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

Somehow, and from somewhere the Raps have to gut out a win tonight. I have no idea how this is going to happen but it just has to. Perhaps they just have to shoot 52% from the 3-pt line like they did against Boston, but the confidence from winning tonight will give them the 5th or 6th seed.

OneandDone, it can happen as the Raps tend to play well against good teams. However, they also tend to play lousy against bad teams. At least the Leafs seemed to be finally done.

Remember that kid in grade school that had shitty parents and was allowed to do whatever they wanted?

Well how did that kid turn out? You see where I'm going with this....Mitchell wants his players to play freely, and they don't seem to display any corrected behaviour, like a kid that has tuned out their parents.

If Kapono had taken as many threes as Moon, we'd be 50-30.

Great points above, those scenarios are typical Raptor Bball.

Another great point, the last two years, "Basketball IQ" was the big buzzword...(still cringe about Norma Wick saying it 5 times a broadcast.)

Well our Basketball IQ is really lacking, and if I'm Colangelo, I'd have a good hunch why.

I always root for the underdog, (Mitchell) but the proof is in the pudding this year guys.

We know that the Raps have no one like lebron, Kobe or Iverson etc who can shoot 80% in the 4th quarter. So there are a couple of things that can be done as alternatives. The ball must get to the hot shooter for that particular game.If it were Parker for example then everyone including Bosh must make an effort to get him the ball when and where he needs it.They have not done that his year. Secondly,there is a very simple principle in basketball that: the closer the shot the higher the percentage. In crunch time when they are shooting poorly especially , the Raps must have layups or dishes for dunks not contested jumpers. The point guards must start each possesion with a controlled drive to the basket to bring the help or score the layup. Ford is really an ideal weapon for that but it should be only layups or passes to open bigs in the paint or hot shooters on the perimeter. Calderon can do that too, he just needs the green light because his natural tendancy is to stay up top.

According to Grange, Mitchell is starting TJ and Rasho tonight. Go figure.

Your list got me thinking of things to add to it:

4. Delfino and Moon need to stop chucking. The problem with sam's "mo shats" system is that bad shooters are allowed to take "good looks" and these guys run too hot and cold to be trusted.

5. Kapono needs to start chucking. Sure your percentages will dip, but you've already got the contract, man, fire it up there! It's the least you can do to cancel out your defensive deficiencies. And make them threes only.

6. TJ: pass-first. Initially everyone was worried about TJ being a "pass-first" point guard, but the opposite is much worse.

7. Moon, stay down, get less blocks, more stops. Fans are blinded right now by the occasional spectacular block when moon's man is otherwise burning his horrible man-to-man defense. They say he had a good game against carmelo who scored 30 points on 50% shooting. It's the help defender that should be getting the block, not initial guy whose only goal should be to force a player to his weakness.

8. Bargs - Dive for a ball. Just once and you're done for the year. Thanks.

9. AP - save some energy for the end of games. The guy does too much, too early. If he can get away with it, he should coast a little more early, then channel MJ to be the clutch defender and second scorer we need down the stretch.

Sam - Give calderon the keys. He runs the team the best and even better when he has lots of minutes. It's winning time. Remember how many games Caldy was killing it and Dixon/Martin let it slip away. TJ's just got to maintain leads, give Jose a breather, then get back to the bench as soon as possible.

-well that was way longer than I intended. Just based on my opinions, theories and assumptions.

Wow. TJ has pouted his way into the starting lineup. Noble of Jose to suggest they make the switch, though.

It'll be interesting to see how Calderon and his agent react to this in the offseason.

I know he's restricted but if Jose comes out and says I do not want to play for the raptors, I do not want to be second fiddle because I'm obviously the better player all Colo can do is work out a sign and trade.

Major Side Note: Pickering's Deveo Joseph will be playing in the Hoop Summit for the World's team against the US team. I believe it was 10% of NBA players had participated in that game on either squad.

I actually like having Rasho start and having Bargs go upagainst the second stringers. Unforutnately this was not the game to make that move because Bargs might end up facing Maxille who is just going to bully him around.

After this loss the raptors will be 1 game below .500 (hopefully I"m wrong).

However by the record after this game we should be able to go 6-1. However with the raps inconsistancies I'll say they go 4-3 and finish at .500.

Hopefully Igoudala strains a knee or something...

I just realized the raps sched. doesn't end with the bucks however their remaining games should be ones they win (with the exception of the pistons again)

So by the records we should be able to pick up another 9 wins

Smart, smart move by calderon. Nothing to lose for the team. Franchise you called it a couple weeks ago hope it works.

I'm a big Calderon supporter and I credit him for being a team first guy but I do not like this decision to put Ford in the starting lineup for a number of reasons:

1. It rewards TJ for his selfish and poor earlier play.
2. Bosh and Calderon have had very good chemistry in the pick and roll game and Calderon gets a lot of good shot opportunities off of Bosh double-teams.

Also, what does this mean for next year. Does TJ get traded. If not, is TJ the starter next year. Would Calderon agree to re-sign in the summer as a backup for next year - I doubt it.

Observations:
Pouting works in the NBA.
Sam is finally going to reward Rasho....I feel for Bargs in a way, 16 pts first quarter sit your ass on the bench.
If Moon does't drive to the basket....park it !!!!
Has anyone seen Delfino.
Bosh is back,and Parker goes MIA
I see JC... in la ,la ,la land next season with his good buddy Pao,playing for a ring.
If the Raps have any chance whatsoever,they better grow a set of balls real quick.
We are allowed 6 fouls ...use them all,bang some bodies....and at the end of the day we end up playing Motown ,they will have remebered,that was the night the Dinos grew some.

Maybe we're trying to showcase TJ for a trade in the off-season.

Forecasting >15 point loss. Anyone see the battle between Amare and Sheed the other night. I love Sheed's game. He's like a tougher Horry who is better in the paint too. Exactly the kind of guy we need and exactly the guy who is going to kill us tonight. Oh, and with TJ "Lord of the Whiners" back in there, we should see a nice dose of Billups backing him down and scoring. Let's go Raps.

Wow, that is a pretty amazing move by Calderon... Besides the obvious comments about his class and his team-first mentality, don't you think some of his logic might be to clarify the situation for the mid-long term?

-If TJ plays well, he positions himself as the starter next year and Jose feels the Raps will let him go in the summer (they won't match a substantial offer for a backup PG)

-Otherwise if TJ fails, it also clarifies the situation in that BC&Smitch are quite likely this summer to bet it all on him as the undisputed starter with a good contract, and to try to trade Ford out of town.

Comments?

Sergi - I think they sign him for what he's worth and keep him. a) to see if things keep working b) he's more valuable as a trade piece than the cash/cap room is. c) i can't imagine them having too much faith in tj for injury reasons alone

If Calderon leaves and we're left with a Ford-Ukic situation, I can't see us doing any better than 30-52 next season.

Oh well, bye Jose, let's rebuild again. I'll skip 2008-09 and wait for two years from now when we have some money, a new coach, and Ford is out for another year with a neck injury.

What a shitty franchise. Ford starting is absolutely ridiculous. I won't watch a game until they take him out of the starting five.

I've had this eerie feeling since the Lakers game that Calderon will be there next year ... I have no idea why.

Starting Ford can't hurt though can it? This team is not clicking like they did at the beginning of the year.

IN: TJ & Nesterovic
OUT: Calderon & Barg

At first I was disappointed by this change, but standing back a bit, I have to agree with Tfan -- Is TJ being showcased?

If I'm BC, and I'm thinking about next season, do I go with an up and coming PG, or an up and coming PG who's career might end tomorrow?

In starting now, I hope TJ knocks 'em dead, and boosts his value, so BC can make a reasonable trade. God help us, if we lose JC, and only have TJ's marbles left in our basket.

As for AB, I think he needs to catch his breath, so to speak, and regain his confidence. As I watch his game, I can see with the proper guidance, that he can be that 2nd offensive punch we need. Patience is something the Raptors need to exercise, especially with him.

Time for the Raps to really show how different they are (mentally), from their OUT OF THE PLAY-OFFS cousins.

Next year has all kinds of possibilities, with the number of expiring contracts we'll have.

This collective/individual BB IQ situation has me wondering if Smitch is the root cause. If he belittles and browbeats reporters who are not his underlings, I can imagine Smitch exercise his need to dominate players under him and suck any independance, creativity or responsibility right out of them. I have no proof, its just a huntch.

I think the switch in the starting line up is just what the doctor ordered.

The Rasho switch is obvious. The team needs rebounding and defence = Rasho. I also think that Bargs is much better suited to coming off the bench. He'll still get his minutes and might add a spark to the second unit.

As for the PG switch, well Franchise has been calling it for a while. If the team is better with TJ starting (and it is hard to imagine them being worse), then shouldn't he start? I would rather have Jose's steady hand in the 2nd and 4th quarters, and TJ putting pressure on the defence to start the game and the 2nd half.

Tons of kudos to Jose for allowing the team to do it. With how well he has played, it HAD to be him to suggest the move. I truly believe that Jose doesn't mind coming off the bench, especially if he is getting his minutes. He is a different type of player. Can you think of any other NBA players that would be so selfless in a contract year? BC will pay him whatever he has to pay him to keep him here.

The timing of the switch is relevant too. Besides tonight's game, the schedule gets a little easier running up to the playoffs. Hopefully we can get some momentum heading into the second season.

The best thing about these moves is something I have hit on before, putting people in roles where they can excel. I think today's changes puts everyone into roles they are most comfortable in/suited to - even Jose. I'd rather have Jose in the 2nd and 4th quarters than TJ. Looking forward to a strong finish! This is the first good news coming out of Rapsland in a while.

How can this move be a good one. We go from having 3 three-point shooters in the 1st unit (Calderon, Parker and Bargnani) to just one (Parker). Also, the 2nd unit is now comprised of 4 three point shooters (Calderon, Kapono, Bargnani and Delfino). Where is the balance in scoring. Maybe this move will let Moon shoot more 3 pointers (just kidding).

This move may work in the short term but what happens next year. Does TJ get traded in the summer? If not, I can't see Calderon accepting a backup role for next year. And why would TJ be happy as a backup next year when he wouldn't accept that role this year.

I will only support this move if Calderon is the one who plays the 4th quarter.

FUBAR...I can imagine what has happened in the locker room until now and what's gonna happen from now on if we don't win...I don't buy the PR spin on it...Colangelo and Mitchell wanted TJ in the starting unit...wow, speaking of drama...what kind of organization is this that panickes from top down?

Wow...this is what I get for posting early and being in job interviews all day...crazy switches and would have loved to have broken them down in the article.

The Rasho move is way overdue. On one hand, I'm happy they're making the switch as it should help the team in the long run, on the other hand, it really makes me mad. I mean, should us fans be making the decisions regarding this team? We ALL said Rasho should start and not Bargs. So now it looks like Andrea starting was Hoffa Part II does it not? I really think Bargs is better served coming off the bench in any event but you gotta wonder now about the thought behind this move. Is BC conceeding that the "Andrea will play the 5" experiment is over or just a year removed? If it's over, then are we back at CB4-Villanueva again? And if it's not, shouldn't we as fans be concerned that this franchise still doesn't know what it's doing? I mean I told Howland last summer that Bargs was still another year away and that was in response to Howland keeping him in our fantasy basketball league for gods sake!

And the TJ situation brings out just as many questions if not more. I'll save that for an article but for now, let's just say that it's time for Ford to put his money where his mouth his. He didn't come right out and whine and pout, but the expression "actions speak louder than words" sure applies here. I've been trying to look on the plus side with Ford so now he better come out and produce starting tonight.

PS - WTF - thanks for the updates on Joseph, that's huge for him. Hopefully he'll be someone we end talking about as a prospect in a few years on the site...

The raps have won 3 of their last 14. I don't see why there should be any motivation beyond that for Mitchell and BC. It's an effort to win games, hard to argue with any changes if that's the goal.

Why is everyone freaking out?

Jose has ALWAYS said that he doesn't care if he starts or not, why does everyone refuse to believe him?

Even his role on the Spanish team was limited, with which he had no problem. (Sergi can you back me up on this?)

As for next year, Jose is a RESTRICTED free agent. BC will not let him go. If some other team wants him so bad that they throw insane money at him (LA?), BC will still match and look to sign and trade (Lamar?).

I just hope people stop panicking just because Jose is going back to his back up role. It worked last year, it worked earlier this year, and Jose is the one that suggested it (sorry Daniel but I am not too worried about BC's leadership).

I agree with you Robert Archibald.

I think that this is a good move only because Jose suggested it. Had he not, I would not be backing it up.

When Jose realizes that we need to shake things up (and lets face it, we have nothing to lose), then I support his decision. I still want Jose to be our starter next season, but if this works, not only will Jose have shown TJ and the rest of the NBA pure selflessness, but he will also look like a basketball genius...

the fact that we even know that jose was the catalyst for the move is suspect.

if it was a straight up switch, no politics involved, nothing would have come out of that room other than 'a change needed to be made and it was made. period. no comment.'

I mean seriously! this is such a ridiculous win-win for jose, and a lose-lose for tj.

if tj sucks, jose looks awesome. if tj plays out of his mind, people are going to ask why he didn't do that coming off the bench. he'll look like a bitch.

should make for some serious drama to close out the season!! and here we thought this team was drama-free...

Robert: Well not limited in the sense of minutes played, but yeah he was the third offensive option after Gasol and Navarro who were the undisputed stars, even sometimes the fourth (after a blossoming Rudy). Which by the way makes his play in the Eurobasket even more commendable, because in spite of that limited role he was most commonly considered the tournament MVP until Spain lost the Eurobasket final.

Sam shouldve just given tj the starting nod when he came back after like 3 games. he couldve said he doesn't believe in players losing the job because of injury. but instead he dragged it out........Either way im happy, cuz tj needs bosh, more than bosh needs tj.........tj ego must know he's not the best player on the floor and that only happens when he's on with bosh. Kapono shouldve went with tj cuz they both have some chemistry with each other, and with bosh/rasho, moon's rebounding isn't as needed. but smitch loves moon so whatdya gonna do. Here's hoping they pull off a big win tonight.

Cheers

wow its amazing how tjs game and attitude on the court changes when he gets the starting nod...it was like he was a completely different player out there tonight..and it seemed to work considering the outcome of the game...whatever works i guess...if jose is happy and tj can play like that every night i guess i should be satisfied....Andread off the bench didnt look so good tho...he kinda dissappeared there and rasho played solid.

well that worked!

Of course it worked: two hugely proud players had to put everything on the floor to make this gamble work. TJ had to prove he's still a valuable player and Jose had to prove his team can win in an unorthodox way. They both played out of their mind, especially in the 2nd half and kudos for them.
Beyond the dramatics though I believe the really important move was Rasho back. We cannot sacrifice the season for players' development only.
Mitchell now looks really bad that immediately after Colangelo came back two big changes were implemented against everything he had stated before. I always said I'm optimistic for the rest of the season including play-offs however I had no idea how things will turn out. I'm glad TJ's value goes up (for now) even though everything can still blow in management's face. I'm sure half the league is shaking their head and the other half sits and takes notice.

Great job, TJ. Kind of interesting how he magically rediscovered himself tonight. Kind of makes you wonder ... was he dogging it on the second unit? Anyway, I'm happy with the win. Go Raps.

That was great. TJ looked like a totally different guy and made great decisions.

One question - when Bosh made the score 82-77, he was fouled on the layup. Chuck called that play as an 'and one'. After the whistle the 'boys in the truck' went on walkabout with the cameras and C & started talking about Billups. When they finally showed the floor again, Rasho was taking the foul shot. He made it and the score was 83-77. What the heck happened there? Did anyone notice that?

Ok, I just re-watched it. The 2:41 mark of the 4th Q. 80-75 Raps. Bosh is fouled on the layup. Score changes to 82-75. The arena announcer says 'at the line, shooting 1, #4...'. Then the 'boys in the truck' start going all over the place with the replays and the closeups and crap...While C & L are talking about Billups, the in house announcer says that the foul was changed and Rasho at the line. He only shot one and the Bosh basket wasn't taken away. Something went wrong there...

dsl re Rasho FT
Sheed shoved Rasho into the driving Bosh. Fortunately Rasho didn't move enough to impede or hurt Bosh - could have been ugly though.

best game of the year!!

rasho 46 mins!!

I would have to agree daniel, putting the tj/jose situation aside for a second, what was really obvious in tonights game was the insertion of rasho back into the starting 5.

HUGE DIFFERENCE!

i know you guys have been calling for it all season here at the HQ, but the proof is now fo'real in the pudding.

bargs can now come off the bench, without too much pressure, and just play ball. as it should be for a young big learning the game, and a new position. he'll be fine.

best (overdue)move of the season.

i think colangelo explained to smitch that they need a slashing/defending 3 and the only logical trading piece they have is Ford, who needs to play out of his mind to negate his injury trouble. With a fiery TJ desperate to prove critics wrong, he should put up some hefty stats to entice needy GMs. If he can put up 13-17 points a game and 5-10 rebounds as he has at times in the past, the legomaster will be able to dump him for a decent 3 imo....i also think calderon is truly behind this and is a very smart player, he knows TJs trade value needs to increase and the team is strugling. If it helps in either regard its a win. If it helps both then its genius.

*5-10 assists

ZoneD - I saw the Rasho push thing. So they count the Bosh bucket and give Rasho 1 free throw for the 'and one'? I'm not sure that I've ever seen a play like that.

Re: Bosh foul/ Rasho free throw...Smith cleared it up in his blog. That was pretty strange. I guess the way it was handled by the broadcast team (it was ignored) made me even more curious about the play.