game and shoot nearly 50 per cent from the field (48.2) as opposed to 44.9 before) so if the O isn’t there, the D just won’t be enough on most nights.

We saw this against both Orlando and Washington, decent defensive performances that were thwarted by some terrible offence.

Now the problem with starting TJ right now is well documented. For one, how can you reward someone who may indeed be having major issues with his new role off the bench, and as one poster so eloquently put it, "A whining [player] (TJ in this case) must learn that, not only will it (whining) not get him what he wants, but it will produce a reaction that has no pay off for him."

Very true.

But what ever happened to making personnel decisions for the betterment of the team?

During this stretch without Bosh, if starting Ford makes the team play better and win more games, why not make the temporary switch?

Would Jose take the switch personally and even if relegated to the bench for a few games, want to bolt this summer?

I think not. To his credit, Jose is one of the only players I think in the league who truly understands the idea of sacrificing oneself for the betterment of the team and was recently described by a reporter from Slam Magazine as:

"…the most cordial NBA player that I’ve ever spoken to. Unlike some of his League brethren, who treat media like pesky flies equipped with digital recorders, Calderon actually takes the time to listen to your questions and look you in the eye when answering them. An all-around swell guy."

Am I saying the Raptors’ should take advantage of the "swell guy?"

Well yes…but only in so much that what the team is taking advantage of, is the depth available to them.

Really to me this isn’t even about the whole TJ versus Jose thing, it’s about what is best for the team over this next stretch. I’d feel the same way about putting Moon on the bench and Delfino in as a starter if I thought that would help things out. (And actually that’s not a bad idea for Mitchell and co. to give some thought either.)

Furthermore, think back to last season. When Bosh was out, who lead the Raptors with his clutch play to keep the team afloat through the end of December? None other than TJ Ford.

I know for many it’s a tough pill to swallow as TJ doesn’t "deserve" to start and I agree. And maybe TJ starts a game and things are worse offensively, who knows? If that’s the case, back to the bench he goes.

But I just think that not considering giving him a shot at this point is more of an emotional response to his antics and not a cerebral decision based on the team's struggles lately.

With that being said, let’s move on to the specifics of tonight’s game and for that we've brought in Kurt from Forum Blue and Gold to talk some Lakers in our weekly "blogging with the enemy" segment:

1. RaptorsHQ: We didn't get a chance to touch base after the last time these teams met, which was essentially the first day of the Pau Gasol era. What were your thoughts after you heard the proposed deal?

Forum Blue and Gold: My thoughts at the time went something along the lines of, "YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!" The thing is, unlike the trades Phoenix and Dallas made, the Lakers gave up nothing of long-term significance to get Gasol. And, the Lakers remain relatively young ‹‹ Kobe, Gasol, Odom, and Bynum are all under 30 and under contract for a few years. (Bynum's rookie deal will be up, but he's not going anywhere.) With that trade the Lakers have a four to six year championship window that is open, starting this year. You can't ask for much more than that.

2. RaptorsHQ: What's the update on Andrew Bynum? Do you think he'll be healthy enough by playoff time to help this team and for that matter, do they really even need him considering the way they are currently playing?

Forum Blue and Gold: The current word on Bynum is early April, just a few games before the playoffs start. But that is without further setbacks. He is supposed to start running on a treadmill this week. And, not that you asked, but the Lakers are wise to take it slow here. You don't rush the knees of your 20-year-old future face of the franchise.

To the other part of your question ‹- yes, I think they do need him to win the title this year. The question is not on offense, Gasol is a perfect fit there and this team can score in so many ways. More importantly, this is a lineup of good passers. Right now the offense is fun to watch (unless you’re Sam Mitchell tonight). But the Lakers lack toughness in the paint and someone who can defend the rim and alter the shots of fast penetrating guards. Gasol is a solid defender but he is not the shot changer that Bynum is, nor the ferocious rebounder. Getting out of the West is going to mean three grueling series (think about it, a 47 or so win team is going to miss the playoffs out West) and it's going to get physical. I think the Lakers need Bynum to counter that physicality.

3. RaptorsHQ: Keys to tonight's game. What do the Lakers have to do to defend their home court?

Forum Blue and Gold: Play defense. Two nights ago against Sacramento the Lakers took a night off from playing both ends of the court. The Kings (who do have some talent on the roster) put up 71 in the first half and, in crunch time, got open lay-ups off back-door cuts. I imagine Phil Jackson and crew played some of that tape, used a few colourful words and ran the team hard in practice, yesterday. Even without Bynum the Lakers can play solid defense when focused, and I think Toronto may pay the price for the letdown against Sacramento. Plus, the Lakers next game is Friday at the start of a tough road trip (New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, Utah) so you can bet they will be focused on getting the win here.

The other thing the Lakers need to do is stay home on the three-point shooters. As a team the Lakers tend to collapse on guys getting into the paint, and if that happens the Raptors could hurt the Lakers on kick-out threes.

All the focus in my comments is on the defense because, as you will see, the
offense can take care of itself. Even on an off night for everyone else, there is always Kobe.

Kobe Bryant - the great equalizer...

A big thanks to Kurt for the contribution and the last line definitely rings true. Kobe will no doubt get his tonight but let’s look at some other keys to an upset victory for Toronto:

1) Andrea, Andrea, Andrea. Without Chris Bosh, who now will miss at least this and the next game on the road trip, the bulk of the scoring load falls on Bargnani’s shoulders. Bargs has played better lately but hasn’t had one of those "he just can’t miss" games in a while. Toronto needs that from him tonight to combat the likes of Kobe and Gasol, who really the Raptors have no answer for. In fact, Bargs may find himself matched up with the newly acquired Spaniard and needs to stay out of foul trouble while doing solid job against Gasol on the inside. Pau isn’t going to want to trail Bargnani out to the three-point line so Andrea needs to realize this, put the ball on the deck, and get to the rim. If he could get Gasol in early foul trouble (instead of the other way around) this might force Kobe into trying to do too much offensively at the expense of the rest of his team-mates. Or…it could mean he scores another 81 points…

2) Don’t get in a hole early. Toronto has had some horrendous first quarters to inferior opposition of late so the last thing I want to see this evening is a 37 to 22 lead for LA at the end of one. This means that the entire team needs to come out aggressive and looking to attack the rim. Settling for jump shots against a Lakers club that likes to get out in transition could seal Toronto’s fate early on and therefore it’s crucial to try and get some semblance of an inside-outside game going early. Yes I realize this is somewhat of a tall order with this club of jump-shooters and that’s why key 2b) here really is getting Rasho involved early. Without Bynum, LA is a bit soft on the inside, especially when Ronny Turiaf isn’t in the game. If Toronto can get Rasho some easy looks around the basket, and then use Humphries down low in the same way as they did against Seattle, this might then open up shots for Toronto’s jump shooters. This is an area where the Raps really miss Chris Bosh (the team has struggled from 3 since his injury) and without clean looks, the offense gets mired down and the Dinos have a tough time creating their own offence. The other part of the equation for preventing an early deficit on the scoreboard is quite evident I think; keep the Lakers off the glass!

3) Bench play. Early in the season many spoke of the Raptors’ bench as being "the deepest in the league." Now the Lakers seem to have taken that title and based on the last time these teams met, it would be hard to argue the point. That’s why much like against Seattle, the Raps need a complete team effort to get this win. In their last encounter with the Lake show, guys like Radmanovic, Farmar and Vujacic made Toronto pay and Toronto can ill afford to let the same thing occur tonight, especially minus CB4.

FRANCHISE

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Comments

with regards to the whole TJ starting thing: it may sound good in theory, and in terms of how he is capable of playing, it could work...but lets remember during his rehab, he seems to have forgotten that the game isnt 1 on 5...so i dont really think inserting tj to do his best mike james impression in the beginning of the game is the best way to get the other starters going. Technically, if he plays like a point guard, which we've seen glimpses of in the past, then this idea could work....but dont forget he doesnt deserve the starting role because of his selfish play and careless turnovers...so i dont see how that wil help the raps get off to a quick start or just put them in a hole early.
But regardless of whether or not people think tj should get a chance to start...i dont think it should be taken from jose, it just isnt fair to him.

by big d on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Great post. You're so much better at the, how do you say it, "basketball" part of blogging than I am.

by dinosty on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

You've made a good case. Disagree, but would be now easier to swallow.
Can't be easy coaching this team.

by Tinman on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry, don’t buy it. You don’t take advantage of a person just because he’s a team player and has been brought up thinking he’s not the centre of the universe.

Although Jose may not have been considered at the beginning of this season as a core member towards the future growth of the Raptors, he certainly has earned that distinction with his high caliber of this play. He has played the game with enthusiasm, energy and intelligence that has earned him the respect that the top echelon athletes deserve. One would not consider substituting Bosh regardless of the match up problems, why Calderon? How do you think it would look to his teammates and others in the NBA inner circle? Are you kidding me?

You substitute Calderon and you might as well say adios to him, sending the message that unselfish team play is not respected in the NBA. I for one would not begrudge him at all.

by OldSchool on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I kind of like the TJ as starter idea because I think it gives a great opportunity for direct coaching feedback for him. Sam can use this as a way to let TJ's play dictate the amount of time he spends on the floor, rather than having his time tied to the amount of rest Jose has had.

Sometimes, I think Sam's kind of stuck when TJ gets on the floor because Jose needs a rest. He can't exactly yank TJ out right away when he's playing poorly because Jose is not ready to return. If TJ starts, this changes. It's up to him to get the starters going and to play at a level that keeps him in the game.

Oh, and anyone wonder if Lucas has some layup drills for TJ to practice? It'd make a huge impact if could consistently make lay-ups. Can't believe I'm saying that about an NBA PG...

by dsl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Just seems so counterintuitive. Reward TJ's poor decision making on the court and all around selfish play with the starting nod, and shift Jose, clearly the better PG right now, to the bench. Its bad for basketball and bad for morale. A recipe for disaster.

I'm afraid the Raps are going to get absolutely creamed tonight. The Raps have problems with the interior scorers and the athletic wings. The Lakers have 2 of the best in Gasol and Kobe. This could get ugly.

by SonicSuper on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

The TJ for starting idea has a negative effect on this team. If TJ or so it seems is persistently whining about starting than BC will be forced to trade him for a low value. This would be the worse case scenario of the TJ Vs Jose starting role. But, seeing as TJ has some MJames in him, its still possible for him to complain his way out of Toronto....lol

by Mike Rapfan on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Passing thought.
Can you imagine the smile such a move would bring to Gilbert Arenas’s face after the fuss his blog created just before the all-star break? Why would you disrespect Jose so publicly?

This idea has obviously got me riled because as a parent and community mentor behavior such as TJ’s just would not be tolerated. I would take it upon myself to teach that individual the proper way to comport himself. Short term thinking for long term pain is not worth a possible extra win or two.

by OldSchool on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I dont even want to think about darko being on this team - scary.

I like the TJ starting idea if indeed it is just until bosh gets back. To say that Jose will be upset and it will affect team chemistry is to say that Jose is just like TJ isnt it?

by fromlongrange on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I lebron, carmello and bosh went 1,2,3 I would hope the raps would have the sense to grab wade at 4 although a lot of people weren't that high on him.

No way should TJ be given the starting job over Jose at least for this year. Let them duke it out during training camp.

This game will be a blowout....hopefully andrea and TJ have productive games in terms of their stats.

by wtf on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Noone should lose their starting job as a result of injury. If TJ is FULLY recovered he deserves to start regardless of what Jose has done in the past or how the team performs during his return. After an appropriate, say 6 or 7 games if TJ's performance is not up to par Jose can be promoted to starter, but not before TJ is given every opportunity to reclaim a pasition he lost while doing his duty for the team.

by ZoneD on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I respect your comments, but I think the decision of who starts for the balance of the season has been determined on the court, regardless of matchups. Nuff said.

What if T-Mac and Carter...just kidding. Bye Bye babies....I guess they could have won lots of dunk contests together, but not much else.Right?

by DayOner on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

regardless if TJ was the starter last year or this year, Calderon's play (save the last couple weeks) in his absence has shown he has grown as a player and has eclipsed TJ in skill and leading this team. your status as a starter doesn't depend on you being the starter before you were injured. i would have to believe even if TJ wasn't injured, his play this year would have relegated him to coming off the bench.

just ask yourself this one question, judging by how both have played this year, who would you want taking the pivotal drive to the basket with under 5 seconds to play or taking that perimeter shot for the win? for me it's calderon all the way.

by smbm on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Great post about Jose / PG situation.

Sorry to take this off topic, but one of you HQ staffers was suggesting awhile ago that BC take a look at acquiring Gerald Green during the off season. Why wait, I just read that he was waived a few days ago by the Rockets (how he got there from the Wolves I don't have any idea). The one game he got in for some minutes against the Raps, while he was still with the Wolves, he did show a great aptitude to drive to the rim. Sometimes they drives looked out of control but at least the desire was there, and combined with his off the charts athletic ability he's got be worth a look see or a 10 day contract. Essentially, he's Moon with the desire to get to the hoop. If I never see Moon hoist up another three ball it will be too soon.

by Clawed on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Check out this video. It sums up how I feel about the raps.

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

by Dan on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Totally agree with you SMBM - but does that mean I think Jose is the best fit for all situations? Not at all.

Look at Shaq. Because he's such a liability at the free-throw line, he's accepted that he's going to get pulled in certain situations. Does that mean he's not going to start or play most of the minutes? No, it just means that there are certain strategic times in the game when he's not as useful.

And I don't want to hear the "it's not fair to Jose" stuff.

-Keith Van Horn getting paid X million to make a trade work is not fair.

-Vince Carter getting max deals for min effort is not fair.

If the NBA were fair, hard-working, under-talented guys (relatively) like Randy Livingston would be the norm while guys like Eddy Curry and Darius Miles would be out of the league...

by Franchise on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Starting TJ while Bosh is out makes sense in videogame basketball, but in the real world, emotions get involved. The Raps can't afford to even risk pissing off mi hermano Jose.

by El Hechizado on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

- Your 'what if Darko' scenario made me throw up in my mouth. I forgive you, but please don't do that again.

One thing you didn't mention was D-Wade. If it isn't Darko that we target (assuming Bosh is gone) isn't it possible D-Wade ends up a Raptor? (or am I mixing up my draft years?)

- I've been a big supporter of the PG situation as-is with Forderone being better than a trade, but TJ's injury has me rethinking that scenario. Jose can clearly handle the job just fine (albeit he gets plowed by bigger physical guards) and TJ is clearly an asset that could bring something decent in return. So here is a what if question, what if we traded TJ? What could Colangelo get for him? What we want for him?

by Bedhead on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Just like last time, for anyone who's interested, here are the Raptor-related tidbits offered up by ESPN's John Hollinger's in his latest chat session. One of the questions was offered up by yours truly. =P

==========

Costa (Montreal): At the beginning of the season, when discussing the Kapono signing by Toronto, you brought up his maddening obsession with trying to be a ball-handler than a spot-up shooter. I didn't pay it much mind at the time, thinking he'd fall into the jump shooting ways of the team, but it's driving me nuts at this point. Less than 2 3PTers attempted per game for a 50% shooter?! Is it a coaching problem?

SportsNation John Hollinger: (3:43 PM ET ) I really don't know. I've always been shocked at how few 3s he takes and how often he seems to take long 2s off the dribble. He's done it his whole career, and I don't have a good answer for why.

==========

Kevin (Toronto): How do you see things shaking out with the Raptors playoff seeding? This road trip is going to be brutal for them with no CB4...

SportsNation John Hollinger: (4:10 PM ET ) They should still be able to hang on to No. 5, but if they go winless on the trip and Bosh is out longer than expected, all bets are off.

==========

by Costa on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Franchise: The big difference is that, in this case, the player being treated "unfairly" can decide wether or not to agree to a contract extension this summer. No matter how classy Jose is, he would see no future in Toronto, why stay if he wouldn't be able to earn the starting job with this coach?

I wouldn't rule out a win against the Lakers, this Raps team can be really maddening to follow, but has also risen in the unlikeliest places on rare ocassions (see Boston win)

by Sergi P on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Is a restricted FA like Calderon will be at the end of the year even allowed to take less money to go elsewhere? I was under the impression that no matter what gets offered to Jose this year and whether he would prefer the other team or not, if Toronto chooses to match the offer, he stays put. Is that not true?

That's not to say that I would endorse using this leverage to potentially disgruntle him, mind you. =P Just wondering if my understanding of the rule is accurate.

by Costa on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I get the 'team' thing, and playing tj to start for match-ups sake. but it's not about being fair or not - jose has earned the job. plain and simple. so the job should be his to lose.

now, logic aside, calderon playing without bosh is just not the same calderon who's been lighting things up for the last few months. like you pointed out, without someone to play the two man game with, like he does with bosh, he's just not the same.

tj is much more aggressive, and a risk taker. we all hate that about him sometimes but in a stagnant offense, something has to give.

and tj has been playing with the second crew. so maybe switching it up and having him play again with parker and bargs might help his rhythm out.

jose will be fine either way. we're probably making more of it than he ever would.

by papa on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think tj should start. 3 reasons (maybe a little out of left field) to add to the ones already mentioned.

-His best play (other than creating his own shot) has always been the two-man game with CB4, so until cb4's back, I don't see how starting tj would help, unless they've been practicing something new. Rasho doesn't have the hands to play with tj and bargs and the rest stay on the perimeter and are besides completely inept at presenting themselves for the ball when tj drives. It's like watching nash when he was with dallas, he's under the hoop, the defense is scrambling and the rest of the team is standing around or still just jogging over the half-court line. He might as well stick with kapono who at least knows what he's doing even if he forgets to run with him too much of the time.

- Calderon plays better with more minutes. There's a limit, but the more and the sooner calderon sits, the less rythym he has, imo.

- I don't think the problem with tj is attitude, it's that his game is just off and guys aren't used to playing with him. He's a guy that's incapable of holding back or hurting the team *purposely*. He's just not there yet. If he was mitchell would probably start because I think mitchell likes his game better than he does joses.

That said, I totally agree with franchises' logic of starting him just to boost his morale, get him going and most importantly get some wins because we're not winning anything anytime soon without his help. They did it with bargnani, why not tj ford?

Glad I'm not mitchell, it's got to be a tough one. But I don't think his pouty face and body language are anything different than what we've seen with tj from day one, when he's playing poorly.

Some great reads this week btw. On vaction so not always time to comment or watch every quarter of the games, but great blogging, rapshq!!

by axl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Costa: your understanding is absolutely correct. Still many would contend that it's better (cost and morale wise) to reach an agreement before the player tests the market than being forced to match the highest offer in a predictably high-bidding auction... But anyway, you're right that it's an advantatge the Raps have.

Axl: Regarding Bargs also being promoted to starter to boost his morale, the flaw in the analogy is that in that case the benched player was not producing an almost all-star caliber play at that position.

by Sergi P on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

sergi - no argument there really, overall my point was that tj should not start, but I have to ask, wouldn't you make the change if it resulted in more wins?

by axl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Totally agree Franchise. Ford should start throughout this entire road trip (barring any crappy play).

Everyone is thinking of how this may disgruntle Jose... With the type of guy he is, and the obvious strategy behind the move, I doubt Jose will mind (also starting in the playoffs will quickly make him forget even if it did irk him). What I think people are missing is the other side of the coin... How this will affect TJ in a positive way. To let him back in after ending up on the bench after a gruesome and emotionally traumatic injury, to show how important he is to our team, and to help him understand his new role; a role which sometimes puts him in the starting lineup.

This team is not winning a playoff series without both Jose and TJ playing at top form. If a move makes strategy sense, and HELPS the overall morale of the team, why not do it?

by LAs Only Raptors Fan on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I can't take it anymore.

I love TJ but

Jose > TJ

Thank you

Argument moot

Last time I'll speak on the subject

by DayOner on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

So nobody's gonna pick up on the "what if" with Carter and McGrady, maybe I am the only geezer around here today.....maybe the Canadian February blues has everyone scared of reflection....

Do not remind me of this theme ever because my all-time Raptor squad would wreck stuff if only they had myself GMing.

I will not repeat my all-time squad here because it's too obvious.

But I believe in TJ a lot, my last post notwithstanding.....I wanna keep BOTH these guys know what I'm sayin guys?????

Enough of this crap...I'm gonna get my ass off the roofs and back into the coin, and the Raptors are gonna continue their climb. (no offense roofers but that's hard ass shit.)

by DayOner on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Someone brought up the point of Jose's contract being up....good point.

Yes the raptors have the right to match. However Jose can simply say he does not want to play with the raps...we all know how well those unhappy situations turn out.

Lastly a lot of ppl are saying Jose wouldn't mind. You don't make it to the nba without being a competitor. Jose is a competitor, he earned his spot so let him have it.

Lastly and I don't think anyone has mentioned this....there is absolutely NO reason to think that TJ being happy would suddenly make him a better player.

Who cares if he is happy and still sucks! That is a very strong possibility.

by wtf on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

This game for me will be like watching a horror flick...I will sit down to watch it ,then get too scared and go to bed early

by Ttocs on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Re the Calderon/ Ford starting suggestion: Sam Mitchell has the answer. That's why he makes the Big bucks. He will start who he thinks gives the team the best chance to win, and will sub out the minutes accordinly. Neither PG should concentrate on anything else other than doing the job that the Coach asks them to do, to the best of their abilities, and the TEAM winning. Next season will be determined this summer and next season by Mitchell.

by Johnn19 on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

speaking of bad broadcasting....its really nice of them to actually show the score....on The SCore lol...wow

by big d on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I hate The Score. it's not like this is the first time they've done this and not shown the actual f#^king score. it's as if they're saying a big fu to bball fans.

please bring the cbc on full-time.

by papa on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

tj ford is too damn selfish to be a starter, and this game is another prime example. HE DOESNT KNOW HOW TO PASS!

nuff said

by big d on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Score another one for Paul Graham and the boys in the truck. Bargs hits a three but we were too busy watching a replay to see it.

TJames' basketball IQ is so low he should be broadcasting for the Raptors. Sign him up Paul Johnson!

Is there a a difference between TJames and a 19 year old hot shot rookie PG with raw talent and no experience? If there is, I don't see it.

by SonicSuper on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I like that comparison to a 19 year old..its pretty acurate imo.

and antohony parker is money!

by big d on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

What in the heck is Graham doing in the game now?

by Davl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Parker touch the ball in the 4th???????
Ford can score but!!!!!I don't know what to make of this!

by Davl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

take this for what its worth:

tj ford took more shots than kobe bryant!

by big d on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

TJ had to be Kobe in this game. I really believe he is not in his right mind. He had another sequence in the 4th with 7 consecutive shots. We will never win a game playing like this; any team will leave TJ to do his thing and all the other guys will be ice cold and not willing to play defence.
Mitchell showed again that this is the type of basketball that he promotes. Good for him.
Calderon played bad and he gets the short leash. Now TJ should become the starter. Calderon will leave this team. The two play just two different styles of game that is very confusing for their teammates.
That's only fair: Colangelo signed TJ and re-signed Mitchell. They have the right to win or lose on their own hand. It's not fair to keep players like Calderon or Kapono as insurance for things going bad (TJ going mad or Bosh unable to take over games).
All that matters now is the play-off.

by Daniel on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

another plus 20 shot game by TJ another loss. I asked myself this question...Would U spend money to go watch a game like this and My answer NO! So much for a team sport!

by Davl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

like we ever had a chance against the lakers, even with bosh. c'mon you're looking at the nba champs for the next three years.

by axl on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Wow what a performance by our boy TJames. I'm trying to find an excuse for his ball dominating ways but aside from padding his own stats I can't see how his play benefits the team. Delfino and Graham to a lesser extent seemed to have been caught up in the selfish play - not the formula for winning.

by ZoneD on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

I only saw the second half of the game (4 minutes in 3rd). I didn't even see Calderon play. Can someone fill me in on a a good reason he was benched for the second half?

by stacks on Mar 11, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Would love to see Mitchells reaction to Jose if He tried to pulled that kind game off.

by Davl on Mar 12, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

That was some of the worst TV coverage I've watched this season. I understand that the scoreboard isn't working, but you'd think someone would say 'hey, let's call this game like a radio broadcast and tell the viewers the score'. Instead, we get Chuck and Leo going off on a first quarter tangent about the triangle offense. Chuck kept saying that it was a '3 point game' but, for some reason, refused to give the actual score.

I missed the ending, but noticed that Me.J. showed up early last night. Look on the bright side - if he made 5 more of those shots, we'd have won by 1...Heck, if he could have been on the floor the whole time he might have made 60 straight fade aways and we'd get out of there with a 3 point win.

by dsl on Mar 12, 2008 12:00 AM EDT reply actions